World Health Day was the subject of Thought For The Day on BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme this week.

The Rev Diana Hall, Rector of St Anne’s in Dunbar, highlighted the date that is set aside to draw attention to what we need to do to keep the planet – and its people – healthy.

“In recent years we’ve faced a catalogue of situations that pose significant threats to health,” said Ms Hall. “Climate change is the biggest global risk in this area, and each year millions of deaths are linked to environmental causes. Covid has devastated families and created systemic pressure on the NHS. And now there’s a cost of living crisis, with a recognised link between poverty and illness.

“There’s a risk that these challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unable to respond. But in the Christian tradition, Jesus recommends a focus that can help us to keep things simple. He says that the most important things we can do are to love God and to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. It’s deceptively simple advice, but it has a whole range of implications, from personal to global.

“Loving ourselves means recognising that self-care really matters. As the old saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty jug. Getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising are part of this. Another part of good self-care actually involves connecting with and serving others. To flourish, humans need to give and receive love.”

The full broadcast can be heard here at the 1:23:26 mark.