World Health Day

Today is World Health Day and The World Health Organization (WHO) selected "Protecting Health from Environmental Changes" as the theme this year. I personally never considered how our health is impacted by global warming, so I did some reading and this is what I discovered.

- The atmospheric concentration of Carbon Dioxide has increased by more than 30 percent since pre-industrial times. The increase of carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere traps heat thus causing temperatures to rise. As temperatures rise and become more erratic, the number of heat related deaths increase. In 2003 there was a record spike in heat related deaths in Western Europe, 70,000 more people died from heat related deaths than in the previous years.

- Increasing global temperatures affect levels and seasonal patterns of both man-made and natural air-borne particles, such as plant pollen, which can trigger asthma. About 300 million people suffer from asthma, and 255 000 people died of the disease in 2005. Asthma deaths are expected to increase by almost 20% in the next 10 years.

- Rising sea levels are another outcome of global warming. As the sea levels rise coastlines across the world are at risk of flooding. Flooding can cause injury, property damage and illness. Flooding increases and spreads water borne viruses increasing infection.

- Water is a main source of illness in a number of developing countries. Global warming isn't helping either. As the Earth is heating up rain patterns are changing and the lack of fresh, clean water is making people sick. However, there is an organization that is helping bring clean fresh water to developing countries. charity:water is a great organization that is working to build wells throughout Africa. Improving lives and health.

I know these facts can be depressing and a little overwhelming. But the fact is that there are more organization like charity:water that are working to improve health and the environment. 

We can all take small steps toward a more Green lifestyle. Try any one of these things today in honor of World Health Day:

- Change your old light bulbs for energy efficient light bulbs. Track your city or states progress at 18seconds.org

- Buy local, the less miles your food travels the fewer greenhouse gases get released. The food is also fresher and your money is helping your local economy. Check out a Farmers Market in your home town.

- Check out Tree People as they educate children on the importance of the environment. 

- Go to the "Green Guide" for weekly tips, articles, buying guides and a blog dedicated to Green living.