It may seem to us that what we choose to eat is entirely up to us, but there are many things that shape our individual “worlds” that play a role in how we take care of ourselves.
The environment where we are born, live, learn, work, play, and worship can affect our health.
There are five main things that affect us:
1. Money
2. Education
3. Health Care Access
4. Neighborhood
5. Community
These factors can affect:
- Safe living – housing, neighborhood, transportation, access to physical activity opportunities
- Equity – bullying, racism, being disabled
- Access to healthy food – limited grocery store access, fast food abundance, and convenience stores
- Environment – polluted air/water
- Education – language, job opportunities, income, health benefits
If you struggle with any one of these factors, which many people do, it can help to first identify the limiting factor(s).