Stakeholders in Societal Health Are Not Just One Person
The individual and their doctor are necessary, but not sufficient. Employers, communities, and families all shape the habitat that makes a nation healthy.
Traditionally, maintaining individual health has largely been the responsibility of that individual and, sometimes, their primary care physician. But I believe this dynamic duo, although necessary, is not sufficient under our current societal characteristics to produce health at the community or national level. Other stakeholders are being left out of this conversation, groups who can contribute in meaningful ways to create a healthy habitat for all Americans. Our surroundings shape our well-being through powerful dynamics and, in turn, influence both individual and community health. (Schüle & Bolte, 2015) Recognizing these opportunities lets us pursue innovative, unique approaches to reducing the burden and prevalence of chronic disease while creating a healthier habitat for individuals and the nation as a whole. (Song & Baicker, 2019, pp. 1491-1501)
These stakeholders form a loosely woven fabric of interconnected groups, creating a living, dynamic habitat surrounding every individual. To clarify the structure of this series, I will systematically examine the unique contributions of three key groups in dedicated sections: first, employers and workplaces; second, the communities in which we live; and finally, the families we form. Each section will analyze how these groups influence broader societal wellness and detail the specific ways they can help drive meaningful change, particularly for Americans living with chronic illness. By outlining the role of each stakeholder, my aim is to provide a clear organizational framework and a roadmap for understanding and enhancing our collective opportunity to support individual health. I am writing these posts out of the conviction that, although we doctors are capable, neither we nor our patients can achieve this on our own.
My next series of posts will outline how each stakeholder contributes to, and benefits from, establishing a healthy habitat for individuals. Starting with employers, then communities, and finishing with families, I will propose how each group can support individual health and be supported in their efforts, too. The ultimate goal of this series is to propose an integrated roadmap for improving health in America. I encourage your thoughts and suggestions along the way.
Former military, strength athlete, and physician who rebuilt his own health after struggling with weight through training and residency. Dr. James writes about the real causes of chronic disease and what it actually takes to fix them.
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