Do Something with ME
Every time redistricting hits the news, it’s usually framed as a political issue. Maps flash on the screen, lines move, commentators argue, and most people tune out. It feels distant, technical, and, to some, boring.
But here’s the thing: those “lines on a map” are more than just political theater; they help decide who lives longer, and how well.
If that sounds dramatic, stay with me because it is. Once you see how redistricting shapes health, you can’t unsee it.
Read MoreHealth injustice once called “the most shocking and inhuman” form of inequality. More than half a century later, that truth still shapes our lives—just under different names and systems. From access to healthcare and safe neighborhoods to the policies that determine who lives longer and healthier, the fight for justice is deeply tied to public health.
Reflecting upon Dr. Martin Luther King’s work and legacy including the Poor People’s Campaign, Dr. Michelle Easton invites readers to see voting not as politics, but as a health behavior—one that influences life expectancy, stress, and quality of life. As we honor Dr. King’s legacy, this piece challenges us to stop normalizing health inequities and to recognize civic engagement as a powerful tool for building longer, healthier lives for ourselves and our communities.
Read MoreWhen you hear the word leader, you may picture elected officials, CEOs, or activists on the front lines. Too often, we make leadership sound like something reserved for a special few. But here’s the truth: we are all leaders. Some of us choose to develop and express our leadership skills more often, but every one of us has the capacity to lead—especially when it comes to our own lives.
Read MoreIn Louisiana’s last major election, voter turnout was only 58%—one of the lowest rates in the country. In smaller, local elections, turnout is even lower. On October 11, 2025, New Orleanians will again head to the polls. Some will vote early, some on Election Day—but far too many will sit this election out.
Read MoreI am Dr. Michelle Easton, your Public Health Advocate and friend, and I want to remind you that politics affects how you care for yourself and your family. Let’s discuss how your participation in the political process has a very real and personal impact on your health.
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