Non-communicable Disease Crisis Research Articles

Effects of air pollution on global health: evidence from the global burden of disease study in the BRICS countries.

Considering the dynamic influence of environmental, social, economic, and political factors in the emergence and growth of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) over the years and pre-existing differences, the adverse effects of air pollution on the health and well-being of the people have remained major areas of academic inquiry and policy interventions. The present study examines the global trend of deaths and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) attributable to air pollution with particular reference to the BRICS countries for the period 1990 to 2019. This study has used the global burden of disease estimates by using different rounds of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study report published by the Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation. This study has calculated the cause of death and DALYs due to environmental risk factors (i.e. Air pollution). Data analysis has been done by using the standard formula for the calculation of death (mortality) rate and DALYs rate. Similarly, we calculated the age and gender-wise death and DALYs rate by using the appropriate numerator and denominator. The study discovered a significant shift in disease patterns over this period, as communicable diseases like respiratory infections and tuberculosis were replaced by non-communicable diseases such as ischemic heart disease (17.2 million), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14.59 million), and stroke (17.02 million) as the primary causes of air pollution-related deaths in 2019 at the global level. Additionally, the study identified a worrying increase in deaths linked to neonatal disorders and respiratory infections caused by ambient particulate matter pollution in South Africa, India, and Brazil. The impact of air pollution on public health is evident across different age groups and genders, with people aged 50-69 years, those aged 70 and above, and children under 5 years being more vulnerable. Furthermore, the male population is disproportionately affected by communicable and noncommunicable diseases caused by air pollution. The study highlights the need for policymakers to implement evidence-based interventions to tackle this global health problem. The interventions should aim to reduce the emerging crisis of non-communicable diseases related to air pollution, particularly among vulnerable age groups and the male population, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

The influence of food tax on island places

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the primary cause of premature mortality in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), as well as in numerous other jurisdictions worldwide. The Pacific region has declared an NCD crisis and has recommended the implementation of food taxation policies to address the dietary risk factors associated with these diseases. However, the progress in this regard remains uncertain.The review focused on food taxation policies, including excise taxes and tariffs, that were implemented between 2000 and 2020 in 22 PICTs. The key characteristics of these policies were examined. The search for relevant information was conducted using databases, government legal repositories, and broad-based search engines. The identified documents for screening included legislation, reports, academic literature, news articles, and grey literature. Additionally, key informants from each PICT were contacted to gather further data and validate the findings. The results were analyzed through narrative synthesis. Out of the 22 PICTs included in the study, 14 had implemented food taxation policies, and 5 had introduced excise taxes. Processed foods, sugar, and salt were the primary targets of these excise taxes. A total of 84 changes in food taxation policies were identified across all food groups. Among these changes, a total of 279 taxes were identified based on food groups, with 85% being tariffs and 15% being excise taxes. The individual tax rates varied significantly. The most common tax design was ad valorem, followed by volumetric.

Food tax policies in Pacific Island Countries and Territories: systematic policy review.

To systematically identify and review food taxation policy changes in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Food taxation polices, regarding excise taxes and tariffs applied from 2000 to 2020 in twenty-two PICTs, and their key characteristics were reviewed. The search was conducted using databases, government legal repositories and broad-based search engines. Identified documents for screening included legislation, reports, academic literature, news articles and grey literature. Key informants were contacted from each PICT to retrieve further data and confirm results. Results were analysed by narrative synthesis. Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of premature death in PICTs and in many jurisdictions globally. An NCD crisis has been declared in the Pacific, and food taxation policy has been recommended to address the dietary risk factors associated with. Progress is unclear. Of the twenty-two PICTs included in the study, fourteen had food taxation policies and five introduced excise taxes. Processed foods, sugar and salt were the main target of excise taxes. A total of eighty-four food taxation policy changes were identified across all food groups. There was a total of 279 taxes identified by food group, of which 85 % were tariffs and 15 % were excise taxes. Individual tax rates varied substantially. The predominant tax design was ad valorem, and this was followed by volumetric. A quarter of PICTs have introduced food excise taxes from 2000 to 2020. Further excise taxes, specifically tiered or nutrient-specific designs, could be introduced and more systematically applied to a broader range of unhealthy foods.

Financing of Healthcare in Malaysia: Change or Business as Usual?

