Risk No. 1: Absence of Relationality

Fortunately, modern medicine has started to recognize that health is not merely mechanical; it is deeply influenced by our psychological state, environment, and, importantly, the planet we inhabit. Historically, the concept of health, particularly in the WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) world, has undergone significant transformation. Initially, health was largely perceived through a mechanical lens, concentrating on physical symptoms and treating ailments in isolation. This reductionist view dominated for centuries, with figures like René Descartes in the 17th century promoting the division between mind and body.

However, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw revolutionary shifts initiated by thinkers like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, who underscored the importance of psychological factors in health. Freud's psychoanalysis challenged conventional views on mental illness, while Jung introduced broader concepts about the psyche through his exploration of the collective unconscious. As our understanding progressed, the significance of mental and emotional well-being became increasingly acknowledged as vital to overall health.

Moreover, there was a rising recognition of the social and environmental determinants that shape health outcomes. Pioneers in public health, such as Florence Nightingale and John Snow, highlighted the critical role of sanitation and social conditions in disease prevention. In the 1960s, Rachel Carson's influential work "Silent Spring" brought attention to environmental factors affecting human health, sparking an enduring conversation about the connection between personal and planetary health. This dialogue is reflected in initiatives like ONE Health, endorsed by organizations such as UNEP and WHO. Unfortunately, despite this understanding, many medical professionals remain largely unaware of these interconnected factors, placing the onus of responsibility on individuals suffering from common modern ailments like obesity and heart disease.

The relational aspect of health is often overlooked, which has led to criticism from various social justice movements. Marginalized groups, including those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and racial minorities, bear a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases. For instance, non-Hispanic blacks in the United States experience the highest rates of cardiovascular disease mortality. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of social determinants of health, defining them as "the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, as well as the systems in place to address illness."

Health issues are multifaceted and intersect with numerous factors such as race, gender, class, and environmental conditions. A recent article in The Guardian highlighted how "Fossil-fuel-induced changes—from rising temperatures to extreme weather to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide—are affecting our brain health, influencing everything from memory and executive function to language, identity formation, and even brain structure."

While Western medicine excels at addressing the mechanics of health, there is often a significant gap in understanding relational and systemic healing modalities.

The first video, "Eating for Personal and Planetary Health," explores how our dietary choices can impact both individual well-being and the health of our planet. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of our food systems and personal health.

Risk No. 2: The Pitfalls of Normativity

The risk of normativity in health arises from the tendency to define health through specific standards or ideals that may not reflect the diverse realities of individuals and communities. When health is narrowly defined according to such norms, it can lead to the marginalization or stigmatization of those whose experiences or identities diverge from these standards.

Traditional views often prioritize physical health and adherence to certain body ideals, neglecting the mental, emotional, and social dimensions of well-being. This can marginalize individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, or non-conforming bodies who do not fit conventional definitions of "health."

Normativity in health can reinforce inequalities by perpetuating existing power dynamics and privileging certain demographics over others. For example, norms related to gender, race, socioeconomic status, and ability can significantly impact access to healthcare, the quality of care received, and overall health outcomes.

Consider Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man. While his work was primarily artistic and scientific rather than explicitly health-related, it represents a view of the human body through the lens of ideal proportions. Unfortunately, most individuals do not conform to these ideals. Does this imply they are unhealthy?

My own experience with an autoimmune disease compelled me to reevaluate conventional approaches to health and healing, leading me to question broader perspectives on planetary health and my work today. Without this experience, I might have lived a life filled with surface-level enjoyment but lacking in depth. Today, I find that depth is what fills me with enthusiasm for life each morning. Would a version of myself without an autoimmune disease, but with other "flaws," truly be healthier? According to whom?

Risk No. 3: Oversimplification and Solutionism

Reductionism in health manifests in the oversimplification of complex health issues, often reducing them to singular factors or variables like genetics or lifestyle choices. This approach obscures the intricate interplay of biological, social, environmental, and psychological elements that influence health.

For instance, recent trends have emphasized food as the primary determinant of health, suggesting that any health issue can be resolved through dietary changes. While it is evident that food plays a significant role, other critical factors—such as living near chemical plants—may have an even more profound impact.

Risk No. 4: Commercialization of Health

The commercialization of the health industry refers to the transformation of health-related products and services into market commodities, driven more by profit motives than genuine concern for public health. This commodification has ethical and social implications, as evidenced by the proliferation of diet pills and the lucrative mental health industry.

Risk No. 5: The Burden of Self-Care

In today's society, there is an increasing pressure to engage in various self-care practices, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a nutritious diet, and seeking therapy when needed. As these practices become normalized, there is a risk that personal and planetary health may be viewed merely as another obligation on an endless to-do list.

Despite valid criticisms of traditional health concepts, I believe that health remains a viable notion. Instead of discarding it entirely, we should work towards redefining our understanding of health—creating new frames of reference and images in our minds when contemplating what it means to be healthy. While risks and harmful associations persist, the optimistic side is that the pursuit of well-being resonates with our collective desire to thrive.

If you found this discussion insightful and wish to enhance your life in the Anthropocene, consider reading my short ebook, "From Self to Systems: Understanding Individual Impact in the Anthropocene."