Contents
Tell me where you live …
The physical environment
The physical environment is a major determinant of health. For a large part of the world’s population, this is the most important factor. For example, in developing countries, 43% of the urban population live in slums, 20% to 50% have no running water, 25% to 60% have no sewer, and often there is no garbage management system1. The hygienic conditions are to match.
Pedestrian quality of your neighborhood In 20 questions, measure the pedestrian quality of your neighborhood. Take the test! |
For the population of developed countries, the main problems are environmental pollution (air, water, soil), transport, quality of housing and public safety. For example, lung disease and heart disease are higher near heavy traffic lanes due to pollution. Some neighborhoods can be dangerous and do not offer an environment that facilitates walking or public transportation. Some dwellings are degraded, damp and cold. And some of the poorest people devote too much of their resources to housing, which increases the consequences of poverty on food, transport, etc.
A home and its location have a significant impact on healthDr Nicolas Steinmetz2, pediatrician working with Dr Gilles Julien in the development of social pediatrics in the community
” The material characteristics of a home – light, noise, space, air quality, humidity, accessibility and safety – have a direct impact on the stress level felt by its inhabitants. The prestige of a neighborhood, its attractiveness, its security, access to transport, social networks, parks and cultural facilities also have a direct impact on the level of stress felt. Negative elements increase stress. The more of them, the higher the stress. This continuous stress results in a sustained increase in the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. In children, this high cortisol causes neurological and genetic damage. In adults, it leads to an increase in chronic diseases and decreases life expectancy. “ |
What you can do
Except for indoor air quality, your physical environment is relatively under your direct control. If a family member smokes, asking them to smoke outside will improve the air quality in the house. In developing countries, an estimated 3 billion people cook with solid fuel, a major source of smoke and pollution. The progress, in this case, is to use a liquid fuel (kerosene or propane gas).
Blog
Discuss it in Christian Lamontagne’s blog: Environment: how do you imagine hell?
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Next determinant: Health services.