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SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being

New Vocabulary

  • effective
  • eliminate
  • immunization
  • malaria
  • mortality
  • neglect
  • preventable
  • surge
  • treatment
  • tropical disease

Practice the new vocabulary

Good Health Vocabulary (text version)

Match the words to their definitions.

Words:

  • treatment
  • preventable
  • effective
  • tropical disease
  • immunization
  • malaria
  • neglect
  • eliminate
  • surge
  • mortality

Definitions:

  1. working well and having the result that was wanted
  2. get rid of completely
  3. a substance that has a weak form of a bacteria or virus which protects someone from that illness or disease; also called a vaccine
  4. a dangerous disease in tropical countries caused by a mosquito bite
  5. the number of deaths during a particular period of time among a particular type or group of people
  6. to pay too little attention to something
  7. something that can be stopped or avoided
  8. to move suddenly and quickly in a certain direction
  9. something that is done to help someone who is hurt or sick
  10. a disease that is common in the hottest parts of the world

Check your answer in footnote[1]

Activity source: Good Health Vocabulary by Virginia McHardy, CC BY-NC 4.0

Good Health and Well-Being – Vocabulary Review (text version)
  1. If there is a surge in something, it….
    1. goes up suddenly and quickly
    2. goes down slowly
    3. doesn’t change
  2. True or false? Another word for immunization is vaccine.
  3. True or false? Malaria is one tropical disease.
  4. Tropical diseases are found….
    1. in cold countries
    2. in hot countries
    3. in poor countries
  5. If something is effective, it….
    1. costs money
    2. acts quickly
    3. solves the problem
  6. Fill in the missing words:
    If you [Blank a] your health, you may get an illness that is [Blank b].
  7. Match the words to the correct blank: Early [Blank a] can [Blank b] death due to disease and reduce the [Blank c] rate.

Check your answer in footnote[2]

Activity source: Good Health and Well-Being – Vocabulary Review by Donna Naylor, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Good Health and Well-Being

 

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (n.d.) Goal 3 Infographic:

Good progress has been made on this goal across the world. 73% of countries or areas have already met or are on track to meet the reduced mortality target for children under the age of 5. HIV and AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 52% since 2010 because effective treatments are more readily available. Additionally, 47 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. This is all excellent news.

On the negative side, many people must pay for their own health care, and 381 million people across the world (4.9% of the population) have been pushed into extreme poverty as a result. 25 million children did not get important routine immunizations in 2021, which is 6 million more than in 2019. Although the Covid-19 pandemic would have had a negative effect on a family’s ability to access these immunizations, it is still an alarming number. The number of malaria cases has surged worldwide, from 232 million cases in 2019 to 247 million cases in 2021. Last but not least, women continue to die in childbirth. In 2020, a woman died every two minutes from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth!

Canadian Perspective

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages (text version)

Mental health & COVID-19

Almost 1 in 10 Canadians perceived their mental health to be “fair or poor” in 2020. Compared to 2019, 458,000 fewer Canadians rated their mental health as “excellent or very good” in 2020.

Women’s mental health suffered more than men’s.

Table 1
Table summary
This table displays the results of Table 1. The information is grouped by Gender (appearing as row headers), Percent decrease in mental health perceived “excellent or very good” (appearing as column headers).
Gender Percent decrease in mental health perceived “excellent or very good”
Female 4.3
Male 0.2

15% of women aged 18-34 rated their mental health as “fair or poor” in 2020.

Drugs, alcohol, and Canadians from 2019 to 2020

The rate of apparent opioid toxicity deaths increased 74%. Total volume per capita sales of alcohol increased 2.5%.

Note: Apparent opioid toxicity deaths data are from 2019 to 2020 calendar years. Alcohol volume sales data are from April 2020 to April 2021.

Suicide in Canada 2020

Suicide was the 12th leading cause of death – down from 9th in 2019. 1 in every 100 deaths was caused by suicide. The suicide rate among men was 3 times higher than women.

At a glance: Suicide in Nunavut

In 2020, rates of suicide were almost eight times higher in Nunavut, compared with the national rate.

Table 2
Table summary
This table displays the results of Table 2. The information is grouped by Geography (appearing as row headers), Rate of suicide per 100,000 deaths (appearing as column headers).
Geography Rate of suicide per 100,000 deaths
Canada 10.1
Newfoundland and Labrador 11.1
Prince Edward Island 3.7
Nova Scotia 11.0
New Brunswick 11.7
Quebec 10.6
Ontario 8.9
Manitoba 12.9
Saskatchewan 15.6
Alberta 13.3
British Columbia 7.0
Yukon N/A
Northwest Territories 8.8
Nunavut 76.6

Research has shown that historical trauma from colonization and colonial practices along with ongoing discrimination and marginalization that have resulted in social and economic inequities may be linked to the high rates of suicide among First Nations people, Métis and Inuit.

