Viva Vitality: Health promotion supports a well-being society
By Chloe Trautman on August 24, 2023.
A ‘well-being society’ is described as providing the foundations, for all populations current and in the future, to thrive on a healthy planet, no matter where they live. A well-being society sounds desirable but when we think critically about that phrase, it becomes a necessity in today’s world. The world faces complex challenges that impact countries in different ways. Recent pandemics have exposed fractures in society highlighting inequities among ecological, political, commercial, digital and social determinants of health within social groups and nations. The World Health Organization’s Geneva Charter for Well-being underlines the urgency to create sustainable future generations.The charter is categorized into five areas: 1. Value, respect and nurture planet earth and its ecosystems. 2. Design an equitable economy that serves human development within planetary and local ecological boundaries. 3. Develop healthy public policy for the common good. 4. Achieve universal health care coverage. 5. Address the impacts of digital transformation. The way forward is through health promotion, which provides knowledge and experience to support change. Health promotion is about creating conditions for good health, making healthy environments universal and advocating for investment in people and health to build, protect and utilize human capital that aligns with what is needed to support a well-being society. The role of health promotion is through communication, advocacy and working with communities. Core health promotion competencies will be crucial to: – Ensure people and communities take control of their health by leading fulfilling lives with meaning and purpose, in harmony with nature, through education, empowerment and engagement. – Enable, mediate and advocate for this approach to create well-being societies by focusing on the determinants of health in all settings. – Ensure the access of health and social services are high quality, affordable, accessible and acceptable for all needs, especially vulnerable populations. Building a well-being society means everyone enjoys a long, healthy life, lived well. The way to move forward is to focus on more sustainable, equitable societies that learn from countries, regions, cities, communities and cultures – especially Indigenous cultures. Health and well being depend on the actions of everyone in society, leaving no one behind. Are we ready? Chloe Trautman is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services 17-16