Internationally, Malaysia's healthcare system has been considered a major success with universal health coverage considered to have been achieved since the late 1980s. Most of the population is within 10 kilometres of a healthcare facility or services which provide degrees of treatment and care, comparable to many economies of similar level. However, as the country begins making its transition to a high income country, the question is whether the financing for such a system is still fit for purpose, able to meet current challenges and needs (e.g. an ongoing non-communicable disease crisis and mental health), and most importantly, respond to the emerging threats such as another pandemic on the scale of COVID-19 and a growing aging population. What are the possibilities for financing Malaysia's healthcare system to ensure its resilience and sustainability? What could we consider to replace what we have today and not leave vulnerable populations behind? Should we disrupt what we have for the promise of better coverage, quality, and innovation in preventative health, treatment and care? This discussion will present an alternative model for consideration. International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2023 Page: S6

The role of causal ideas in the governance of commercial determinants of health. A qualitative study of tobacco control in the pacific

The consumption of tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed foods and beverages drives the global noncommunicable disease (NCD) crisis in Pacific small island developing states (PSIDS). Addressing the commercial determinants of health (CDoH) requires policy coherence across government sectors; however, entrenched neoliberal ideologies that exhort self-regulation of markets and market actors impede such efforts. This paper aims to explore the roles ideas play in governing CDoH, through the analysis of causal ideas in multisectoral tobacco governance in Fiji and Vanuatu. An explorative, qualitative case study design was applied. Data collection relied primarily on in-depth interviews, of which 70 were conducted between 2018 and 2019. Data analysis was guided by a theory-informed analytical framework. Two causal ideas influence multisectoral tobacco governance in Fiji and Vanuatu. According to the idea of individual responsibility, high smoking prevalence is the consequence of individuals’ unhealthy lifestyle choices; it nominates the Ministry of Health as the responsible actor to solve this issue by providing health education. In contrast, the idea of CDoH argues that harmful commodity industries drive the NCD epidemic, and the sectors that regulate these private actors should be kept in closer check to ensure that their policies are aligned with the objectives of public health. In Fiji and Vanuatu, the non-health government agencies are effectively excused from implementing multisectoral tobacco policies because the dominant idea of individual responsibility relieves them of any responsibility. The wider adoption of the idea of CDoH is needed in PSIDS to tackle the NCD crisis.

Opportunistic non-communicable diseases in times of COVID-19.

We previously proposed the term 'opportunistic non-communicable diseases (NCDs)' to raise awareness of how NCDs thrive in societies with inadequate healthcare services. However, we did not anticipate that within the next year the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) would sweep the globe. Lockdowns became the primary strategy for mitigation in most countries. However, the extensive restrictions and allocation of resources towards the containment of the pandemic have likely served as a catalyst of NCDs, especially in populations, societies and individuals already at high risk. We are presenting evidence to qualify two primary factors responsible for the potential impact on the development of NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first is disrupted healthcare services including avoidance and postponement of healthcare visits. The second is effects of changing lifestyle and living conditions including isolation, loss of job and income. The accumulated effect of these factors will likely further accelerate the development of NCDs and impair their management, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Insufficient vaccination coverage due to inequality in vaccine distribution and vaccine hesitancy left room for the incubation of immune-evasive variants that threatened to sustain or reinitiate the pandemic. We believe the concept of opportunistic NCDs and the potential catalytic effect that pandemics may have on the development of NCDs and their management, should be used as further arguments to secure equal vaccine distribution, promote global vaccine acceptance and to speed up and increase investments in primary health care in low- and middle-income countries to cope with the already existing NCD crisis and to prepare for future epidemics.

Assessing the progress on the implementation of policy and legislation actions to address the Non-Communicable Diseases crisis in the Pacific.