Community spotlight: Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French. In 2020, Kids Help Phone received an 137% increase in service interactions across Canada. 1.9M interactions in 2019 to 4.6M interactions in 2020.

Sources: Statistics Canada, Vital Statistics – Death Database, 2019/2020. Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey – Annual Component, 2019/2020. Public Health Agency of Canada, Opioid- and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada, 2019/2020. Statistics Canada, Centre for Indigenous Statistics and Partnerships. Kids Help Phone, Annual Report 2020.

Source: Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being In Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2022 by Statistics Canada, used under Open License

 

Discussion Questions

Use the new vocabulary words in these discussion questions. Ask and answer in partners or small groups:

  1. Malaria is a common tropical disease. What other tropical diseases do you know about?
  2. Many illnesses and diseases are preventable with the use of immunizations. What immunizations have you had or know about?
  3. Do you think we will ever be able to eliminate health issues such as AIDS, cancer? Why or why not?
  4. What effective treatments do you know about for common health complaints such as colds or flu?
  5. In your opinion, what are some simple things people can do to reduce the mortality rate due to illness or injury? 
  6. In the colder months when more people are indoors, how can we help to prevent a surge in the spread of germs or common illnesses?
  7. Have you ever neglected your own health? What were the consequences of this? What did you do to change this? 

Watch the video

Watch Goal 3 – Good health and well-being (1 min) on YouTube

Video source: UNStats. (2022c, July 7). Goal 3 – Good health and well-being [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufFxqUJgy4Q

Good Health Video Questions (text version)
  1. True or false? Nurse/mid-wives work 24 hours a day in countries all around the world.
  2. COVID-19 led to…
    1. …15,000,000 deaths.
    2. …15,000 deaths.
    3. …150,000 deaths.
    4. …1,500,000 deaths.
  3. True or false? In 2020, 22.7 million children did not get immunized.
  4. Fill in the blanks: The number of people who died of Tuberculosis in [Blank a] rose [Blank b] since [Blank c] .
  5. Fill in the blank: There were 115,500 [Blank a] health-care workers that died from COVID-19.

Check your answer in footnote[3]

Activity source: Good Health Video Questions by Virginia McHardy, CC BY-NC 4.0

What Can We Do in Our Day-to-Day Lives?

We can all take steps to protect our own good health and those in our care, while also having a positive impact on others. Here are some suggestions:

  • If you live in a rural area that relies on well water, have the water tested at least once/year to ensure it is safe for drinking. In Ontario, these tests are free through your local public health unit.

Drive safely

  • Follow driving, traffic and pedestrian laws to improve safety on the roads.
  • Avoid distracted driving ( do not talk on the phone, text, etc. while driving).
  • Consider taking a defensive driving course.

Get active

  • Increase the number of steps you take each day
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Instead of looking for a parking spot closest to a building’s entrance, choose to park farther away. (This also leaves those close parking spots for those who really need them!)
  • Rather than texting, emailing or calling someone in the same building, get up and walk to where they are when possible.
  • Consider walking or riding a bike to your destination if it is close enough and save the car for longer trips. This includes encouraging your children to walk or bike to school instead of dropping them off or picking them up.
  • The exercise and fresh air will do you good and you will be reducing pollution caused by vehicle use at the same time.
  • For children, learning this healthy habit early will benefit them throughout their lives.
  • If riding a bike, roller blading, riding a scooter, etc., wear an approved safety helmet, properly fitted and secured. Ensure your family members do the same, regardless of age.

Get immunized (vaccinated)

  • Ensure that you and your loved ones are vaccinated against common illnesses and diseases.
  • If you are unsure about the safety of vaccinations, research these using reliable sources, so you are making informed decisions.
  • If you travel, visit your doctor or a travel clinic to learn what vaccinations or other health precautions are recommended for the area you will be travelling to. This not only helps to keep you healthy, but prevents the transfer of diseases from one part of the world to another.

Get regular checkups and screenings

  • See your health-care provider regularly for annual check-ups and to get screened for health issues, especially cancer.
  • If you do not have a health-care provider, look for free health screenings or clinics in your area and take advantage of these services.

Use available health benefits

  • Find out what health coverage you and/or your family are eligible for through any programs related to your status in the country in which you live.
  • For example, you may be eligible for federal health benefits, or as a college student, you may be eligible for student benefits. Take advantage of these benefits to support the physical health, mental health, and well-being of yourself and your family.
  • If you are not eligible for health benefits, or if they are restricted, try to put aside a small amount of money each month so that you have funds available should medicines or treatments be needed.

