General Information

Name	KARTIK
Last Name	BAWA
Nickname	kartik12

Background

Organization	LOYALIST COLLEGE
Professional Title	STUDENT
Bio and Background	I did my senior secondary moreover now I’m pursuing general arts and science diploma in loyalist college.
Why I am a Force for Health® Member...	Because I’m interested in health and want to explore medical field.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	The ways to keep healthy which i will learn from the service learning, I will try to apply these on myself to be healther.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	1) Language Barriers: If English (or the primary language of the country) isn’t your first language, it can be difficult to communicate effectively, both academically and socially. This might affect your confidence in class discussions or writing assignments. 2) Social Isolation: Being away from family and friends can be tough, especially if you’re in a place where it’s difficult to make new connections or find a support system. You might also struggle with feeling “out of place” or disconnected from your peers. 3) Financial Stress: Many international students face financial difficulties, whether it’s due to the high cost of tuition, managing living expenses, or limited work opportunities due to visa restrictions.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	1) Support System: When you’re engaged in promoting health, you’re more likely to build supportive relationships with people who share similar values and goals. This can help combat feelings of isolation, which many international students face. 2) Personal Growth: Engaging with health initiatives can help you grow in your knowledge and skills, whether it’s learning more about public health, building leadership abilities, or simply understanding what makes a community resilient and healthy. 3) Sense of Belonging: Being involved in your community’s health can help you feel more connected and grounded, especially as an international student. It creates bonds and a sense of purpose in a place that may feel new or unfamiliar.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	1) Healthy Lifestyle Promotion: Communities that prioritize fitness, healthy eating, and overall wellness, perhaps through local parks, fitness groups, or farmer’s markets, are fostering an environment that encourages healthy living and disease prevention. 2) Access to Health Services: If your community has good access to quality healthcare services, whether it’s clinics, mental health resources, or public health programs, this is a huge strength. Having a network of healthcare providers can ensure people get the treatment they need when they need it. 3) Environmental Health: If your community is focused on maintaining a clean, green, and safe environment—whether through sustainability practices, pollution reduction, or promoting access to nature—this can significantly improve both physical and mental health.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	1) Poor Nutrition and Food Insecurity: If access to nutritious food is limited, whether due to economic factors or a lack of local grocery stores with healthy options, it can lead to poor diets and health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 2) Lack of Health Education: Without proper education on topics like preventive care, nutrition, and healthy habits, people may not have the knowledge or resources to make healthier choices, which can lead to preventable illnesses. 3) Economic Barriers: Financial struggles can prevent individuals from accessing health insurance, paying for medications, or affording healthy foods or fitness programs. This often leads to delayed or inadequate care, worsening health conditions over time.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	1) Building Social Connections: One of the biggest health factors is having a strong social network. You could help foster a sense of community by organizing events that bring people together, whether it’s through cultural exchanges, social gatherings, or community service projects. Stronger social ties can lead to better mental and emotional well-being. 2) Being a Role Model: Simply leading by example can inspire others to prioritize their health. Whether it’s taking part in a fitness challenge, volunteering, or maintaining healthy habits yourself, people around you may be motivated to make positive changes in their own lives. 3) Volunteering or Interning in Health Organizations: There are likely local organizations that focus on improving health, such as food banks, fitness programs, or health clinics. Volunteering your time or skills with these organizations could directly benefit the community and provide you with a chance to learn and grow in the process.

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words about injustice in healthcare resonate deeply, especially when considering the ongoing health disparities faced by minority communities, particularly African Americans. Personally, the issue of healthcare inequality speaks to the core of human rights—ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has equal access to the care they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

Raising Awareness and Education: I will make it a priority to educate people in my community about the disparities that exist in healthcare, especially those that disproportionately affect African Americans and other minority groups. I will organize or participate in events, workshops, and discussions to inform others about the importance of health equity and how these issues impact individuals and communities.

By committing to these actions, I believe I can help advance Dr. King’s vision for healthcare justice, where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life regardless of their background or circumstances.

kartik12