Did you know the third week of October is dedicated to National Health Education Week? This is a week to encourage health education in our community.
National Health Education Week (NHEW) was created by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and has been co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SOPHE was founded in the 1950s. The focus is to increase knowledge for professionals, advocate for policy change, and establish health equity for all.
Over the last 20 years, NHEW has promoted awareness about public health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The non-profit also focuses on promoting a deeper understanding of the importance of health education.
During this week, Leapcure’s goal is to bring awareness to NHEW. Providing resources to better help our community understand the importance of health education. National Health Education Week is not only about physical health but mental health as well. As Zig Ziglar said, “A healthy mind breeds a healthy body and vice versa.”
It is noted that people who suffer from depression are 40% more likely to develop heart and metabolic diseases than the general population. It is also mentioned that people who have serious mental illnesses are almost twice as likely to develop these conditions.
Throughout NHEW, the focus is on people who have been ignored. Things like their socio-economic status or limited access to healthcare. By providing health education resources to those ignored we can help the general health and well-being.
There are many determining factors related to health and how health is measured. Major factors that have been shown to impact overall health include social determinants. These include education, economic stability, community, access to healthcare, local policies, and more. Education can be linked to almost all the determinants of health. The National Bureau of Economics reported that with the addition of four years of education the risk of heart disease can be lowered by 2.16%.
Want to join in on National Health Education Week? Well, a few ways you can make a difference is by promoting good health education in your community by sharing social media campaigns that bring awareness to health education (like this one!). You can make a huge impact on people who may not have access to resources or materials. A simple “share” can go a long way with health education. By sharing more health education content, you can spread awareness around NHEW.
Another thing you can do is to get a checkup! Go to the doctor and make sure your health is in good shape. Feel free to ask them about ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some of these changes could be taking more walks, cooking meals at home, or getting more rest. Taking care of yourself is the first step in promoting a healthier community.
Learning about the history behind National Health Education Week is important. More importantly, spreading the word and taking care of yourself to continue living a healthy lifestyle.
Learn More! Resources and Support:
Ways to share NHEW messages – Society for Public Health Education – SOPHE
National Health Education Week — History and Why We Celebrate (nationaltoday.com)
Society for Public Health Education
Social Determinant of Health: Education Is Crucial
The Relationship Between Education and Health: Reducing Disparities Through a Contextual Approach
SHPPS – Health Education Fact Sheet
Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
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