Today is World Health Day, and, as health is an important issue in every country and culture, we are very excited to celebrate this day with all of our friends around the world!
Selected by the World Health Organization, the priority of global public health concern and the theme for this year’s World Health Day is “Control Your Blood Pressure.” The WHO recognizes this as a major global concern due the sheer number of people affected each year- more than one in three adults worldwide are affected by high blood pressure. And for the many that live each day in a busy and stressful environment, the likelihood of the condition is increased. Though taking care of your body physically will always be an essential part of staying healthy, we feel that taking a moment every once in a while to slow down and relax is a must for ensuring a healthy and manageable lifestyle.
Take a Vacation for the Soul
World Health Day is important not only to recognize significant global health issues, but also to celebrate the wonderful doctors, nurses, medical students and volunteers that dedicate themselves to caring for others all around the world! Without the knowledge and help of these people we would be lost, so we send a big thank you to them in the spirit of World Health Day.
United Planet tries to do its part in spreading global health knowledge by providing the outlets through which the full range of healthcare specialists can volunteer abroad to assist in hospitals and health centers or simply to spread awareness. However, our comprehensive list of Healthcare Quests is not only open to certified doctors- United Planet happily sends pre-med students, nurses, dental students, non-healthcare professionals, psychologists, nutritionists and physical therapists all around the world! This wide range of opportunities also means a wide range of support is given to communities that need it, and that is definitely something worth celebrating.
Two of our most popular Healthcare Quest destinations are Peru and Ecuador. In Peru, Quest options range from volunteering in rural clinics or state-run hospitals for under-served populations, to spending time in a psychiatric clinic assisting professionals and playing games with patients, to working in a house for the elderly in extreme poverty. Trained professionals can play an enormous role in these communities by providing the extra care that a region may be lacking. And of course, our volunteers have numerous opportunities to explore the local culture- an excursion to Machu Picchu, the Cusco City Tour, and Salsa classes are included in the Peru Quest!
Along with our Peru program, our program in Ecuador offers no shortage of healthcare Quest options. In Ecuador, providing services for people with disabilities is an area most in need of assistance; therefore, United Planet hosts Quests in a variety of therapeutic centers. These projects range from working with physical therapists and observing the creation of prosthetics, to supporting children with mental disabilities by running artistic activities and supervising classes. Additionally, there is a speech therapy Quest in which volunteers have the opportunity to work at a public institution learning sign language and Braille and assisting the teachers with students’ daily activities. At the end of any Quest to Ecuador, additional excursions to the Galapagos or the Amazon are available for those hoping to extend their sightseeing moments while abroad!
We hope you take a moment today to celebrate World Health Day and to thank all those who help to make this world a healthier place! If you are interested in a Healthcare Quest with United Planet, check out a full list of the available destinations and contact us at quest@unitedplanet.org.
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
