World Health Day is observed every year on April 7 to commemorate the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO). Since its inception in 1950, this day has become significant in creating awareness about global health issues and encouraging healthy living for everyone.
This year’s theme, ‘Health for All’[1], offers a wide range of scope, allowing you to get creative and be more inclusive.
Therefore, let’s explore some interesting ways to celebrate this day by taking tiny steps toward improving the health of others.
1. Book a health test for someone in need
This year’s theme ‘Health For All’ highlights the need for accessible healthcare for everyone, including the underprivileged. Take a step towards making the world equal in terms of healthcare by donating to the cause starting at your home or workplace.
Consider booking a complete health test or a consultation for someone in need regarding their health problems.
Click here to book your test now!
2. Stress the importance of ergonomics
Ergonomics is commonly associated only with office-based workstations. Increasingly, as more of us work remotely post-COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of good ergonomics is becoming more apparent. It primarily involves designing the workplace to decrease the likelihood of back or neck pain and spinal health issues due to poor posture. So remind your colleagues and friends of the importance of investing in an ergonomic chair[2,3]. Apart from this, you can also share the below tips for better productivity and well-being:
a. Keep the screen at the right eye level to avoid tilting the neck.
b. Place the keyboard or laptop closer to you to prevent shoulder strain.
c. Make sure that the desk is at the right height for you.
d. Use an anti-glare screen protector to protect your eyes and prevent eye strain.
3. Talk to your little ones about mental health
Talking to children about mental health issues is also essential. As a parent, it is crucial to talk to your children about how they are feeling and stay alert for any cues that might hint that they are not doing okay. Maybe your child is struggling with school stress, being bullied, or dealing with the symptoms of a mental illness. Encourage them to share their problems with you, big or small, to create an open, communication-based, and supportive relationship.
4. Learn life-saving skills
You never know when you can find yourself in a medical emergency. It could be a family member getting a heart attack in the middle of the night, or a friend getting a stroke on an airplane. Regardless of the circumstances, familiarizing yourself with life-saving skills can be critical in saving someone’s life. Some of the essential life-saving skills are performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on someone with a cardiac arrest, knowing how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) in addition to CPR in case of cardiac arrest, or the Heimlich maneuver that can save a choking person’s life.
5. Share some healthy snacks
Have you transitioned back to working at the office? In that case, ditch that cup of coffee with your colleagues and brighten up their day by sharing some fresh fruits, nuts, or low-calorie snacks with them. Snacks are a must even when you are working from home, so go grab something healthier from your kitchen.
Pick your favorite healthy snack now!
6. You reap what you sow
This World Health Day, make an effort to do some small activity at home or the workplace and add some green to the environment. You can either plant saplings in your surroundings or invest in some good indoor plants. With an increase in bad air quality, trees will help foster a safe and healthy environment and your lungs will thank you for sure.
7. Gratitude toward healthcare workers
Not all heroes wear capes, some wear scrubs. We all know how our nation’s healthcare heroes and frontline workers put themselves in the path of the deadly virus during the period of an unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A simple ‘thank you’ to someone from this community you know can go a long way in expressing gratitude and showing appreciation for their hard work.
This World Health Day, let’s inspire each other to make healthier choices and work towards a healthier world for everyone.
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(The article is written by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor, and reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
References
1. WHO. Available online: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day
2. Nayar S, Sagar M, Sollers J, et al. Do slumped and upright postures affect stress responses? A randomized trial. Randomized Controlled Trial Health Psychol. 2015; 34(6):632-41. Available online: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25222091/
3. Moretti A, Menna F, Aulicino M, et al. Characterization of Home Working Population during COVID-19 Emergency: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020; 17(17): 6284. Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7503869/