Pay attention to prescription and over-the-counter medications

  • Be sure to follow instructions carefully for the use of any medications, whether prescribed by a doctor or purchased ‘over the counter’ at a pharmacy.
  • Return unused medications to your local pharmacy (including pet medications).
  • This is a free service that ensures that medications are disposed of properly, and it removes these risk items from a home where children live or visit.

If you are a parent:

  • Learn what illegal drugs your child may be exposed to and have calm but honest conversations with your children about the risks.
  • Check your home for prescription medications that may be accessible to your children. Keep them locked in a safe place.

Take care of your sexual and reproductive health:

  • Avoid the use of illegal drugs, alcohol or other harmful substances.
  • Choose your partners carefully, and learn your partner’s sexual history before becoming intimate.
  • If you are a woman of child-bearing age, take care of your reproductive health by:
    • getting regular medical check-ups and screenings
    • taking steps to eat as healthily as possible
  • If you are pregnant, get regular check-ups to ensure your health and the health of your baby.

Monitor your use of technology! Spending too much time in front of a computer or on smartphone can lead to increased stress, reduced physical activity and lack of time for social activities or personal hobbies.

  • Many devices allow you to track the number of hours of ‘screen time’ so make use of this or track your own use. Commit to getting away from your devices for periods of time each day to enjoy being outside, pursuing a hobby or spending quality time with family or friends.
  • Consider implementing a ‘no devices’ time at home, such as when eating meals or within an hour of bedtime (the light that comes from a smartphone or tablet can interrupt your sleep patterns!)
  • If you have access to your work emails or files from home, commit to ending your workday at a reasonable time; distinguish between work and personal time and don’t check work emails in your personal time or days off.
  • Turn off notifications for any app or platform if it is not critical for you to get the information quickly (such as Facebook, Instagram, news apps, etc.). This not only protects you from constant distractions, but it can also reduce your stress level since you are not constantly bombarded with information.

Get rid of the chemicals

  • Where possible, use non-hazardous products to control pests, or other problems in your home. Look for ‘green’ alternatives or ‘home remedies’ that can solve the problem.
  • For example, table salt sprinkled on a walkway will kill weeds without harming pets or friendly insects. There is no need for a chemical-based product.
  • Dispose of household hazardous wastes and medications properly to keep them out of our landfills and water supplies.
  • Look for a household hazardous waste depot in the area where you live and drop off leftover paint, oil, etc.

Support organizations and charities that promote health and well-being:

  • Donate to or volunteer for a non-profit organization that has a positive impact on the health of others. This could be anything from a to a charity that raises funds for mobile health units that travel to remote areas of poorer countries, to a social hub for teens to keep them off the streets to local groups that distribute clean needles to those struggling with addictions. There are many options; choose one that resonates with you.

Vote:

  • Take advantage of your right to vote and elect leaders who support issues such as free universal health care and expanded medical services.

Find a Goal 3 charity you want to support. Any donation, big or small, can make a difference!

Key Targets for SDG 3

  • 3.1 By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
  • 3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
  • 3.3 By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
  • 3.4 By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
  • 3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
  • 3.6 By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
  • 3.7 By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.
  • 3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
  • 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
Two people jogging in a park in fall. Photo by Maksim Goncharenok, Pexels license

Assignment/Homework:

Activity #1: Finding Balance

Good health and well-being d often achieved when we keep a good balance between our work, school and personal lives. Often, these different areas compete for our attention and time. Create a list of strategies, tips or ideas that you use or could use to create or keep this balance. 

Activity #2: Managing Stress

Unmanaged stress can be overwhelming, with people often turning to alcohol, drugs, or other vices as a coping mechanism. High stress can also lead to physical or mental illness and even disease. 

Many schools, workplaces and communities offer free or low-cost ways to help manage stress. Research what is available at your school, workplace and in your community and compile a list of options that could help you or someone you care for to manage their stress.

You can read more about Goal #3 in The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 from the UN.:

For instructors, please visit York University’s The SDGs-in-the-Classroom Toolkit for lesson ideas

Attribution & References

Except where otherwise noted, this page is created by Virginia McHardy, CC BY-NC 4.0

References

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). Goal 3 [Infographic]. Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal3

  1. 1. effective, 2. eliminate, 3. immunization, 4. malaria, 5. mortality, 6. neglect, 7. preventable, 8. surge, 9. treatment, 10. tropical disease ↵
  2. 1. a, 2. True, 3. True, 4. b, 5. c, 6. Blank a - neglect, Blank b - preventable, 7. Blank a - treatment, Blank b - eliminate, Blank c - mortality. ↵
  3. 1. True, 2. b, 3. True, 4. a) 2020, b) 100,000 c) 2019. 5. front-line ↵
definition

License

DRAFT: SDGs for EAP Learners Copyright © by Donna Naylor and Virginia McHardy. All Rights Reserved.

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