By Kathryn Ruscitto, Advisor
This week I had the opportunity to talk to two science experts who I have asked to be part of a panel on restoration of parks and landscapes after two recent hurricanes. The Garden Club I belong to in Florida works to raise money to restore pollinator gardens and native plantings, and we will be sponsoring a panel to help people plan for the future.
The scientists listened and observed and said, be sad for what is lost but move on. Our weather patterns are changing, and what worked in the past needs rethinking. What survived, and what didn’t, and how do you use resources and time to plan for the future.
Sobering but great advice.
Health experts are beginning to look at the issue of changing weather patterns and its impact on health as well. Research suggests more respiratory and cardiac- related chronic conditions, spread of parasites and pathogens, as suggested by increases in tick-borne diseases, West Nile and Dengue, and more foodborne illness, as suggested by the recalls we are experiencing due to outbreaks from food across the country.
For those patients who work outside, the exposure is leading to more risks related to heat and cold. Many clinicians were trained in a period where climate impact on patients was not part of anyone’s curriculum. That has changed.
The American Medical Association in November issued stronger statements on this topic:
“Climate change has adversely affected people’s physical and mental health. Climate- related risks are not distributed equally. The AMA recognizes that minoritized and marginalized populations, children, pregnant people, the elderly, rural communities, and those who are economically disadvantaged will suffer disproportionate harm from climate change.”
The American Hospital Association has developed tools for organizations to look at their behaviors and policies to promote sustainable practices and reduce environmental impacts.
It’s a broad topic that leads us to consider both personal and professional implications. How do I adjust my behaviors and even my investments of time and resources in renewable technology and research.
Sobering issues, but we should focus on what we can do individually to improve our education and actions.
Resources:
Climate Doctors: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bgvMYCMy57w
•AHA Survey on Climate Change: https://
www.aha.org/news/headline/2024-01-24 survey- most-clinicians-support-hospital efforts-address- climate-change
AMA Advocacy on Climate Effects: https:// www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ public-health/advocacy-action-combatting- health-effects-climate-change
Kathryn Ruscitto, Advisor, can be reached at linkedin.com/in/kathrynruscitto or at krusct@gmail.com
