National Public Health Week (April 7-13, 2008) links climate change to our health

From April 7th through April 12th, local public health agencies will be part of a national effort to make people more aware of how changes in our climate directly affects the health of our communities, our families and our children. See the text for a list of events.

Earth, photographed by Apollo 17

As we enter the 21st century, the changes to our climate are accumulating fast. Pollution in our air, water and soils places increasing risks on our immediate and future health. 

For example, warmer summers and higher pollution levels can worsen breathing conditions to those with asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases. This is especially true in major cities where pollution, excess heat and high humidity can combine into deadly conditions for the elderly, the poor, children and persons with chronic conditions.  

During April 7th through the 12th, the four public health agencies in Cuyahoga County (Cuyahoga County Board of Health, City of Cleveland Department of Public Health, City of Lakewood Department of Human Services - Division of Health, Shaker Heights Board of Health) will be observing National Public Health Week with events and promotions to make the public more aware of climate change and our health.

EVENTS

• Displays will be placed throughout the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda beginning April 7.
• "Climate solutions symposium", Oberlin College, Halleck Auditorium on April 18: Speakers list includes Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, Fred Krupp of Environmental Defense, Van Jones of Green for All, and Sadhu Johnston of the City of Chicago. Click this link for more information and to register for the symposium. Go to this link to post questions for the panel on a blog prepared for the symposium.

Here is the event schedule as produced and provided by the Cleveland Department of Public Health.

(Click here for the link to the CDPH website and schedule of events)

Monday, April 7

WHAT:    Press Conference: National Public Health Week, “Climate Change: Our Health in the Balance”

WHEN:   11 a.m., April 7

WHERE: Cleveland Museum of Natural History, outside The Canary Project: Landscape of Climate Change photo exhibit

WHO:     Matt Carroll, Director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health

Bruce Latimer, PhD, Executive Director of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

WHY:     There is a direct connection between climate change and the health of our nation today.  Yet, few Americans are aware of the very real consequences of climate change on the health of our communities, our families, and our children. 

We will announce a weeklong calendar of programs and activities connecting our impact on the planet with the planet’s impact on our health.

Tuesday, April 8

WHAT:    Water & Your World

               Presentations and demonstrations on water quality, “greening” your backyard, and how to make a rainbarrel

WHEN:   11 a.m. – 1 p.m., April 8

WHERE: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda

WHO:     City of Cleveland Office of Sustainability, Cleveland Division of Water, NEORSD, Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District

WHY:     Water is a precious resource we all need to live.  Climate change and extreme weather impact the quality of our water.  Stormwater is the greatest source of water pollution. 

WHAT:    Climate Change Discussion

WHEN:   4 – 6 p.m., April 8

WHERE: Cleveland Marshall School of Law, Moot Court Room

Wednesday, April 9

WHAT:    Green & Healthy at Work, a meeting of the Healthy Cleveland Business Council

WHEN:   8:30 – 10:30 a.m., April 9

WHERE: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

WHO:     Jill Ziegler, Program Manager for Sustainability Initiatives at Forest City Enterprises

Andrew Watterson, Program Director for Sustainability, City of Cleveland Cleveland Metroparks ECO-Committee

WHY:     Most of us spend more awake time at work than anywhere else.  There are simple things each of us can do to make our work environments healthier for our planets and our bodies. 

WHAT:    Be Prepared for an Emergency

WHEN:   11 a.m. – 1 p.m., April 9

WHERE: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda

WHO:     Cleveland Department of Public Health’s Learn. Prepare. Act.         

WHY:     Prepare for climate change-related emergencies by creating “To-Go Kits” and learning about the health impacts of climate change issues facing our community.

Thursday, April 10

WHAT:    Idling Gets You Nowhere

Presentations and demonstrations on air quality and asthma, opportunities for car-sharing, and small steps anyone can take to improve our air

WHEN:   11 a.m. – 1 p.m., April 10

WHERE: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda

WHO:     Cleveland Department of Public Health’s Steps to a Healthier Cleveland, NOACA, City Wheels, Cleveland Clean Air Century Campaign          

WHY:     Idling vehicles waste fuel, cost money, cause air pollution, and contribute to higher rates of asthma and other chronic diseases.

WHAT:    Young Lungs at Work:  Anti-Idling in School Zones

At dismissal time, students will educate parents about the dangers of idling around their school.

WHEN:   3:45 p.m., April 10

WHERE: Louisa May Alcott School, 10308 Baltic Road, Cleveland

WHO:     Cleveland Department of Public Health’s Steps to a Healthier Cleveland, NOACA, Cleveland Clean Air Century Campaign  

WHY:     Children breathe 50% more air than adults, making them especially vulnerable to the dangers of air pollution.  We estimate that 20% of children in Cleveland have asthma.

Friday, April 11

WHAT:    Grow Food, Not Lawns

Presentations and demonstrations on composting, recycling, and community gardening

WHEN:   11 a.m. – 1 p.m., April 11

WHERE: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda

WHO:     Ohio State University Extension, Cleveland Department of Public Health’s Steps to a Healthier Cleveland, Cleveland Healthy Corner Store Project      

WHY:     In the modern food system, it takes 10 calories of fossil fuels to produce one calorie of food.  You’ll use fewer calories if you grow your own or buy locally. Plus, gardening is great exercise, which actually burns calories in your body!

WHAT:    Real Low Calorie Diet, Documentary

WHEN:   3:30 p.m., April 11

WHERE: Talkies Film & Coffee Bar, 2521 Market Avenue, Cleveland

WHO:     New Agrarian Center, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition

WHY:     This documentary chronicles the “growing” local food movement in Northeast Ohio.

* one-year anniversary party for Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition immediately following film (5 p.m.) at Great Lakes Brewing Company