Health equity is a term that goes beyond mere access to healthcare—it encompasses the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to attain their full health potential, regardless of their background, social status, or economic standing. Achieving health equity involves addressing the root causes of health disparities, which often lie in social determinants of health such as income, education, housing, access to healthy food and access to exercise facilities. One often overlooked tool in the quest for health equity is recreational sports. While the benefits of regular physical activity on cardiovascular health are well-documented, the role of recreational sports in promoting health equity is not as widely recognized. Let's delve into how recreational sports can contribute to closing the health equity gap and explore ways to harness this potential. Firstly, recreational sports offer a level playing field where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and engage in physical activity. Regardless of socioeconomic status or education level, participation in sports like basketball, soccer, or swimming can promote cardiovascular health, improve mental well-being, and foster social connections. Moreover, recreational sports can address some of the social determinants of health directly. For instance, community sports programs can provide access to safe and affordable recreational spaces, which is crucial in neighborhoods lacking such resources. By investing in these programs, policymakers and healthcare providers can create environments that support healthy lifestyles for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. So, how can we leverage recreational sports to achieve health equity? Invest in Community Sports Programs: Allocate resources to develop and sustain community-based sports programs that are accessible to all, especially in underserved areas. This can include building and maintaining parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities that are safe and welcoming for people of all ages and backgrounds. Promote Inclusivity and Diversity: Ensure that recreational sports programs are inclusive and welcoming to people of diverse abilities, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Encourage participation from marginalized communities and provide support such as scholarships or subsidies to reduce barriers to entry. Educate and Empower: Offer education and resources on the benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyles within the context of recreational sports. Empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health by providing information, training, and ongoing support. Collaborate Across Sectors: Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, and businesses to create comprehensive strategies that integrate recreational sports into broader health equity initiatives. This can include cross-sector partnerships to fund programs, share resources, and leverage expertise. In conclusion, health equity is not a distant goal but a tangible reality that we can achieve by addressing social determinants of health and harnessing the power of recreational sports. By investing in inclusive, accessible, and community-driven sports programs, we can promote cardiovascular health, strengthen social bonds, and work towards a healthier, more equitable future for all. What are your thoughts on using recreational sports as a tool for health equity? How can we further promote this approach in our communities? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below!

In the pursuit of inclusivity and a sense of community, group sports and recreational activities have emerged as powerful agents of change for LGBTQ+ individuals. These spaces not only promote physical well-being but also have a profound impact on mental health outcomes and a sense of belonging. In this article, we’ll dive into the ways in which sports and recreational activities foster a supportive environment, build social connections, and empower LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, we will explore real-life examples from well-known LGBTQ+ athletes whose mental health journeys have been positively influenced by community engagement. Creating supportive environments Sports and recreational activities provide LGBTQ+ individuals with a sanctuary of acceptance and support. An Out In Sports 2021 study found that a remarkable 82% of LGBTQ+ respondents felt a heightened sense of support and acceptance in these inclusive spaces. More, 25% of athletes felt that their coming out experience to their teammates was a “perfect” or “near perfect” experience. This supportive environment is instrumental in bolstering mental well-being, as it encourages individuals to embrace their authentic selves without fear of judgment or discrimination. For example, Megan Rapinoe, a prominent LGBTQ+ athlete, American soccer player for the National Women’s Soccer League and the winner of the Best Women’s FIFA Player in 2019, has spoken openly about the positive impact of community in her life. “I’ve always been around all these other super confident, very successful female athletes, and we allow ourselves space to be however we are,” she told Harvard Business Review in an interview. By actively engaging in sports (primarily soccer) and surrounding herself with accepting teammates, Rapinoe found solace and a strong support system that contributed to her mental well-being. Building social networks Sports and recreational activities go beyond physical exercise—they serve as catalysts for building robust social networks within the LGBTQ+ community. Pride.com suggests Googling queer teams or group activities in your area, especially for those looking to grow their LGBTQ+ friend group. These types of teams can help folks find friends who understand their unique experiences, creating an invaluable support system that combats isolation and fosters a sense of belonging. Adam Rippon, the first openly gay American figure skater to compete in the Winter Olympics and a Bronze medalist, highlighted the importance of community and friendship in his mental health journey. In particular, he and fellow U.S. Winter Olympian Gus Kenworthy formed a strong friendship at the Winter Olympics in 2018, helping both of them become strong role models for the LBGTQ+ community back home. Mental health benefits Participating in sports and recreational activities has been associated