Bringing the Determinants of Health to Life

So where do we see the determinants of health in action? 

Last night, on the local news, there was a segment about the central Newfoundland town of South Brook.  Their claim to fame is the commitment they have to losing weight (over 700 pounds lost by townspeople to date).  They also learn about healthy eating, have set up a gym in the firehall and tacked up their swimsuits on the wall for motivation.  Participants who were interviewed spoke about feeling empowered and how they help to motivate each other. 

Here we have a number of determinants of health at work. The involvement of many people in the town means that there is a strong Social Support Network in place.  People encourage each other to get out and walk or go to the gym.  The Social Environment is at play because the whole community has come together to support this initiative.  In fact, the gym in the firehall is made up of exercise equipment donated from people in the town.   Participants decided to take part in this initiative and consequently, through their own  Personal Health Practices and Coping Skills are having an impact on their health.  You could also say that Healthy Child Development is at work; people probably have more energy and may be in a better mood and they are serving as great role models for their children.