Citations
- National Environmental Health Association [NEHA]. [n.d.]. Definitions of environmental health. Retrieved from https://www.neha.org/about-neha/definitions-environmental-health
- BOOK READING – Friis, R. H. [2018]. Essentials of Environmental Health [3rd Edition]. Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://capella.vitalsource.com/books/9781284166620
- https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/tracking-intro.html
- https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/social-determinants-health
- Remoundou, K., &Koundouri, P. [2009]. Environmental effects on public health: an economic perspective. International journal of environmental research and public health, 6[8], 2160–2178. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6082160
- Institute of Medicine [US] Committee on Assuring the Health of the Public in the 21st Century. The Future of the Public’s Health in the 21st Century. Washington [DC]: National Academies Press [US]; 2002. 2, Understanding Population Health and Its Determinants. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221225/
The World of Environmental Health
INTRODUCTION
In this unit, you will explore an overview of environmental health, and begin to identify the potential risks and hazards that might be present in your own community.
What Is Environmental Health?
TOGGLE DRAWERHIDE FULL INTRODUCTION
According to the National Environmental Health Association [n.d.], environmental health is the branch of public health that focuses on the interrelationships between people and their environment. Environmental health is also the science and practice of how to prevent human injury and illness by identifying and evaluating hazardous agents and other environmental sources.
Why Is It Important?
Environmental health science positively affects human health by demonstrating and communicating how to identify and limit exposure to hazardous agents in the air, water, food, and other basic elements necessary for human life. In a comprehensive public health system, environmental health also advances evidence-based programs and policies that can provide communities with healthier environments.
Environmental Health Starts at Home
Environmental health is profoundly local and starts with each of us. Throughout this course, you will have the opportunity to make real personal contributions to improve and sustain a healthy environment.
Reference
National Environmental Health Association [NEHA]. [n.d.]. Definitions of environmental health. Retrieved from https://www.neha.org/about-neha/definitions-environmental-health
Studies
Required
In addition to your required textbook and library readings, you will be presented with Internet websites throughout the studies in this course, which you are required to use to gather information and build understanding. Do this critically! Examining a website means carefully reading the homepage, and then touring the site and finding pages that relate to the relevant public health issues you are studying. When visiting websites, scan the major topics related the issues you are studying to get an overview. Go to each link from the homepage and read the first page on that topic, digging deeper if you find a specific link that interests you. Take notes and bookmark pages when you find good information.
Introduction to Environmental Health
Read the following resources, which provide an introduction to environmental health, including the broad range of areas covered under this topic.
Getting to Know Your Community and the Environment
Preparation
For your discussions throughout this course, you will be expected to refer to your studies, cite sources, and take some time to consider how the issues being discussed could be impacting you, your family, and your community. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Discussion Participation Scoring Guide to learn how your discussions will be evaluated.
Please answer the following questions and provide at least 2 citations
Initial Discussion Post
Suppose you are a member of a community organization concerned about the impact of the environment on local public health issues. You decide to begin independently investigating the interrelationships between people in your community and their environment.
Refer to the resources and required readings in this unit to address the following:
- List five leading public health issues in your community and explain their connection to the environment.
- Cite your evidence and sources using correct APA style and format.
- Describe the populations most impacted by these issues and give a brief explanation of how they are affected.
- Identify two sources where you can find personal stories of people in your community connected to the five issues you have identified.
- Make it personal: in what way do [or could] these issues impact your own life? What is your response to that impact?
