A repetitive lifestyle filled with endless scrolling, work, and hanging out has become deeply attached to young people today. In the middle of this fast-paced life, health is often neglected—even though our plans, dreams, and ambitions can easily be disrupted when our bodies and minds are not in good condition.

At the same time, young people today are expected not only to be creative and adaptive, but also to take responsibility for themselves and the environment around them. Interestingly, these two things—personal health and planetary health—are actually connected, even through something as simple as what we eat every day.

Unfortunately, reality is not always that simple. Exposure to unhealthy lifestyles remains high, ranging from mental pressure and instant eating habits to behaviors that may negatively affect long-term health.

This is why World Health Day becomes an important moment—not just to commemorate, but also to apply its values in everyday life.

So, how should young people interpret World Health Day?

Behind World Health Day

Every April 7 is celebrated as World Health Day, marking the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Each year, the celebration highlights a different theme to address the most relevant global health issues.

In 2026, the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science” was chosen to emphasize the importance of collaboration and science-based approaches in protecting health.

This commemoration is not only symbolic, but also serves as momentum to celebrate the power of science and cross-sector collaboration in protecting the health of humans, animals, and the environment. This approach is known as One Health, which highlights how these three dimensions of health are interconnected and inseparable.

This year’s World Health Day campaign was also strengthened by several global forums, including the International Integrated Health Summit organized by the French Government under the G7 Presidency, as well as the WHO Collaborating Centres Global Forum, which brought together hundreds of institutions from dozens of countries. These forums created spaces for discussion, knowledge-sharing, and evidence-based action.

Through this campaign, there is a strong call to continue to “stand with science”—to rely on data, facts, and scientific guidance in protecting health, while rebuilding public trust in science. This message is directed not only toward governments and healthcare workers, but also toward society as a whole.

Amid today’s global challenges, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: health issues can no longer stand alone. They are closely connected to consumption patterns, food systems, and the condition of the environment where we live.

So, What Does This Mean for Young People?

For young people, World Health Day is not only about awareness—it is also about reflection and action.

This moment can be used to reflect on how we take care of ourselves and the environment around us.

Try asking yourself:

• “Over the last three months, what have I done for my health?”
• “And what can I improve moving forward?”

Start with small changes first. Because when we immediately imagine huge transformations, it often feels overwhelming and stops us from starting at all.

Change can happen gradually—for example, by trying a Meatless Monday eating pattern, increasing vegetable and fruit consumption, and adding at least 15 minutes of exercise each day.

Eat More Mindfully, Live More Balanced

Many young people today are beginning to realize that food is not just about feeling full, but also about quality.

Instant and highly processed foods may feel practical, but in the long run they can negatively affect health.

On the other hand, plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and local foods like tempeh and tofu are rich in fiber, vitamins, and other important nutrients. These choices also tend to have a lower environmental impact compared to excessive meat consumption.

In this context, choosing plant-based meals regularly can become a realistic way to start living healthier—without needing to change everything overnight.

Mental Health: The Often-Ignored Issue

Besides physical health, mental health deserves equal attention.

Data from the Indonesia National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (2024) shows that nearly one in four adolescents experiences symptoms of depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, many of them have not sought professional help, which could affect the future health and social development of young generations.

Amid academic pressure, social expectations, and constant digital exposure, protecting mental health is becoming increasingly important.

Simple steps such as reducing screen time or doing a digital detox from social media can help calm the mind. Spending time outdoors, trying new activities, or simply taking breaks from routines can also become effective ways to reduce stress.

Basic habits like getting enough sleep and avoiding staying up late also play a major role in maintaining emotional balance. In addition, understanding yourself—including recognizing stress triggers and how to cope with them—can help build stronger mental resilience.

Diet also contributes to mental health. More balanced nutrition, including increased consumption of plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes, can help maintain stable energy levels and moods.

Health Is Also About the Environment

Lastly, helping to “heal” the environment can begin with simple actions: maintaining cleanliness, planting greenery, and applying the principles of 3R (reuse, reduce, recycle).

Organic waste can be turned into compost, while inorganic waste can be reused or recycled into useful products. When practiced consistently, these habits can contribute to adapting to the worsening climate crisis.

Through these small steps, young people can become agents of change for themselves and their surroundings.

World Health Day reminds young people to continue improving themselves, developing creativity and skills, and supporting all of it with good health.

Because in the end, a productive, creative, and impactful life begins with one thing: a healthy body and mind.

So this year…
what is one small thing you will change to live a healthier life?