Being healthy is more than just not
being ill, it's about our physical, mental
and emotional wellbeing. While access to
traditional health services is important,
in reality there are many factors that
affect our health and wellbeing:
our individual actions and social
connections; the places and communities
that we're part of; the services that are
delivered in our neighbourhoods, and the
decisions made by local and national
government all play a vital role in
keeping us healthy.
John is 50 and has worked as a builder
for over 30 years. Recently he's developed
arthritis and is visiting the GP
frequently for pain relief. Unable to
work full-time, he's become cut off from
friends and colleagues and is finding it
hard to get out and about and look after himself
Meera's eight and has asthma and chest problems.
There are no green spaces within easy reach of her home and her
school playground is by a congested road.
Medication helps, but she misses school
some days, making it hard to keep up with
her work and friends.
These issues can't simply be treated through health care. John and Meera are both receiving
high-quality professional treatment, but
there are many other factors that affect
their health and wellbeing.
John's life changed when he chatted to his housing
officer on a routine visit. She
encouraged him to join a walking
football group run by the local leisure
centre. Slowly he started seeing the
benefits of gentle exercise and he began
to enjoy being part of a group with his
new team mates. He returned to work
part time, adapting his role to suit him
with the support of his employer. And
although he still has health issues, he's
feeling happier and healthier than he
has in years
As for Meera, after a
campaign by a parent and teacher
community action group, the local council
decided to close the roads around the
school during drop-off and pickup times,
improving the air quality in the area.
Meera does still need her inhaler, but she
no longer misses school as often because of her condition. The campaign also
inspired the council's green spaces team
to propose a new initiative, designed
with the public. Everyone in the
neighbourhood will soon benefit from more
cycle routes and open space to walk and
play in.
Healthy communities are defined by much more than our individual actions or access to
traditional health care; green spaces;
social activities; education and
employment opportunities; healthy food;
good housing and transport all play a
hugely important role. To prevent illness
and improve the health and wellbeing of
local communities we need to consider
all these aspects and more. This is
called a 'population health' approach. In
some areas people, local groups and
services are already working together to
improve population health. This isn't
easy, but by strengthening partnerships
across communities, businesses, local
government and the NHS - and with support and adequate funding from central
government - we can make a difference. Find out what The King's Fund is doing at
www.kingsfund.org.uk/populationhealth
