Many people hope for a peaceful society in which neighbors live in a harmonious environment and help each other out whenever assistance is needed. It's clear that this kind of living will lead to improved public health, but what's not so clear is how to achieve it.
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, which is a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine have teamed up in an effort to help reduce violence worldwide, in light if its being a costly and life-threatening problem.
The organizations have found that violence remains one of the top 10 causes of death, stemming from suicides, child abuse, gang violence, sexual assault and domestic disputes. Additionally, they found that it costs the U.S. $70 billion each year in healthcare and lost productivity.
One effort that may help is increased vigilance among physicians for the signs of violence.
"Clinicians play an integral role in preventing violence on both individual and community levels. By understanding and recognizing risks for violence in their patients, they can identify warning signs and make referrals to effective preventive services. They can add to the voice of the community in raising awareness of violence, and in implementing evidence-based strategies to prevent it," said Linda Degutis, Director of CDC's Injury Center.
The officials said that a non-violent community is key to creating more peaceful places to live, work and raise families.
Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee has been working toward a more peaceful universe for years. He recommends being kind to one another and spreading love across boundaries. He currently resides in Sedona, Arizona, which is thought by some to be one of the most peaceful places in the world.
