While medical school may teach students about how the body works, it often neglects the social, political and cultural factors that determine health and disease. The humanities can help.
People living in the poorest parts of England were at a more than 70% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to those living in more affluent areas.
While there is no guarantee of warding off cognitive decline, encouraging people to be physically, mentally and socially active could potentially keep a significant number of dementia cases at bay.
Native Americans sent to government-funded schools now experience significantly higher rates of mental and physical health problems than those who did not.
Despite claims that lowering speed limits will harm the economy, evidence suggests journey times are hardly affected. And beyond reducing the road toll, there are health and climate benefits, too.
To get more workers to be active, public health messaging must recognize the important role employers can play in creating the conditions for workers to focus on exercise.
As lockdowns ease and those who are double-vaccinated gain extra freedoms, we’re likely to see a greater divide between the rich, who tend to have higher vaccination rates, and the poor.
Spending time in nature is an essential resource for mental wellbeing, but lockdown increased existing inequalities in the way our green spaces are used - and who is able to benefit from them.
The announcement of a new Māori health authority could radically transform health outcomes for Māori, but its success depends on how independent and accountable it will be.
Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne