Olivia Grace Barnes’ Post

Be Responsible! I have always wondered what will happen to the underserved in each community if we don't have some people advocating for them. It is the same way I see our environment and each policymaker doing their best to make sure it is safe for everyone. I've witnessed firsthand the profound connection between the well-being of our environment and the health of our communities. Sustainability is a lifeline and this goes down to everything that has to do with it. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food that nourishes us are all gifts from an environment that asks for nothing but respect in return. Yet, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where the very practices meant to heal us are inadvertently contributing to the planet's distress. Collaboration is key to getting every action taker on board, I mean we need innovative minds from both healthcare and environmental sciences to forge a path forward. Imagine hospitals or rural health centers powered by renewable energy, medical supplies that get to the patients on time, and a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. Being a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply a concerned citizen, your choices have power. Do not underestimate the ripple effect of each action. Let’s innovate health together. Connect with me for content that inspires and strategies that make a difference. #HealthcareSustainability #EnvironmentalHealth #PublicHealth #contentstrategist #ServiceProviders

The Dangers of Pollution January 23, 2024 by ROBERT A. LEVINE Every society and culture has been guilty of polluting their local areas of work and habitation, with some societies defiling more extensive regions or the world itself. As humanity has advanced scientifically, industrially and technologically, with more goods produced and longer lives, the amount of pollution has increased dramatically. Progress and pollution appear to go hand in hand. It is only recently that small numbers of people have realized the dangers of pollution and how the destruction of the environment and various ecosystems are bad for the planet and ultimately bad for humans. Some of these people have become organized into environmentally friendly groups who are ardently working to save endangered species and ecosystems and preserve the planet. The general public does not seem aware of how pollution and contamination can damage the world and affect them. According to an American Lung Association report in 2022, over a third of United States residents were impacted by unhealthy air. However, this report was issued prior to the extensive Canadian and American wildfires in the spring and summer of 2023 which considerably downgraded air quality in much of America. It was noted that over 63 million Americans faced daily spikes in lethal particle pollution, the most in a decade, with California the hardest hit. Air pollution, like all pollution is rising annually in America and worldwide. Poor air quality is a major factor in the causation of numerous illnesses, both from chemical pollution and wildfire smoke. The common pathway for many of the diseases is an increase in inflammation. While pulmonary, coronary and brain afflictions are most common, virtually every bodily organ can be affected, with rates of cancer also increased. Several decades ago, the term ‘exposome’ was conceived to capture all the compounds to which we are exposed that can affect our health, whether dietary or environmental. Our genomes play a large role in determining our risk of many diseases or causing diseases, and exposomes are also involved. Scientists trying to calculate the impact of exosomes upon us, run blood and urine tests to look for chemicals or their breakdown products formed by the enzymes in our bodies. New chemicals and compounds are constantly being invented and produced by industry, some of which may be harmful or toxic at low levels. In 2017, MIT started a collaborative project, one of roughly two dozen nationwide, labeled the Superfund Research Program (SRP) to learn the effect of carcinogens that originate from toxic sites. These teams study five areas, water, air, systems biology, mutations and genetic susceptibility, examining the environmental impacts of industrial processes. They are searching for contaminants or byproducts that may be carcinogenic. www.robertlevinebooks.com Buy The Uninformed Voter on Amazon or Barnes and Noble P

One story that has stayed with me is from a small community I worked with on the banks of a polluted river. The people there were resilient, but their health was failing. Skin infections were rampant, and children frequently fell sick from waterborne diseases. The women, who were the primary water collectors, were often too weak to work. It was a vicious cycle. We didn’t just bring in doctors, we brought in environmentalists. Together, we restored the river, introduced sustainable waste management, and built a proper filtration system. What happened next? Illnesses dropped. Children went back to school. Women regained their strength and dignity. This wasn’t just an improvement in health, it was an environmental victory. That day changed my perspective forever. We realized that the key to improving health outcomes wasn’t just about providing medical treatment but about healing the environment that sustains us. The village’s poor air quality led to higher rates of asthma and lung infections. Contaminated water caused widespread illness. Unpredictable weather patterns, driven by climate change, led to food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease. Our environment isn't just a backdrop to our lives, it’s the foundation and when that foundation crumbles, so does our health. We need to understand that our health is a mirror of our planet’s health. A polluted environment weakens our bodies, while a thriving environment allows us to flourish. The challenges we face today climate change, deforestation, and industrial pollution aren’t just ecological issues. They’re public health emergencies. As public health professionals, environmentalists, and concerned citizens, it’s time we rise up. We need to advocate for policies that prioritize both environmental sustainability and public health. Clean air, safe drinking water, and climate-resilient agriculture aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities. The next time you step outside and take a deep breath, ask yourself: is this air nourishing me, or is it harming me? #WorldEnvironmentalHealthDay #PlanetAndPeople #PublicHealthMatters #EnvironmentAndHealth #SustainableFuture #HealthyCommunities #ClimateAndHealth

Safe Water for All: A Collective Responsibility for a Healthier Future. I still recall the day I met Ama, a young mother from a village in the Eastern region, who trekked miles to fetch water from a contaminated source 💧 for her family's daily needs. Her weak smile and resigned words, 'This water makes us sick, but what choice do we have?' 💔 still haunt me. I couldn't help but relate to her struggles, having experienced something similar myself. As I continued our conversation, I had to excuse myself to process my emotions. Later, I couldn't help but think about the irony of medical advice to drink 5-6 glasses of water daily, knowing that Ama's only option was polluted water. Would following this advice mean consuming 5-6 glasses of contaminated water? 🤔. The medical doctors are not wrong, in fact, the benefits of water to the human body cannot be overstated 💦. The problem is how we treat our water resources, and the state of the water we take into our bodies. When we drink contaminated water, we ingest harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. These pollutants can cause a range of health issues, from mild gastrointestinal problems to life-threatening diseases like cholera and typhoid fever. The scientific reality is alarming: polluted water can alter the gut microbiome, leading to malabsorption of essential nutrients and impaired immune function 🧬. Chronic consumption can also increase the risk of cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems. Ama's story is a reminder that the fight for clean water is not just a moral imperative, but a matter of public health urgency 🚨. We must prioritize water conservation, protect our sources, and invest in sustainable treatment solutions 💡. Only then can we ensure that the water we drink nourishes our bodies, rather than harming them 🌟. Let's work together to create a future where every glass of water is a step towards health, not harm. #environmentalsustainability #environmentalhealth #accesstosafedrinkingwater

The Liberal National Party (LNP) have committed if they win government, they would establish a comprehensive Public Health Inquiry to investigate the impacts of waste odours on the community. In May 2022, Ipswich City Council unanimously endorsed a Mayoral Minute requesting an urgent public health enquiry of Queensland Health and former Health Minister Yvette D’Ath. This request was declined by Queensland Health, as were my follow up requests to current Health Minister Shannon Fentiman and the Chief Health Officer, Dr John Gerrard. Council felt this request was important to give Ipswich residents peace of mind that these odours are not going to have a long-term and negative impact on their health. While we have seen recent legislative change and legal action from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovations in regard to NuGrow, these court orders cover environmental compliance. The court orders do not cover any type of health inquiry for impacted residents who hold concerns about the lack of investigation into the long-term health impacts of these odours. Residents have reported a range of health impacts from noxious waste odours including rashes, sore eyes and throats, migraines, nausea and respiratory issues. While Queensland Health are aware of these symptoms, they didn’t believe they warranted a public health inquiry. No one wants or should have to live with these symptoms, experiencing them week after week. It’s simply not right. After years of breathing in these odours, it’s time to clear the air. Links: LNP media release: https://loom.ly/PVKQ6kA Announcement from Dept of Environment, Science and Innovation on NuGrow court orders: https://loom.ly/vYSNokY ICC Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee meeting discussing NuGrow court orders and public health inquiry, starts at 57:55 on YouTube: https://loom.ly/YuxyP2Y Ipswich Tribune article: https://loom.ly/W1qTtCE Ipswich News Today article: https://loom.ly/Trbjswg

Imagine a world where your morning jog or your decision to say no to plastic could help heal our planet. That world starts today, on World Health Day. In a time where global health seems more like a collective dream than a reality, we are reminded that the power of change lies within each of us. Every choice we make, from the food we eat to the products we consume, holds the potential to either harm or heal our world. Today, I urge you to look at health not just as a personal goal but as a global mission. Let's rethink our daily habits, pushing ourselves towards actions that promote sustainability, well-being, and compassion. Whether it's by supporting local produce, joining a community clean-up, or even advocating for policies that protect our environment, your actions can lead to a healthier world. As we stand together this World Health Day, let's commit to being champions of change. By uniting our efforts, we can forge a path to a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Your next decision could be the catalyst for global healing. Are you ready to make it? #WorldHealthDay #ActForHealth #SustainableChoices

