Report on Jeffrey Bland’s Approach to Health and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Jeffrey Bland, aged 79 and recognized as the “father of functional medicine,” has dedicated his life to understanding disease origins and emphasizing prevention in healthcare. His work aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Bland’s research promotes a healthcare model focused on preventing illness rather than solely treating it.

Background and Contributions

1. In 1991, Bland co-founded the Institute for Functional Medicine, building on research conducted under Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling.
2. He later established the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute, serving as founder and president.
3. His lifelong commitment supports SDG 3 by promoting health through personalized, preventive medicine.

Daily Health Practices Emphasizing SDGs

1. Mindset of Worthiness for Good Health

• Bland begins each day with the belief that he is worthy of good health, fostering mental well-being.
• This practice supports SDG 3 by encouraging positive mental health and well-being.
• Gratitude and mindfulness set a foundation for healthy living.

2. Commitment to Physical Activity

• Bland dedicates at least one hour daily to physical exercise, including run-walking, aerobics, and Pilates.
• He recommends maintaining a health journal to monitor diet, exercise, and sleep habits for optimal health outcomes.
• This routine directly supports SDG 3 by promoting physical health and reducing risks of non-communicable diseases.

3. Nutritional Focus on Colorful Fruits and Vegetables

• Bland emphasizes consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables rich in phytonutrients.
• Phytonutrients contribute to lowering risks of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.
• This dietary approach aligns with SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by promoting sustainable, healthy diets.

4. Daily Relaxation and Mental Health

• He allocates an hour each evening for meditative relaxation, often through recreational reading focused on nature and adventure.
• This practice helps reduce stress and improve mental health, supporting SDG 3.
• He avoids work-related thoughts before sleep to enhance rest quality.

5. Sense of Purpose and Community Impact

• Bland’s work provides him with a strong sense of purpose that transcends personal benefit.
• He emphasizes the importance of contributing to broader systems and communities, reflecting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• His philosophy encourages legacy-building and social responsibility, fostering sustainable development.

Conclusion

Jeffrey Bland’s lifelong dedication to functional medicine and preventive healthcare exemplifies the integration of personal health practices with global Sustainable Development Goals. His emphasis on mental well-being, physical activity, nutrition, relaxation, and purposeful living supports SDG 3 and contributes to healthier, more sustainable communities worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on health, disease prevention, physical activity, nutrition, mental well-being, and longevity, which directly relate to SDG 3.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Emphasis on consuming colorful fruits and vegetables and the importance of phytonutrients aligns with promoting sustainable nutrition and food security.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Encouragement of health journaling and self-monitoring implies education on healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Promotion of daily physical activity and mental relaxation contributes to creating healthier communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving targets on stunted and wasted children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including health and well-being.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.
   • Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (implied through mental well-being emphasis).
   • Indicator related to physical activity levels (implied by daily physical activity commitment).
2. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Indicator 2.2.1: Prevalence of stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age (implied through focus on nutrition and chronic disease prevention).
   • Dietary diversity scores or consumption of fruits and vegetables (implied by emphasis on colorful fruits and vegetables).
3. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which learners acquire knowledge and skills for sustainable development (implied through health journaling and self-monitoring practices).
4. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use (implied through promotion of physical activity and mental relaxation in community settings).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cnbc.com