Public Health

"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The World Health Organization defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Genetics and biochemistry fascinated me during high school, and played a part in my decision to study nutrition during college. But I knew there was a larger picture to the influencers of health than just nutrition knowledge, after having learned about the field of Public Health during high school. And so I decided to veer my career towards learning more about and addressing the social determinants of health. According to the World Health Organization:

The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, including the health system. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels, which are themselves influenced by policy choices. The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities - the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries.

I find joy in sharing useful information with those who need it most, especially when that knowledge helps secure resources and empowers people to treat their bodies with the respect they deserve.

With that said, here are some of my favorite organizations that work to promote health. (There are many more, but these are the ones I am most familiar with and / or wholeheartedly support)

Bronx Health REACH - As a Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities & a REACH-US grantee (REACH = Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health), Bronx Health REACH works locally and nationally to eliminate disparities, specifically around obesity & diabetes.

Hunger & Environmental Nutrition - HEN is a dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and its members are devoted to the issues of hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture.

Greater NY Hunger & Environmental Nutrition - The local chapter of HEN in NYC.

NYC Nutrition Education Network - dedicated to educating and supporting a network of members who seek to improve the food and nutrition environment for a healthier NYC

Oxfam Action Corps NYC - In 15 cities across the country, the Oxfam Action Corps are Oxfam America's hands and feet on the ground, spreading the word about Oxfam's policy priorities. Oxfam is an international development agency working to find lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and injustice. This year, Oxfam is focused on food justice through its GROW campaign.

Vegetarian Nutrition - A dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that provides sound scientific nutrition advice and recipes for a meatless diet

Dietitians In Integrative And Functional Medicine - A dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that specializes in integrative, functional and holistic medicine, nutritional genomics, whole foods, dietary supplements and natural healing modalities.

Healthy Food Action - A project of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, that educates citizens about how to take action to support policies that positively affect the food system

Center for Science in the Public Interest - National advocacy group committed to nutrition policies such as food labeling, school food and marketing to kids. CSPI is the creator of the annual Food Day celebration which takes place on October 24. They've also created a database documenting the safety of food additives, called Chemical Cuisine.

Environmental Working Group - Uses public information to protect public health and the environment, such as through its "Clean 15, Dirty Dozen" Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, Farm Subsidy Database and Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.

Pesticide Action Network - Answers your questions about pesticides found in the food system, the risks they pose to our health, and how to advocate for a sustainable agricultural system.