Targeting the Seven Dimensions of Wellness and More

Over the years, when it came to envisioning what jannahudson.com would focus on, it seemed I was all over the place. I often pointed my bow - and aimed my arrow at a few different targets... I've attempted a number of different blogs... and beginning with Military Mom's Blog a decade ago in which I was just a "contributor" vs. a founder with a distinct voice, even my individual posts were all over the place. I was often at a loss as to what subject-matter to stick with... for this Blog... for this "Field Journal," I am happy to say that I have found my focus!

My aim will be to discover how the determinants of individual and population health are impacted by sports activities, community centers, festivals, parades, and cultural events. Together we will explore resiliency through recreation!

Having earned my Masters in Public Health M.P.H. in Parks in Recreation, the professors at Indiana University really impressed upon me that "Recreation" IS a determinant of individual and population health. As a newly minted Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), I was unexpectedly happy to see the NRPA Convention re-visit ... and re-enforce this same notion. Our profession matters! It matters to individual health and to that of a local community. Further still, when a community is healthy, that's also good for the local economy as well... but that's another post.

Back to the target of THIS post: As part of the NRPA's 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, the NRPA "envisions a future in which the power of parks and recreation creates inclusive, climate resilient, and thriving communities where everyone can experience belonging, well-being, and joy." They aim to catalyze the power of parks and recreation to "deliver transformative community and environmental benefits by championing the profession to lead through education, advocacy and partnerships." As a member of the NRPA, my goal is to use this blog, my social media platforms and personal/professional connections to promote this mission.

From the NRPA website ""NRPA’s seven dimensions of well-being are adapted from several evidence-based frameworks and aligned with the strengths, assets and opportunities that exist within parks and recreation to advance equity, resilience and health and well-being. The seven interdependent and interconnected dimensions of well-being include: 

• cultural

• economic

• environmental

• intellectual

• mental

• physical

• social.

At the center of these seven dimensions is equity, reflecting a deep commitment to addressing and rectifying legacies of inequity and injustice in our communities..."

From the NRPA Conference in Atlanta GA, 2024 Photo Credit: Janna Hudson

With equity and inclusion at the center, the mission of the NRPA is to promote the role Parks and Recreation plays in contributing to the seven dimensions of individual wellness and population health... this is my mission, too. This is my aim.