Leadership coach, motivational speaker, trainer, and columnist Nigel D. Alston sits down for a conversation about healthy communities, where we are, and how we can improve the health of our communities, especially impoverished minority communities.
Join Andrew Brewer, NWAHEC Instructional Technologist as he has a great discussion with Nigel Alston.
Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Nigel talks about his upbringing and school years and how things are different now than they were back then. Neighborhood schools back then were much more community based and you knew everyone, teachers lived in the neighborhood it was much different than it is now. Communities are more segregated now however the intent was to better integrate the communities. Did the intention pay off the way it was supposed to? Andy and Nigel discuss this topic on the podcast.
Some insights that came out of the discussions on how can we overcome some of these barriers? Housing patterns need to improve, make a conscious effort to step out of your comfort zone, also make spaces and new development open/accessible to everyone.
Our area has highest level of poverty of youth and food desserts. We do not need another study to tell us that. Studies upon studies are great, but we need to hold people accountable by enforcing laws and policies in place to make change. We know better, why don’t we do better?
Moving past the status quo with cooperation and accountability will enhance community collaboration amongst so many great community organizations.
The Pandemic of 2020 has affected everyone. Now is the time to turn things around and build upon change and improvement.
Health disparities is something we already knew existed, but the pandemic brought light to that. George Floyd’s death also brought light to something we already knew existed. We need meaningful action to create change or we will continue to move in this same direction. The Poor People Campaign was cited by Nigel as a group doing a great job.
Faith based community and churches have been the traditional center of the community, however it seems that this is becoming less and less. Inconsistency with the words and actions of the faith based community – the younger community is surely seeing this and it is hard to get past it. Nigel stated that “You can make a huge impact based on what you believe – people believe less in what you say and more in how you say it – If your language/tone aren’t congruent with the words, how can you be believable.”
Nigel’s advice to Healthcare Professionals – “Acknowledge what you hear. People want to be heard and acknowledged – understand the cultural sensitivity. Listen, to what you hear and what you see.”
Some reflections on current day and time. Make sure to “Sink in how you are feeling, and make a decision to make a different approach.” If your body tells you things, and you don’t listen to the intuition and your gut – it may cause hardship for you. Social media these days makes it hard to do this. Always remember what is within your circle of control and how do you manage that.
We appreciate the time Nigel shared with us and all this great reflection on topics of today. Be sure to tune in next time to Healthcare Insights on Facebook or Soundcloud Podcast
Video - https://www.facebook.com/NWAHEC/videos/319460842778647
Podcast on Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/nwahecwebmaster/hi-episode-35-nigel-d-alston
Follow Nigel Alston on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/nigel.d.alston
https://www.instagram.com/nalston1/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelalstonassociates1/
or on the web -
https://about.me/nigeldalston
