July 2022

Social Determinants of Health Are Our Life Circumstances

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Social determinants of Health (SDOH) form the dynamic context for what we experience in our everyday lives. They are not abstract concepts — they are our life circumstances. These circumstances have a major impact on people’s health, well-being, quality of life, resilience, and opportunity to thrive. Yet, as defined, SDOH exist largely outside the healthcare and public health sectors. From this perspective, we need to expand the circles where conversations about improving SDOH take place: to be more inclusive so that all sectors are at the table, empowered and invested in the plan for action that will make us a healthier nation.

Get Active! Park, Trail, and Greenway Infrastructure Interventions Increase Physical Activity

Physical activity is one of the best things people can do to improve their health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans that people of all ages and abilities engage in regular physical activity. This spring, the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) issued a recommendation for park, trail, and greenway infrastructure interventions used in combination with additional interventions, such as structured programs or community awareness, to increase physical activity.