Ever wondered about the vital link between personal health and environmental well-being? 💡 The connection lies in recognizing the symbiotic relationship between our well-being and the environment. Understanding that caring for our health and the planet goes hand in hand is crucial for positive change. Join us in the conversation with Lindsay Dahl, Chief Impact Officer Ritual, as she shares her exciting journey of realizing the symbiotic relationship between health and the environment. 🎧Listen Now: https://lnkd.in/gdA8Mwtn   #NutraPreneur #NutraPayments #NutraceuticalMerchant #Innovation #HealthAndWellness #SustainableHerbs #Herbalism #EthicalBusiness #NutraceuticalBusiness #SecurePayments #PaymentSolutions #MerchantAccount #SecureTransactions 

Researchers from the University of Oxford are calling for urgent global action to better understand the connection between #AirPollution and #MentalHealth 🧠 Prof. Kamaldeep Bhui CBE, says: "We know air pollution, poor housing, social determinants of illness, and noise pollution, all impact more on the most marginalised populations in whom the rates of mental illness and long-term conditions are highest, adding to premature mortality. "If we can better measure the effects, and understand the mechanisms, we can put in place more effective prevention strategies in the population, as well as provide better care for those with pre-existing conditions." Learn more ahead of #WorldMentalHealthDay 🔽 https://bit.ly/3ZTOPhR

Connection between Environment and Human Health According to a report by the U.S department of Health and Human services: Every year over 12 million people worldwide die as a result of working or living in unhealthy conditions. The goal of 2030 is to reduce human exposure to dangerous pollutants found in food, water, soil, air, and materials used in homes and workplaces. Health issues such as heart disease, respiratory disorders, and certain cancers can be brought on by exposure to environmental pollutants. Low-income individuals are more likely to reside in dirty neighborhoods with contaminated water sources. Additionally, there is an increased risk of pollution-related health issues for children and expectant mothers. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to safeguard and promote good health, it is essential to prioritize various environmental factors that play a crucial role in our overall well-being. Clean air for breathing, maintaining a stable climate, providing access to adequate water supply, ensuring sanitation and hygiene facilities, promoting the safe use of chemicals, protecting individuals from harmful radiation exposure, establishing healthy and secure workplaces, implementing sound agricultural practices, fostering health-supportive cities and well-planned built environments, and preserving natural habitats and biodiversity are all fundamental requirements that contribute in creating a conducive environment for optimal health outcomes. These aspects are interconnected and reinforce each other, forming a comprehensive framework that supports human health and well-being on multiple levels. By addressing these prerequisites systematically and effectively, societies can build resilience against health risks, reduce the burden of diseases, and enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. Emphasizing these environmental considerations not only benefits human health directly but also promotes sustainability, equity, and social justice by creating environments that are safe, inclusive, and supportive of holistic health and wellness. Therefore, recognizing the significance of these environmental determinants and committing to their preservation and enhancement is essential for achieving and maintaining good health outcomes at both individual and population levels. #environment #humanhealth #WEHD #environmentalhealth

I moved out of Southern California in June of 1992... I can attest to the effects of air pollution on my quality of life. Now we are finding that exposure in childhood can cause negative health outcomes later in adult life. Childhood💨 air pollution directly linked to adult lung health; study says- Connection found between early exposure and bronchitic symptoms in adults without previous lung problems The origins of the study date back to 1992 when researchers began investigating the effects of air pollution on groups of children in #California. The first finding was that people with higher #childhood exposures to particle pollution and nitrogen dioxide had a higher likelihood of bronchitic symptoms as an adult. This relationship was strongest for those who had developed asthma and lung problems as children, meaning these people had a vulnerability that continued into adulthood. The second finding was unexpected: a relationship existed between childhood air pollution and adult bronchitic symptoms for people who did not have lung problems as children. This suggests the damage from air pollution in childhood may only manifest in adult life. #earlychildhood #airpollution #lunghealth #asthma #lungdisease #iaq University of Southern California https://lnkd.in/geVRZPA4 Dr. Erika Garcia, Assistant Professor in the Division of Environmental Health, Keck School of Medicine of USC California City of Los Angeles Erlab USA