Social Determinants of Health Series: Promoting Healthy Behaviors

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Hospitals and health systems are leading exciting initiatives to encourage healthy behaviors and improve the health of individuals and communities. Health behaviors are individual choices that are affected by socio-economic factors and the physical environment. Investing in promoting positive health behaviors can make a substantial impact in improving patient and community health outcomes and adding value.

By using data to set and track priorities, screening for positive and risky health behaviors, and engaging strategic community partners, hospitals and health systems have seen a decline in smoking rates in their communities, an increase in patients exercising and eating healthy foods, a decrease in A1c levels for diabetes, a reduction in hospital readmissions rates—and more.

Check out these AHA resources that highlight strategies and examples for holistically treating patients, collaborating with communities to ensure healthy living, and prioritizing patient-centered care—all to encourage and sustain positive health behaviors.