World Health Day is 7 April 2021. On the heels of a global pandemic, it’s increasingly important we focus on solutions for a polluted planet, increasing diseases like cancer, asthma, and heart disease. In observance of World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) will focus global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being.
Most Serious Health Problems According to WHO
WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths around the world are owed each year to avoidable environmental causes? This includes the climate crisis, which experts say is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. According to WHO officials, the climate crisis is also a health crisis.
Inequity
As COVID-19 has highlighted, some people live healthier lives and maintain better access to health services than others. And this is due entirely to the conditions in which they are born, grow, live, work and age. Across the world, certain groups struggle to make ends meet with little daily income. They also face poorer housing conditions and fewer educational opportunities. Further, they may enjoy fewer employment opportunities, experience greater gender inequality, and have little or no access to safe environments, clean water, and necessities such as air, food security and health services. This leads to unnecessary suffering, avoidable illness, and premature death. Ultimately, this inequity harms our societies and economies.
The good news is that although it is unfair: it is also preventable.
That’s why the WHO is calling on leaders to ensure that everyone has living and working conditions that are conducive to good health. Simultaneously, they urge leaders to monitor health inequities, and to ensure that all people can access quality health services when and where they need them.
COVID-19 Implications
The pandemic hit all countries hard. However, its impact has been harshest on those communities which were already vulnerable. Some people who are exposed to the disease are less likely than others to have access to quality health care services. They are also more likely to experience adverse consequences because of measures implemented to contain the pandemic.
Dental Implications
As a Glendora dental office, we celebrate World Health Day by encouraging everyone to make an appointment for dental work. Oral health is an important part of overall health. We accept most insurance plans and CareCredit, which helps people with limited resources to pay for medical expenses such as dental work.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.