Andi
Neighborhood and Built Community
Move and Mingle: Andi & Transforming Neighborhoods for Wellness
Join us on this last episode of season 3, as we toast Andi, founder of a neighborhood "Move and Mingle" Facebook group, in this inspiring episode of K. Elizabeth Toasts. Andi shares her journey from personal recovery to creating a neighborhood movement revolution, emphasizing size inclusivity and joyful movement. By addressing the social determinant of health related to neighborhood and built environment, Andi’s work fosters both physical wellness and community connection. From reporting out on inclusive dance classes to launching beginner strength training sessions, Andi proves that joyful movement and meaningful relationships are at the foundation of whole-body health. Listen now for actionable inspiration and a healthy dose of optimism!
Healthy People 2030 is the fifth iterative of a 40+ year initiative to help communities, organizations, and individuals improve American’s health and well-being. One of the key goals of Healthy People 2030 is to highlight the importance of the 5 Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) in increasing equity and reducing disparities in health; one of the five goals of Healthy People 2030 is directly related to the SDoH to “create social, physical, and economic environments that promote attaining the full potential for health and well-being for all” (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
The SDoH are the non-medical factors and environmental conditions where people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age. The SDoH influence up to 55% of our health outcomes including a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.
One of the five SDoH is the neighborhood and build environment. Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly those from racial and ethnic minorities and people with low incomes, are disproportionately exposed to health-damaging factors like high rates of violence in their neighborhoods, unsafe air quality, lack of access to safe water, and prolonged exposure to things like secondhand smoke and loud noises. Interventions such as sidewalks and bikelanes can help increase safety and improve health and quality of life.
Episode Resources:
Record a Toast to honor someone who has increased your quality of life
Episode referred to regarding creating your own desires: Art in the Neighborhood: Mayberry and Sesame Street
Episode bout Giving Voice: Amplifying Joy: Viva’s Engagement to create community and combat dementia through music
Book - The Body is Not an Apology: the power of radical self-love (Sonya Renee Taylor)
Book - Health at Every Size: the surprising truth about your weight (Lindo Bacon)
US Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2030: SDoH
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Social Determinants of Health