IAIA 2013. Fecha límite para el envío de comunicaciones sobre Evaluación del Impacto en Salud (EIS)/Análisis de Impacto en Salud (AIS): lunes 31 de diciembre 2012

Si ya cuenta con una amplia experiencia profesional en el campo de la EIS, si acaba de realizar su primera EIS o si es estudiante de salud pública que investiga en este campo, IAIA 2013 le invita a enviar sus propuestas al congreso.

Los temas clave del congreso son (sin excluir otras propuestas): “Reflejando la variedad de prácticas en la EIS” y “Viejos temas y nuevas aplicaciones”. Si busca un espacio en el que debatir sobre sus experiencias e ideas con otros profesionales que trabajan en este campo, este congreso es para usted.

Sesión 1.  “Reflejando la variedad de prácticas en la EIS”, se analizará la diversidad existente en la práctica de la EIS y cómo se está aplicando en todo el mundo.

Sesión 2. “Viejos temas y nuevas aplicaciones”, se analizarán nuevos enfoques para abordar temas clave como la equidad, la eficacia, el cambio climático, las evaluaciones de impacto integradas y las EIS estratégicas/aplicadas a políticas.

 Su comunicación no tiene por qué remitirla necesariamente a las sesiones específicas de EIS, también puede presentarlas en sesiones centradas en evaluación de impacto ambiental o impacto social si lo desea. Además, también puede elegir entre otros muchos otros temas de interés como el cambio climático, las energías alternativas o  la evaluación de impacto social, entre otros.

Puede visitar la Web del congreso IAIA13 en: http://bit.ly/ViOA4K. Para el envío de comunicaciones o posters: http://bit.ly/YKDdZU

Programa provisional disponible en: http://bit.ly/YuVY. En este enlace podrá acceder además a más información sobre los eventos y actividades del congreso. Información sobre EIS en las páginas  12 y 31, y en la 26 sobre el curso avanzado en EIS que se ofrece en jornada pre-congreso.

Si necesita ayuda para el envío de comunicaciones o desea discutir su propuesta póngase en contacto con Francesca VILIANI francescav@internationalsos.com o Ben Harris-Roxas b.harrisroxas@gmail.com

 

My Fit Foods

I wanted to share with you a food shortcut that I've used in the past that really works well when you don't have time to cook, but want to eat healthy.  I typically like to cook our meals, but this is another option.  My Fit Foods is pre-cooked, fresh, refrigerated packaged meals that you just heat up for a couple minutes and they are ready to eat.  A while back, we bought enough meals for our family for several lunches and dinners.  I buy the small, but the large would be about enough for two meals for me.  Normally, I might just buy a couple a week to take to work for lunch so I don't have to go out or bring leftovers.

One of my favorite meals is the Atlantic Baked Salmon with quinoa and broccoli.  But I also really like the salmon cakes, chicken wrap, and chili.  They have breakfasts too and tons of choices.

The nutrition information is provided on each package, like this for my salmon:

All of the meals are based on a  40% low glycemic carbohydrates, 40% lean protein, and 20% healthy fat.  

I know My Fit Foods is in Texas and opening a location in Phoenix too.  I'm wondering if there's something similar where you live, and if so, have you tried it?  What do you think?  I remember before I tried it, the thought of pre-packaged foods sounded pretty bad, but they are actually good and you can't beat the convenience.   p.s.  I'm not being compensation by MFF for this post- I just wanted to share:)

Conférence IAIA 2013: envoyez votre proposition de communication jusqu’au lundi 31 décembre 2012

Evaluateur expérimenté, debutant ayant terminé sa première EIS ou étudiant en santé publique conduisant des recherches en matière d’EIS: la Conférence IAIA 2013 vous sollicite pour des communications en matière d’EIS, quelque soit votre statut et sur toute thématique.

 

Les thèmes centraux de cette année, sans que vous vous sentiez limités par ceux-là, sont: “Réfléter l’éventail de la pratique de l’EIS” et “Vieilles questions, nouvelles applications”.

Si vous souhaitez discuter vos idées ou vos experiences avec des collègues-praticiens en matière d’EIS, cette conference est pour vous.

La session de presentations n°1 “Réfléter l’éventail de la pratique de l’EIS” va explorer la diversité des pratiques de l’EIS et la manière suivant laquelle l’EIS est utilisée à travers le monde.

La session de presentations n°2 “Vieilles questions, nouvelles applications”, va examiner les nouvelles approches pour traiter des problématiques bien connues telles que l’équite, l’efficacité, le changement climatique, les évaluations intégrées et les EIS sur les politiques et les strategies.

Vous n’êtes bien entendu pas obligés de proposer une présentation spécifique pour les sessions consacrées à l’EIS. Vous pouvez tout aussi bien proposer des présentations orientées sur le theme de la santé dans les sessions réservées à l’étude d’impact sur l’environnement ou l’étude d’impact social.

Consultez le site site de IAIA13 à l’adresse: http://bit.ly/ViOA4K

Postez en ligne votre résumé de présentation ou de poster à l’adresse: http://bit.ly/YKDdZU

Le programme provisoire de IAIA2013 peut être consulté à l’adresse: http://bit.ly/YuVYSe. Vous y trouverez davantage d’informations sur les évenements et activités relatifs à la santé qui se tiendront dans le cadre de la conference. Consultez s’il vous plait  les pages 13 et 31 (ainsi que la page 26 pour les details sur les formations avancées en pré-conférence).

