We’ve all at least seen an internet health troll.
You know, the people who go to the social media pages of those in larger bodies and make unsolicited comments about body shape and size. The ones who provide unasked for and scientifically inaccurate commentary, paired with harmful advice. The ones who will justify their actions with: ‘I’m just worried about your health.’
If you’re one of those people, this is for you:
So, you say you’re worried about the health of a stranger. That’s PHENOMENAL. We’re so glad you’ve decided to take a personal interest in the health of others. Since you’re so interested in strangers being able to reach and maintain healthy lives, we have some tips for you.
Before we dive in, let’s just clear this up: unsolicited health advice on the internet will NEVER lead to health. Think about it: scientifically, you can’t determine a person’s health status by their appearance. All you really get over social media is...appearance. Therefore, becoming worried about someone’s health without knowing anything about them except how they look is fatphobic, and may actually lead to a decline in mental health (therefore leading to a decline in overall health.) If you didn’t know this before, now you do. So, stop that shit!
Okay, that’s out of the way. So, let’s get into what you can do if you’re as much into the health of strangers as you say you are:
Get On Board with Universal Healthcare - Ya know, something that helps a ton with health is access to healthcare. Yep. Revolutionary, right? Imagine everyone being able to get regular checkups and deal with medical problems without worrying about the financial toll. That would greatly improve the health of others.
Work to Dismantle Systemic Racism - Since the health of strangers concerns you so much, you MUST be aware of how much systemic racism takes a toll on health. The stress, anxiety, lack of access to resources, and more that comes with systemic racism is deteriorating the health of entire populations. So, working to dismantle that is right in your wheelhouse. Don’t know how? Maybe start here. Everyone likes ice cream, right?
Understand and Fight Against Food Insecurity - You’re all about people getting access to a wide range of nutrition, yes? Because of health. So, of course you’ll be interested in the fight to combat food insecurity!
Advocate for Equal Access to Mental Healthcare - Don’t forget that health is more than just physical! Mental healthcare is JUST as important as physical health, and it is still incredibly difficult to access in many places. You can help the health of others by working to dismantle the stigma of mental health and fighting for better mental healthcare for all.
Work to Make Communities Safer - Did you know that growing up in an unsafe community can take a real toll on physical and mental health? Well, now you do! Help the health of others by getting involved in programs and organizations that work to make communities safe.
There you have them. Get to it.
Any other insight into how to actually help the health of strangers? Let us know!