According to World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 12 million deaths worldwide every year because of avoidable environmental causes. These include air pollution, extreme weather events, poor sanitation, and food and waterborne diseases among others. Collectively, they are considered a climate crisis that affects people’s health and sometimes causes death.
Climate change also causes disasters such as floods and drought resulting in diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis, cholera, malaria, and typhoid fever. Yearly, a total of 829,000 people die from diarrhea caused by poor sanitation and polluted water.
The WHO’s celebration of the World Health Day 2022 on April 7th with the theme "Our Planet, Our Health." encourages all stakeholders globally to do critical actions needed to keep the people and the planet healthy and livable. It also promotes a movement to create societies focused on the welfare of the community.
The WHO urges everyone to take action and inspire others to join the movement - aim for cleaner air, water, and food. We can contribute to this movement by taking the following steps:
- Make Kumainment #6 a habit – Tiyaking malinis at ligtas ang ating pagkain at tubig. Consume only safe and clean water and food to avoid diarrhea and other food- and water-borne diseases. If unsure, boil drinking water for 10-12 minutes. Store food and water in clean and covered storage containers to avoid contamination.
- Wash and cook food properly. Follow food safety protocol when handling and preparing food. Keep utensils, surfaces, and cooking equipment clean. Practice proper handwashing. Use safe water and raw materials. Separate raw from cooked food and cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood to kill disease-causing microorganisms. Keep food at safe temperatures after cooking.
- Keep the air and environment clean. Change to a renewable energy provider if available. Conserve energy and turn off the light and other appliances when not in use. Buy fresh groceries from local producers and avoid highly processed foods and beverages. Avoid using plastic bags as much as possible, use recyclable grocery bags instead.
- Tobacco use is bad for our health and the environment. Quit smoking and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Try walking or biking to work at least once a week. Choose public transportation to lessen your carbon footprint.
It is crucial to keep the people and environment healthy. Take action and inspire others to do the same. By protecting our planet, we can also protect ourselves for a #HealthierTomorrow.
Written by: NO I Janna Alexia Necio and NPC Milagros Federizo
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