with improved mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. While there is abundant research on how participation in team sports reduces depression and anxiety for the general population, specific research from Psychology in the Schools looked at LGBTQ populations to see if that reduction was seen in this population. It was! The supportive and inclusive nature of these activities contributes to reduced social isolation, increased self-esteem, and a greater sense of purpose. It isn’t all roses, though… Of course, it isn’t all positive news when it comes to openly gay people or members of the LBGTQ+ community playing sports. Take Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by the National Football League (NFL), for instance. He retired early from the Canadian Football League (CFL) due to mental health issues, many of them stemming from his coming out in the professional league. He had formerly come out to his classmates and teammates at the University of MIssouri, and was met with positivity. Unfortunately, that wasn’t always his experience in the professional spotlight. And a positive experience isn’t what many openly gay players find. Less LBGTQ+ middle school and high schoolers play sports, many of them citing concerns around social norms and discrimination on teams, rather than disinterest in sports themselves. The good news, though, is that you don’t have to be a professional athlete or even a member of the LGBTQ+ community to make a difference here. Teammates, coaches, and even fans all contribute to the feeling of being welcomed into a community––and gay or not, the physical and mental health benefits that come from sports and recreational activities are beneficial. After all, sports and recreational activities are more than just games or hobbies; they serve as beacons of hope, acceptance, and empowerment. By creating supportive environments, building social connections, and promoting self-expression, these activities contribute significantly to better mental health outcomes. Through the stories of influential LGBTQ+ figures like Megan Rapinoe, Adam Rippon, and Michael Sam, we witness the transformative impact of community engagement. As we continue to champion inclusivity, let us recognize the profound influence of group sports and activities in creating a more mentally and physically healthy LGBTQ+ community. ~Tracy Wallace~

Today marks the end of mental Health awareness month. Mental health affects millions of people all across the globe. However, it will be ignorant to claim that one month in a year puts a deserved spotlight on mental health. Mental health is real and does not only affect a select few nor does it only last one month out of the year. Mental health is a real health crisis with an ever rising prevalence. It does not differentiate between race, age, gender or sex. Hence the question, what can be done to address mental health outside of mainstream healthcare. After all, not everyone can afford a psychiatrist, nor can they afford antidepressants or anxiolytics. It is very important to note that mental health is not limited to the main stream conditions that we have developed pharmaceuticals to tame. Mental health conditions include but are not limited to Depression, Eating disorders, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, suicide ideation, sleep disorder and more. So the million dollar question is what can we do on a day to day basis to improve some of these mental health conditions? You must be wondering, who’s this lunatic saying all this about mental health and what qualifications does he have? Well, I am a Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of industry experience. I have seen and experienced first hand what depression and anxiety looks like and feels like. As a clinician, one of the most challenging aspects of my practice is telling someone that the stomach ache they have is not due to a bug or gastritis. Rather, it’s a manifestation of Anxiety. Or that those palpitations they are having in their chest could be a consequence of lack of sleep. It is this first hand experience that is motivating me to bring mental health to the forefront and to do something about it. While I very much enjoy what I do as a Nurse practitioner in Cardiology, I feel compelled to address the multifarious health problems facing humanity.. And so, how do I plan on doing this? I am working on creating a platform that makes it easier to find your community and reap its benefits. In Collaboration with an incredible team, we are looking to disrupt the status quo. It is well documented that socializing with others reduces isolation and can reduce the incidence of depression. We also know that physical activity improves sleep quality, reduces depression and improves overall health. At MeChi, we are taking a step back and looking at ways to reconnect people to the historical tools that have helped them form communities and support systems. MeChi Aims to make it easy for you to find the activities that meet your needs. Find your community of hikers, or soccer players or heck, go for a solo hike. Trust us, it is worth it! While recreational activity and interacting with others is an utmost goal of our organization, the hope is that having a social platform through which people can meet and connect via a mutual interest i.e. recreational activities, the social benefits of these interactions will naturally morph and could subsequently improve mental health. We recognise that It can be challenging to start an activity and maintain the same high level of engagement. However, we are confident that if barriers limiting recreational activities are removed, this will increase engagement and consequently improve community health and wellness. In short, we are looking to leverage recreational activities as medicine. Please drop us your comments in the contacts section or suggestions of what types of recreational activities you enjoy and stay tuned while we continue to work on this revolutionary tool. Remember that just 30 mins of moderate intensity activity a day will improve your mental health. The most important part is to recognize that mental health is not a one month issue or an individual issue. It affects many people more than one would think and it’s a condition on a continuum. I hope this Mental health awareness month gave you the kickstart you needed to evaluate your mental health. Xoxo ~ Marty Cho and Delma Ndifor~