AimTo assess the progress on the implementation of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) related policies and legislations in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs).Materials and methodsThe Pacific Monitoring Alliance for NCD Action (MANA) Dashboard was used to assess the progress on the implementation. The MANA Dashboard includes 31 indicators across four different domains such as leadership and governance; preventative policies and legislations; health system response programs; and monitoring This progress assessment was conducted between 2019 and 2020 for all 21 PICTs. The data were analyzed and compared with the baseline status (2018) report and presented across four different domains of the MANA dashboard.ResultsThis progress assessment found that PICTs overall have made advancements in a number of areas, particularly the establishment of a national multi-sectoral NCD taskforce; implementation of referenced approaches to restrict trans-fat in the food supply in national documents; and fiscal measures to affect access and availability to less healthy foods and drinks. However, the strengths of actions varied across PICTs, and most are categorised as low strengths. Measures which had the most limited progress in implementation include policy and legislation that restrict alcohol advertising; tobacco industry interference; marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children; and marketing for breast milk substitutes.ConclusionsThis progress assessment further highlights that while PICTs continue to make progress, NCD policy and legislation gaps still exist, both in terms of weaknesses of existing measures and areas that have had little attention to-date. These require urgent actions to scale up NCD related policies and legislation at regional and national level.

Scaling-up food policies in the Pacific Islands: protocol for policy engagement and mixed methods evaluation of intervention implementation

BackgroundThere is a crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Pacific Islands, and poor diets are a major contributor. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis will likely further exacerbate the burden on food systems. Pacific Island leaders have adopted a range of food policies and regulations to improve diets. This includes taxes and regulations on compositional standards for salt and sugar in foods or school food policies. Despite increasing evidence for the effectiveness of such policies globally, there is a lack of local context-specific evidence about how to implement them effectively in the Pacific.MethodsOur 5-year collaborative project will test the feasibility and effectiveness of policy interventions to reduce salt and sugar consumption in Fiji and Samoa, and examine factors that support sustained implementation. We will engage government agencies and civil society in Fiji and Samoa, to support the design, implementation and monitoring of evidence-informed interventions. Specific objectives are to: (1) conduct policy landscape analysis to understand potential opportunities and challenges to strengthen policies for prevention of diet-related NCDs in Fiji and Samoa; (2) conduct repeat cross sectional surveys to measure dietary intake, food sources and diet-related biomarkers; (3) use Systems Thinking in Community Knowledge Exchange (STICKE) to strengthen implementation of policies to reduce salt and sugar consumption; (4) evaluate the impact, process and cost effectiveness of implementing these policies. Quantitative and qualitative data on outcomes and process will be analysed to assess impact and support scale-up of future interventions.DiscussionThe project will provide new evidence to support policy making, as well as developing a low-cost, high-tech, sustainable, scalable system for monitoring food consumption, the food supply and health-related outcomes.

Earth Dreams: Reimagining ARPA for Health of People, Places and Planet.

Bold new approaches are urgently needed to overcome global health challenges. The proposed Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is intended to provide rapid health breakthroughs. While new technologies for earlier disease detection and more effective treatment are critical, we urge equal attention be given to the wider (physical, emotional, social, political, and economic) environmental ecosystems driving the non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis in the first place. This requires an integrated, cross-sectoral vision that spans the interwoven connections affecting health across the scales of people, places, and planet. This wider “exposome” perspective considers biopsychosocial factors that promote resilience and reduce vulnerabilities of individuals and communities over time—the many variables driving health disparities. Since life course health is strongly determined by early life environments, early interventions should be prioritized as a matter of effectiveness and social justice. Here, we explore the origins of the Advanced Research Project Agency and point to its potential to build integrated solutions, with wisdom and ethical value systems as a compass. Since the planned ARPA-H is anticipated to spawn international collaborations, the imagined concept is of relevance to a broad audience of researchers. With appropriate input, the quest for health equity through personalized, precision medicine while deconstructing unacceptable structural inequities may be accelerated.

A Qualitative Analysis of UK Wetland Visitor Centres as a Health Resource.

