I grew up taking art classes at Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh and visiting the Museum on school trips and as a family. I have even taken my wife and kids there. Over the years I lived in Pittsburgh, I also had many occasions to visit the Carnegie Libraries. (By the way, in Pittsburgh we pronounce it “Car-neg-ee.”) Many will have visited the Carnegie Libraries around the country. We have such libraries because Andrew Carnegie recognized the need to make information and education available to the masses. He used the fortunes he acquired to do this.
Today, we are in the midst of a health crisis. Yes, we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pandemic of inactivity and obesity—and subsequent hypokinetic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease—remains with steady and high death toll. There is much discussion of how we might make health care available to the masses, but there is little action in the direction of bringing health to the masses. We use the phrase “public health”, but I often wonder whether we understand what that means. When I hear “public health” I (mostly) hear access to treatment. Truly, there are some efforts at prevention via education services, but there are rarely concerted efforts to make real and lasting health available to the masses. That is, there is rarely public policy that directly address the lack of exercise facilities and outdoor spaces (e.g., safe walking/biking pathways) and access to healthy foods in many (i.e., most) of our poorest communities. (Even most more affluent communities lack planning to include access to safe outdoor activities.) We need to change how we develop communities and return to more walkable communities with few fast food and convenience stores.
I recently shared the health care views of Whole Foods CEO, John Mackey. I agree with his stance that the best approach to health care is to promote healthier living. It is not enough to say that people need to take responsibility for their health, we need to redevelop our communities to provide access to healthy activities and healthy foods. Perhaps the corporations that profit from the distribution of food might consider how they might restore access in “food desserts”? As public policy, perhaps we can rethink the ways that we administer public assistance to assure that all persons have access to healthy food. (I am often appalled at the poor quality “foods” that are handed out at food banks and the like.)
There has a time when public bath houses and “spas” were common place in urban communities. At one time the YMCA was more accessible. I have been in some wonderful Jewish Community Centers that provided quality exercise and recreational facilities. Boys and Girls Clubs provide some opportunities for youth in some areas. There are some forward-thinking communities that have excellent pools and recreational facilities—some even community gyms. (Dormont Pool, where I grew up, continues to provide summer memories for generations of kids.)
We a system of public exercise facilities. We need a modern Andrew Carnegie to recognize the need. (There are plenty of capable philanthropists.) There are numerous “affordable” fitness centers in suburbia. There remain, however, countless fitness deserts. Communities need to step up, but there are certainly communities in which there is a will but not a way. We need our Andrew Carnegie.
Public policy must also recognize the importance of physical activity and diet for health. It is a much more affordable investment than having to pay for the treatment of preventable disease. Political representatives (yes, let us remember that they are our representatives not our leaders) need to recognize the benefits of keeping our communities active. (What ever became of JFK’s initiative??) In my resident state, Oregon, along with many other states, fitness centers are struggling to stay afloat because politicians have deemed them as unnecessary (and, wrongly, as unsafe).
The effects of inactivity on public health are staggering. There are billions in health care dollars to be saved by getting people active and eating right. How to do this is arguably one of the great challenges before us. Motivation is one thing. Without access, though, motivation is fruitless. Carnegie Libraries remain. Perhaps, not enough people take advantage of the opportunity, but the opportunity remains. Many a mind has been developed because of public libraries. We can also affect the Physical, Emotional, Social, and Spiritual well-being of our communities with a concerted effort to bring accessible community fitness centers where they are needed.
Where are you caring philanthropists??
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!!