March 2021
Lesson Objectives:
Students will learn about the origin and importance of World Health Day.
Students will reflect on the impact of COVID on the health inequality.
Students will assess choices they can make everyday to live a healthier lifestyle.
Pre-Test
What is World Health Day and why is it celebrated?
How did COVID help us see the continued health inequality?
How were farmworkers amongst the highest risk for COVID?
What are some choices you can make everyday to live a healthier lifestyle?
What is World Health Day?
World Health Day marks the day when the World Health Organization was created, which was back in 1948. The World Health Organization (WHO) is an agency that focuses on the health of the entire world; it informs countries how they can ensure their citizens attain the highest level of health possible. The purpose of this organization is to control diseases across the globe and that everybody receives the appropriate resources to be healthy.
The WHO uses their anniversary not only as a day of celebration, but as an opportunity to highlight a current global health priority. This year's theme is "Building a Fairer, Healthier World," which is a direct response to the effects of the COVID pandemic.
The Health Inequality
One of the most important rights that should be provided to every human being EQUALLY is health! The WHO notes that COVID-19 showed how some people are able to live healthier lives and have better access to health services than others; for example, access to testing, access to hospitals, access to the vaccine, etc. We noticed that there were some people who were able to work from the comfort of their homes, while others had to report to work to make ends meet, putting their life and the lives of their loved ones at risk.
COVID's Hidden Toll
COVID's Hidden Toll is a documentary that aired in July 2020, which talked about how farmworkers were amongst those at highest risk for COVID-19 due to the circumstances they work in.
Watch this documentary here: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/covids-hidden-toll/
Reflect on the following:
Do you think farmworkers had a choice in whether or not they should continue working?
What were some of the difficulties they had to face every day that placed them most at risk?
What do you think employers could have done differently to ensure the safety of all farmworkers?
We are still far from ensuring access to healthcare is fair for everyone, BUT we do have power over what we do to take care of ourselves on a daily basis.
Watch the short video on the left.
What is at least one thing you can commit to practicing every day to live a healthier lifestyle?
Other options you can choose from that'll help you live a healthier lifestyle:
Go for a Hike
Exercise is a very important component in staying healthy. A hike is the perfect outdoor exercise because not only are you in nature and breathing in fresh air, but you’re also getting your blood flowing which raises your heart rate and your mood.
Practice Mindful Meditation
Promoting world health isn’t just about diet and exercise, it’s about promoting mental health as well. MindYeti and Headspace are two great tools (and apps!) you can use to help you practice mindfulness from home!
Promote Healthy Eating
Just as cars need fuel to run properly, our bodies need healthy food to function at their best. It’s important you know that eating the proper foods can not only make you feel better but keep you healthy. You can get ideas of what you should be eating by checking out this website: Choosemyplate.gov.
Post-Test
What is World Health Day and why is it celebrated?
How did COVID help us see the continued health inequality?
How were farmworkers amongst the highest risk for COVID?
What are some choices you can make everyday to live a healthier lifestyle?
Pre-Test
I know what it means to eliminate racial discrimination.
I can identify ways that will promote a healthy relationship between myself and another person of a different race.
I am aware how racism affects not only my community, but other community of colors as well.
What is the "International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination"?
Every year on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed with various activities to encourage people to combat racial discrimination.
Self-Reflection: Have you personally experienced racial discrimination, and how did you respond?
Please click on the button to read more about how racial discrimation impacts people from various community.
Reflection:
What will YOU do to combact racial discrimination?
Reflect on what you've read. Think about the social injustices that have been happening around the United States. From the Black Lives Matter movement, to the Anti-Asian Attacks, to Building Walls, to the Dakota Access Pipeline, and so much more, what can you do to build tolerance in your community?
Post-Test
I know what it means to eliminate racial discrimination.
I can identify ways that will promote a healthy relationship between myself and another person of a different race.
I am aware how racism affects not only my community, but other community of colors as well.