The health benefits associated with spending time in natural environments have been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and restrictions to safeguard public health have exacerbated the pre-existing mental health crisis and rise of non-communicable diseases. Thus, the importance of nature as a health resource has been elevated, hastening calls for a better understanding of how health benefits might differ across user groups and nature provisions. In this regard, urban green spaces have become the greatest research focus; however, blue spaces, especially inland freshwater (e.g., wetlands), remain less studied. First-hand user experiences are also under-represented. This exploratory study examines the motivations and benefits of active wetland centre users in the UK, both during and after visits. Responses to three open-ended questions were collated online from 385 participants, and a qualitative content analysis was conducted based on an existing taxonomy from users of urban green spaces. The results showed strong motivations to visit due to the biodiversity at the site (mainly the birdlife), while less tangible nature (e.g., fresh air) and amenities were also important. In contrast to other studies on natural environments, physical activity was a less influential motivation. Salient derived effects included positive and intensely positive emotions, relaxation and mental restoration. After visits to wetland centres, feelings of vitality and satisfaction were the most prominent effects that emerged. For decision-makers looking to leverage inland blue spaces for public health benefit, our results highlight the broad range and relative prominence of the reasons for use and the associated perceived health benefits derived by users of UK wetland centres. They highlight how biodiversity, abiotic nature and good amenities are important qualities to consider when planning, managing and encouraging people to use natural environments for health benefit, qualities that may also provide important environmental co-benefits.

Countering the obesity and non-communicable diseases epidemic in the Pacific region: a critical policy review

BackgroundPacific countries are facing an obesity and non-communicable diseases epidemic, and increased susceptibility to the effects of climate change. Studies attribute this epidemic to low-quality diets, and solutions are usually focused on changing eating patterns. There is a growing appreciation of the role of the global food system in contributing to the epidemic and in the fight against climate change. MethodIn this critical policy review, we reviewed policy documents and peer-reviewed research relating to the food systems in the Pacific region with a focus on two locations, Fiji and Auckland, New Zealand. We used the three pillars of sustainability—economic, environmental, and social—as a framework for analysis. Crucially, indigenous knowledge, in the form of Māori principles of guardianship of the environment (Kaitiakitanga) and the Pacific concept of healthy spaces (Vā), informed the discussion. FindingsFrom our analysis, we found the non-communicable disease crisis in the Pacific region to be symptomatic of global food and economic systems that concentrate on consumption. Underdeveloped infrastructure and an absence of incentives and investment are eroding local agriculture and Pacific food security. This negative situation is counter to indigenous values, which are protective of the natural order. Addressing non-communicable diseases is still largely viewed by health services as a behavioural issue to be addressed through health promotion with a focus on lifestyle changes rather than broader systemic change, addressing determinants of health, and rethinking of societal values. InterpretationPolicy in the Pacific region needs to urgently and overtly adopt multisectoral approaches integrating those that address food production, trade, climate change and sustainability, and health interventions. Governments must assume more proactive leadership in creating sustainable food environments, signifying a clear shift from individualistic behavioural approaches to systemic change. Pacific communities are changing, becoming more mobile, urbanised, with greater access to education, and digital connectivity. With a youthful demographic and rich indigenous traditions, there are strong opportunities for collaboration and innovation to develop and maintain Pacific sustainable and healthy food systems that are relevant to local communities. FundingNew Zealand Ministry of Finance, Aid and Trade (MFAT), Wellington, and Auckland University of Technology.

A narrative review of noncommunicable diseases in the Pacific region: A case study of the island of Niue

INTRODUCTION This literature review takes a strengths-based approach to explore and contextualise noncommunicable diseases in the Pacific region. It compares the noncommunicable disease profile of Niue to that of the Pacific region. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was used to search for and screen literature published from 2010 to 2020 pertaining to noncommunicable diseases in the Pacific region. Twenty-five pieces of literature were included in the final data synthesis. RESULTS Noncommunicable diseases are a burgeoning issue for the Pacific region. The literature revealed that the risk factors arise from a complex set of socio-political and historical factors, including poverty, colonisation, globalisation, urbanisation, climate change, and poor health system infrastructure. The literature indicated that the noncommunicable disease trends of Niue do not differ greatly from those of the Pacific region. Where Niue does differ is in factors related to its relationship with Aotearoa New Zealand, and issues related to outmigration and the subsequently small population size. CONCLUSION This literature review was conducted in a way that endeavoured to avoid victim-blaming, by drawing attention to the broader social, political, and historical contexts in which the Pacific exists. Solutions to the noncommunicable disease crisis must take these contexts into consideration and focus on supporting local capacity and self-determination.

