The ability of a person to succeed in making healthy choices is affected by environmental factors and social determinants, which are conditions in which a person is born, lives, works, and ages.

For example, people can't make healthy food choices when fresh fruits and vegetables aren't available. They can't engage in physical activities if community sidewalks, streets, and parks aren't safe. And they can't succeed in choosing a life of wellness if social factors like socioeconomic status, access to quality health care, racial biases, health literacy, environment, and lifestyle prevent them from making healthy choices.

These Canyon Ranch Institute partners collaborate with us to assess and address policies in government, business, education, and other sectors that create barriers to healthy living:

• LIVESTRONG
• National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Community
• Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
• STOP Obesity Alliance at The George Washington University