Essentials of Environmental Health

Essentials of Environmental Health: 

Essentials of Environmental Health Dr. Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D. Public Health Scientist & Consultant All Rights Reserved © 2009, Dr. Deryck D. Pattron

Definition of Environmental Health: 

Definition of Environmental Health Healthy interrelationships between people and the environment

Benefits of Environmental Health: 

Benefits of Environmental Health Improved quality of life Reduces morbidity and mortality Reduced health care costs Reduced impact of social health problem Enhanced economic status Enhanced productivity Enhanced educational and information dissemination A more eco-friendly environment

Definition of Health: 

Definition of Health Health is defined as the complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing and not just the absence of disease

What Determines the Health of 6 Million People in the World?: 

What Determines the Health of 6 Million People in the World? 4 basic determinants of health -biological factors -medical care -lifestyle -environmental

Biological factors: 

Biological factors The effects of genes on the susceptibility to diseases such as Hemophilia Diabetes Mental retardation Eye diseases Alcoholism Lack of resistance to diseases

Medical care: 

Medical care Can medical care we receive throughout life determine our health status? Changing aspects of health care Advancing technology Self-help strategies Early detection Timely diagnosis Effective treatments and management

Lifestyle: 

Lifestyle Is lifestyle and health related? Do we consume high levels of fat, sugar, salt and low fiber in our diets? Is there a relationship between lifestyle and non-communicable diseases?

Environment: 

Environment Influence on health greater than any other determinant of health Effect of environment on morbidity and mortality is approximately 80 % Environmental health practice deals with the relationship between environment and health

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FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE AGAINST DISEASE: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

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Water quality management Human waste disposal Solid and hazardous waste management Vector control Milk sanitation Food quality management Occupation health practice Interstate and international travel sanitation Air pollution control Water pollution control Environmental safety and accident prevention Noise pollution Housing hygiene Radiological health control Recreational sanitation Institutional environmental management Land use management Product safety and consumer protection Environmental planning

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SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST DISEASE: PUBLIC HEALTH AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

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Proper nutrition Good person hygiene practices The body’s reflexes, chemicals and barriers Routine medical and dental check-ups Application of health education strategies Information Education Advocacy Alternatives legislation

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THIRD LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST DISEASE: PUBLIC HEALTH AND PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE

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Phagocytosis-is the primary cellular defense against pathogens Invasion of host cells Inflammation response Reddening of affected area Capillary dilation Leakage of plasma and blood components Increase in body temperature Pain Destruction of pathogen Creation of memory cells Increased response time and efficacy during next pathogenic attack

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Immunity Cellular response to an antigen Two types based on mode of acquisition Active Antibodies generated from the host own body as a result of foreign antigen stimulation Passive Antibodies generated from another host body and transferred to the intended host body

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FOURTH LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST DISEASE: CURATIVE MEDICINE

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Surgical procedures Drug therapy Radiation therapy Laboratory confirmation and diagnosis Corrective therapy

Conclusions: 

Conclusions Health is defined as the complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not just the absence of disease The determinants of health are genetic, medical care, lifestyle and environment The causative agents of disease are physical, chemical and biological Environmental health is concerned with controlling these causative agents and safeguarding the public’s health and wellbeing

References: 

References Lorenz, N. Davis, D.L. 1981. Strategies for Public Health: Promoting Health and Preventing Disease. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Morgan, M.T. 2003. Environmental Health. California: Thomson Learning.