Plant-based diet: A solution to the sustainability of life and environment

The entirety of food and drink that an individual continually expends is called a diet. Proper nutrition – a sufficient, all-around offset diet with regular physical activity, frames the establishment for good health. The majority of the currently prevalent dietary recommendations are based on the health benefits of different individual food products. With the rising concern regarding climate change and evidence highlighting the influence of our nutritional practices on the environment, the time has come to redefine the dietary guidelines and recommendations considering the environmental impact of diet along with the health benefits. Studies have been reliably consistent with demonstrating that an equicaloric diet rich in plant-based products and lower in animal products is beneficial to health and put a lesser burden on the earth. There are five Sustainable Developmental Goals that can be linked with our dietary practices (no poverty, no hunger, good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, and climate change). A plant-based diet is a suitable solution to the current crisis of noncommunicable diseases and climate change. Moving on to such a dietary practice would require immense changes in the currently prevalent food system with an emphasis on better production and waste management strategies along with improvement in food delivery and consumption practices worldwide. This article brings insight regarding the benefits of a plant-based diet and the need to address the ecological impact of animal-based foods.

Proactive prevention: Act now to disrupt the impending non-communicable disease crisis in low-burden populations.

Non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention efforts have traditionally targeted high-risk and high-burden populations. We propose an alteration in prevention efforts to also include emphasis and focus on low-risk populations, predominantly younger individuals and low-prevalence populations. We refer to this approach as “proactive prevention.” This emphasis is based on the priority to put in place policies, programs, and infrastructure that can disrupt the epidemiological transition to develop NCDs among these groups, thereby averting future NCD crises. Proactive prevention strategies can be classified, and their implementation prioritized, based on a 2-dimensional assessment: impact and feasibility. Thus, potential interventions can be categorized into a 2-by-2 matrix: high impact/high feasibility, high impact/low feasibility, low impact/high feasibility, and low impact/low feasibility. We propose that high impact/high feasibility interventions are ready to be implemented (act), while high impact/low feasibility interventions require efforts to foster buy-in first. Low impact/high feasibility interventions need to be changed to improve their impact while low impact/low feasibility might be best re-designed in the context of limited resources. Using this framework, policy makers, public health experts, and other stakeholders can more effectively prioritize and leverage limited resources in an effort to slow or prevent the evolving global NCD crisis.

Maternal health and non-communicable disease prevention: An investment case for the post COVID-19 world and need for better health economic data.

An integrated approach to population health, disease surveillance, and preventive care will dominate the health agenda in the post COVID‐19 world. Because of their huge burden and the vulnerability imposed during a health crisis, prevention and care of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) will need to be prioritized even further. Maternal and child health are inextricably linked with NCDs and their risk factors. The intergenerational impact of poor maternal nutrition and health conditions during pregnancy, particularly NCD‐related pregnancy complications, can be considered as a multiplier of the ongoing pandemic of NCDs. The economic cost of poor maternal health and NCD‐related pregnancy complications is likely very high, but is not adequately researched or documented in the context of long‐term population health. Interventions to address NCDs in pregnancy have beneficial effects on short‐term pregnancy outcomes; but even more importantly, identifying “at‐risk” mothers and offspring opens up the opportunity for targeted early preventive action. Preventive actions to address obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases have a common lifestyle approach—identifying any one of these problems in pregnancy provides an opportunity to address them all. Cost–benefit analyses that only focus on the short‐term and on one condition do not capture the full value of downstream, long‐term benefits for population health. This requires urgent attention from FIGO.

Our people, our food, our planet

Video link: Our people, our food, our planet: Sustainable food systems policy in the Pacific
 Pacific Island Countries and Territories are facing a health crisis with non communicable diseases (NCDs) currently accounting for more than 80% of deaths. In the 21st century, advances in health intervention and policy render this figure unacceptable. Multiple risk factors contribute to the NCD crisis; a leading driver being obesity due to changing dietary practices arising from the global food system. A system which is dominated by processed foods high in starch and sugars. This situation is compounded by changes in the natural and built environments relating to climate change. Tackling this issue is beyond the sole domain of public health and is, therefore, more suited to a planetary health approach. This paper applies a sustainable food systems approach to analysing NCD policy developments in the Pacific region. In particular, three domains of policy which impact diets in the Pacific are examined: food production, climate change and sustainability, and trade. It is argued that countering the NCD crisis demands a global multisectoral approach, with governments leading the way, to develop integrated policy and interventions that will secure the future wellbeing and protection of our people, our food, our planet.

