World Health Day: We tell you 5 easy ways to promote better health for EVERYONE

Access to health care facilities is everyone’s birthright, irrespective of which strata of society they belong to. To put across the issue on a global level, the World Health Organization (WHO) has decided the theme for this year’s World Health Day to be ‘Universal Health Care’.

Every year, the 7th day of the month of April is observed as World Health Day, under the leadership of WHO.

It is exactly what it sounds. Universal Health care simply means that nobody should be left behind when it comes to healthcare facilities. It should be available to everyone, no matter there caste, creed, financial and societal status.

We all need to strive together to make the world a healthier and fairer place to live in. First things first, we as a society need to change our whole approach towards healthcare facilities. We need to understand that making a strong primary health care system accessible to people who are not financially sound, doesn't only benefit them but it is equally important for the society itself.

So it not only becomes our duty to promote #HealthForAll but also a necessity. While the authorities will do their own job, here are 5 ways you can promote better health at the community level. Remember all it takes is a few, little changes to move towards a healthier and empowered world.

If you are still accumulating (read buying) plastic water bottles from shops, whenever you feel thirsty and are carrying them around everywhere, we strongly recommend getting rid of them and switching to a glass variant instead.

Glass bottles, unlike the plastic ones, do not contain harmful chemicals like BPA or PVC. So, not only they are healthier for you but the environment will also thank you for making a better choice.

Tip: The next time you see one your co-workers or friends using a plastic bottle, gift them a glass one.

This one is a no-brainer. There is a reason why all the fast food giants all around the world are slowly banning the dreaded plastic straw. It is one of the largest single-use plastic products and should be replaced with glass, steel or durable paper straws.

Tip: Brass straws will make for amazing health and eco-friendly return gifts, for your kid’s next birthday party.

When you smoke, you are not only gravely harming your own health but you are also ‘toasting’ the lungs of those around you. So, when we are talking about universal health, quitting smoking is definitely on the list.

Tip: If you see a friend struggling with his/her quitting journey, give them hard candies or fresh fruits and salad to chew on when they feel the urge to smoke.

It is not only a good way of cutting down the usage of harmful plastic bottles but it also ensures that safe and fresh water is available for everyone.

However, it is equally important to get them serviced regularly and change the filters, as and when required.

The expansion of cities has rapidly cut down the forests and green places around us. Lack of plants and trees has contributed to a sharp rise in air pollution levels and given birth to several respiratory diseases.

Tip: The next time you are confused over what to gift someone, try gifting plant seeds or saplings for their better health.