National Public Health Week April 7-13

GAINESVILLE - Since 1996, the American Public Health Association has organized National Public Health Week and designed campaigns to educate the public, policymakers, and public health professionals about important public health issues.

This year, APHA has chosen to address the issue of climate change. According to APHA, there is a direct connection between climate change and the health of our nation. Yet, few people are aware of how climate change can affect the health of our communities, our families and our children. Climate change may cause extreme weather events and changes in rainfall that increase the risk of death and disease. These effects and impacts will vary by region and location, thus creating different public health issues and challenges. This will also become evident in the vulnerability of different populations.

Children, the elderly, the poor, and those with chronic health conditions are considered to be the most affected by the negative impacts of climate change. Any strategies for dealing with these changes should address their unique needs.

In the Southeast, thunderstorms, hurricanes and other severe weather events are expected to last longer and be more intense. These storms could destroy businesses and homes and result in the loss of jobs for thousands. Many displaced families will lack the resources to help them return to the same standard of living that they were at before a disaster. The economic impact on human life may result in a decline in health status as many people could lose access to healthcare.

The current drought in the Southeast has raised issues regarding water management, governmental guidance and our ability as residents to follow conservation measures. Many types of businesses, such as agricultural and landscaping, have been affected directly by the drought with many struggling to stay in business.

The challenge is to help Americans make choices that are healthy for them, their families, their communities, and the climate. Doing so will help lessen the impact of climate change. Here are some cause and effect issues that we should consider:

* Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

For more information, see www.nphw.org