Increasing the public health voice in global decision-making on nutrition labelling

To respond to the global noncommunicable disease (NCD) crisis, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), a multilateral United Nations body responsible for work on food standards, is developing global guidance for front of pack (FoP) nutrition labelling. Guidance from Codex regarding FoP nutrition labelling at the global level will almost certainly influence national policy making. This shift in Codex’s activities towards standards to address NCDs presents new risks for achievement of public health goals, as a result of the high level of industry involvement in this forum; there is a potential commercial conflict of interest held by manufacturers of products whose consumption could be discouraged by such guidance. In this Commentary, we examine the implications of Codex processes for developing robust global guidance on FoP nutrition labelling and identify opportunities to increase consideration of public health objectives. To date, there has been significantly higher representation of food industry compared to public health actors in Codex discussions on FoP nutrition labelling. Without a strong public health voice in Codex, the industry voice could dominate discussions on FoP nutrition labelling, such that subsequent global guidance prioritises future trade and profits over potential risks to public health. There is currently a critical window of opportunity for public health interests to be prioritised in this multisectoral international forum. The key public health priority for global guidance on FoP nutrition labelling is to ensure protection of policy space for national governments to implement strong and effective regulation, and allow scope for innovation. Public health actors can engage directly with Codex processes, at both the national and global level, and also need to raise awareness among domestic policy makers – including with Ministries of Agriculture and Industry, which often represent countries at Codex – regarding the importance and effectiveness of FoP labelling in NCD prevention. Increased engagement with Codex processes represents a tangible new opportunity to strengthen global governance for public health, and move towards improved coherence between trade policy and health protection goals.

Novel Coronavirus Pandemic may worsen existing Global Noncommunicable disease crisis

Novel Coronavirus Pandemic may worsen existing Global Noncommunicable disease crisis

A Report of Effective Intervention Strategies Conducted by Non-Health Sectors

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the main leading cause of global mortality. Several causes of NCDs emerge from social and commercial determinants of health. Many of these causes cannot be tackled by the health sector alone. Most of data in this report were collected from the preparatory meeting of the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2019, under the theme 'Political Economy of NCDs: A Whole Society Approach' with the main objective to accelerate implementation of NCDs prevention and control around the world. This paper concluded examples of NCD interventions that were presented at the conference. The article demonstrates how the non-health sectors can take a pivotal role in NCDs prevention. The key non-health sectors include, but are not limited to, the Ministry of Finance, private enterprises, communities and media. Public policies such as taxation on unhealthy commodities like alcohol, tobacco, and sugar sweetened beverages, helps reduce consumption of these products. Company’s voluntary policy to provide a lactation room in the workplace presents a strong vision of balancing company profits and well-being of the employees. Community intervention helps engage all relevant stakeholders to take part in NCDs prevention. The role of media is one of the powerful strategies to raise awareness in the population. These exemplified interventions have established ideas on how multi-sectoral actions are one of the key players that help topple down NCDs crisis in Thailand.

Preventive Medicine for Person, Place, and Planet: Revisiting the Concept of High-Level Wellness in the Planetary Health Paradigm.

Experts in preventive medicine and public health have long-since recognized that health is more than the absence of disease, and that each person in the ‘waiting room’ and beyond manifests the social/political/economic ecosystems that are part of their total lived experience. The term planetary health—denoting the interconnections between the health of person and place at all scales—emerged from the environmental and preventive health movements of the 1970–1980s. Roused by the 2015 Lancet Commission on Planetary Health report, the term has more recently penetrated mainstream academic and medical discourse. Here, we discuss the relevance of planetary health in the era of personalized medicine, gross environmental concerns, and a crisis of non-communicable diseases. We frame our discourse around high-level wellness—a concept of vitality defined by Halbert L. Dunn (1896–1975); high-level wellness was defined as an integrated method of functioning which is oriented toward maximizing the potential of individuals within the total lived environment. Dunn maintained that high-level wellness is also applicable to organizations, communities, nations, and humankind as a whole—stating further that global high-level wellness is a product of the vitality and sustainability of the Earth’s natural systems. He called for a universal philosophy of living. Researchers and healthcare providers who focus on lifestyle and environmental aspects of health—and understand barriers such as authoritarianism and social dominance orientation—are fundamental to maintaining trans-generational vitality at scales of person, place, and planet.