Non-Medical Drivers of Health
Food and Culture
Written by: Aiyanna Mckee, UH Intern Fall 2025
When you think about health, it is common for many to picture doctors, medicine, or even medical procedures to remedy their symptoms. Although going to the doctor regularly is an important part of supporting health status, your health goes far beyond the doctor’s office. Neighborhood location, stress levels, economic status, and access to nutritious foods all contribute to long term well being. These factors are called Non-Medical Drivers of Health and are especially important in a person’s overall wellbeing.
One important health driver is food access and knowledge. For instance, someone may have an idea on what they should eat but are not familiar with how to cook with these ingredients. Houston Food Bank’s Healthy How-To Series provides easy to follow tutorials for snacks and meals. This series is a great introduction to simple, healthy, and culturally relevant recipes. Access to fresh, nutrient dense foods may be hard to come by in a community but are vital to a balanced diet. Fill your plate with ½ fruits and vegetables, ¼ grains, and ¼ lean protein to make sure you are getting a balanced meal. When it comes to your diet, try implementing minor changes little by little to make lasting changes to your lifestyle. Start by setting small, reachable goals like planning one home cooked meal a day and go from there. Additionally, utilizing resources from your local food bank can help. Houston Food Bank offers a wide variety of assistance programs. The Food Finder Map is a guide to help HFB clients access emergency food assistance near them.
Economic, environmental, and mental barriers can also affect a person’s health. The absence of suitable sidewalks, playgrounds, or open areas in neighborhoods can stop people from going on walks, playing, or simply stepping out of the home for fresh air. Over time, constant anxiety of not feeling stable can worsen chronic health conditions, taking a larger toll on a person’s mental health. These challenges can be discouraging and when we factor in economic and environmental barriers to the stress of making dietary changes, it can suddenly feel like too much to bear. In times like these, try to anchor yourself by using a mindful practice like breathing exercises, moments of meditation, or creative expression.
So, what are some immediate steps you can take?
- Be kind to yourself. It is not easy to commit to changing your lifestyle but remember to assure yourself that you deserve to live a happy and healthy life.
- Make the most of what you have. Look for simple recipes that are designed to be cost efficient.
- Create safe spaces. Intentionally seek spaces to get together with supportive family or friends. Cook with each other and hold each other accountable.
- Take a moment. In moments of stress or anxiety, take a breath, and meditate on what is causing the stress. How can you overcome these feelings?
Living a healthy life may feel overwhelming when it seems like your environment is working against you. It’s especially tough to change your eating habits when you’re unsure where to begin. Start small, and make the most of the free resources available in your community. Take back your power! Remember, meaningful and lasting improvements to your quality of life can come from simple, consistent steps.