BY HILDA SWIRSKY,RN,BScN,MEd Beijing, ChinaBeijing, Chin October 22nd, 2008
Began at George Brown teaching International
Students Family Health
Continued on RNAO’s BOD as Member at Large in Socio-Political
Affairs
Strengthened on CNA’s Environmental Health Reference Group
Continues in clinical practice at Mount Sinai Hospital as an environmental Ambassador and Champion
“Fundamental to life, and attention to the effect of the environment on human health is imperative if we are to attain the goal of health for all.” (Canadian Nurses Association & Canadian Medical Association, 2005)
Our physical environment plays a critical role in the health of individuals and families while at home or work and in their communities
Understand and agree on the importance of balance between the human body and the environment
Yin-yang also symbolizes that balance
Gained valuable environmental insight Increased awareness of International Trade
Agreements on ecosystems Created valuable tools and shared Resources Participated in press releases on Banning
Cosmetic Use of Pesticides and Banning Smoking in Cars with Children under 16
Shared information with peers and communities including about RNAO’s Best Practice Guidelines
Critiqued position statements and policies
CNA’s BOD launched the Environmental Health project toaddress perceived lack of nursing knowledge on environmentalhealth concerns in nursing practice, education, research andPolicy when assessing, correcting, controlling and preventingGoal: to enlighten nurses about environmental legislation,
environmental hazards and factors and their health impacts and make recommendations for reduction and prevention of hazards
A critical determinant of health linking adverse health outcomes with social justice
Evidence identifies disproportionate impact on marginalized, lower income populations
Populations thrive and flourish healthier and happier when they have cleaner air and minimized exposure to toxins and pollutants in their food and environment (CNA, RNAO, 2008).
World-wide confirmed climate change and global warming results from atmospheric changes in the amount of greenhouse gases produced causing changes in usual weather patterns over time and space resulting in temperature changes, altered wind and rainfall patterns (Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: Working Group 1)
Picture from World Health Organization
Wo
Smog, poor indoor and outdoor air quality Clean water Environmental toxins, carcinogens, pollutants and
pesticides Dirty energy Lack of labeling and information on consumer
products and potentially hazardous products No comprehensive strategy for reducing household
and occupational carcinogens No comprehensive community right-to-know
legislation No Comprehensive pandemic planning
Increased incidents of vector, water and food borne illnesses
Increased rates of cancer, asthma, premature deaths, developmental disabilities, birth defects,
Reproductive disorders, hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, respiratory illnesses
Effect of ozone depletion (CNA, RNAO, 2008). Impact of extreme weather events especially on
vulnerable populations Socio-economic environmental refugees
Lobbying all levels of governments for environmental policies and meeting Kyoto targets
Develop a comprehensive, integrated provincial regulatory and publicly accessible database of toxic releases (CNA, ICN, RNAO)
Increase public awareness of the need for cancer prevention Advocate for toxic right-to-know legislation Working with provincial, national and international nursing
associations Forming and participating on Green Teams and working with
Health & Safety Committees Facilitating a behaviour shift to energy conservation and
efficiency, recycle, reuse and reduce Advocating for urban redesign with alternatives to using cars Mentoring students and peers
Position papers and policies Briefing Notes RNAO’s BPGs: Healthy Work Environments Introductory workbooks on Environment and
Health, The Greening of Health Care and Climate Change
Available DVDs and Powerpoint presentations Websites linking Environmental Health
Resources RNAO’s Election Platform 2007, 2008
Smoke free programs Banning cosmetic pesticides campaign Protect, conserve and restore the natural environment effectively,
timely, openly and fairly (Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993)
Create a publicly accessible database of toxic releases (RNAO, CNA, ICN)
Creation of Environmental Health resources website Work with Health and Safety Committees Create environmental newsletter and tips Pandemic planning for impact of extreme weather events
especially on vulnerable populations Work with coalitions Teach the benefit of Air Quality Index Include environmental concerns in critiquing political platforms
“Supporting environmental preservation and restoration and advocating for initiatives that reduce environmentally harmful practices in order to promote health and well-being” Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, CNA,2008)
Educate and role-model greening practices to lead changes beyond the comfort zone
Involvement in specific community environmental health issues and emergency planning
Advocate for policies and practices to improve air quality Work on Green Team: create educational factsheets,
brochures, tips and newsletter, policies and practices Mobilize nurses to lobby all levels of government
advocating for social justice and decreasing health disparities
Identify research gaps
“Let us all remember that privilege means responsibility…as we use our larger opportunities to make our country and the world better and brighter, purer and nobler with each succeeding
year.” Mary Agnes Snively, Oct. 8, 1908
http://ipcc-wg1.ucar.edu/wg1/FAQ/wg1_faq-1.2.html
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/air/climatechange/what.php
www.cna-aiic.ca www.cna-nurses.ca/cna www.rnao.org
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