Si vous avez besoin d’aide pour proposer une intervention ou si vous souhaitez discuter votre proposition, n’hésitez pas à contacter Francesca VILIANI francescav@internationalsos.com ou Ben Harris-Roxas b.harrisroxas@gmail.com

 

IAIA 2013: Invia l’abstract della tua presentazione VIS entro lunedì 31 dicembre 2012

Se sei un professionista affermato o hai appena completato la tua prima valutazione d'impatto sulla salute (VIS), o sei uno studente di salute pubblica che fa ricerca sulla VIS, il tuo contributo e’ il benvenuto a IAIA 2013.

Temi chiave di quest'anno, suggeriti ma non vincolanti, sono 'Le diverse pratiche di VIS' e 'Vecchi problemi e nuove applicazioni’.

La prima sessione, 'Le diversepratiche di VIS', esplora l’esistente varieta’ delle pratiche VIS e i modi in cui la VIS viene utilizzata nel mondo.

La seconda session, 'Vecchi problemi e nuove applicazioni' esplora nuovi approcci per affrontare questioni come l'equità, , il cambiamento climatico, l'efficacia della VIS, la valutazione integrata e la relazione tra la VIS e la valuatione strategica.

Puoi presentare il tuo progetto anche in sessioni non strettamente legate alla tematica VIS ma che coprono temi come cambio climatico, energie alternative, impatto sociale e molto altro.

Scopri di piú su IAIA13 al sito http://www.iaia.org/conferences/iaia13/

Invia il tuo abstract o il tuo poster al http://www.iaia.org/conferenceabstracts/abstract/submit-abstract-email.aspx #

Il programma provvisorio IAIA si trova alla pagina web: http://www.iaia.org/conferences/iaia13/documents/Prelimpro_13% 20web.pdf

Leggi con attenzione le pagine 13 e 31, e pagina 26 per i dettagli sui corso VIS di livello avanzato.

Se desideri altre informationi o vuoi discutere i critieri di partecipazione, contatta Francesca Viliani francescav@internationalsos.com  o Ben Harris-Roxas b.harrisroxas@gmail.com

Gas fracking: do we understand the potential health consequences?

UNEP has just released a new bulletin on Hydrological fracturing (fracking). The document introduces the topic, and then analyses it in the context of climate change and energy consumption needs.  Among the  aspects addressed there are a few very relevant for HIA and public health practitioners. There is also a bibliography for those interested in further information.

Environmental and health concerns
UG exploitation and production may have unavoidable environmental impacts (see Figure 4). Some risks result if the technology is not used adequately, but others will occur despite proper use of technology (EU, 2011). UG production has the potential to generate considerable GHG emissions, can strain water resources, result in water contamination, may have negative impacts on public health (through air and soil contaminants; noise pollution), on biodiversity (through land clearance), food supply (through competition for land and water resources), as well as on soil (pollution, crusting). The sections below further outline the potential environmental and health impacts

Risk on public health

When occurring in densely populated areas, UG production raises several specific threats to well-being. The most direct concern is the risk of explosion from the construction of new pipelines (Rahm, 2011). Other consequences have a slower onset, such as release of toxic substances into air, soil and water. In Texas, emissions from shale gas operations are being checked for contaminants after blood and urine samples taken from household residents near shale wells revealed that toluene was present in 65% of those tested and xylene present in 53% (Rahm 2011). Both of these chemicals are commonly present in fracking fluid and known for being toxic. The biocide substances which are also contained in fracking fluid, and may be released during surface water leaks, can lead to serious damage to the surrounding habitat (IEA, 2012).
More common nuisances include noise pollution, primarily associated with drilling and fracking (which is a non-stop operation over several weeks), but also from truck transport (Rahm, 2011).
Fracturing fluid consists of large amounts of water mixed with chemicals and sand. In most countries the chemicals used in fracking fluid are considered trade secrets (Zoback et al., 2010). If companies are not required to publicly disclose the full list of chemicals used, assessing potential short- and long-term impacts on public health will be difficult. Colborn and others (2011) compiled a list of products (about 1000) used in fracking fluid. They carried out literature review on 353 chemicals and found that "more than 75% of the chemicals could affect the skin, eyes, and other sensory organs, and the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Approximately 40–50% could affect the brain/nervous system, immune and cardiovascular systems, and the kidneys; 37% could affect the endocrine system; and 25% could cause cancer and mutations." (Colborn et al., 2011).
Nonylphenol, for example, which is commonly used in fracking fluid, mimics estrogen, and can cause the feminization of fish, even at concentrations not detected by normal monitoring of the fluid (NYS-WRI, 2011). The consequence of the feminization of fish is an imbalance between male and female populations, resulting in a deficit of fertilization and potentially leading to a rapid decline of these fish populations.

Great Grandma's Hot Chicken Salad

Today's recipe comes all the way from my beloved, late Great Grandma, and it was passed down to me by my Grandma.  My Grandma is a great cook and she's always sending me recipes and healthy eating articles she's clipped from magazines, since she's diabetic.  I love that this Hot Chicken Salad recipe is in her own sweet handwriting.  You can tell I've used it a bunch since the notecard is worn and dirty- a great sign of a good dish!

Over the years, I've tweaked the recipe some and added a few new ingredients.  I never really measure anymore, opting to just toss everything in- about a cup of each vegetable.  

Ingredients

• 1 Rotisserie Chicken - I like to use the white meat only 
• Olive oil - couple tablespoons
• Onion - diced
• Carrots- diced
• Celery- diced 
• Peas- frozen
• Garlic- couple cloves minced
• Light mayonnaise - 1/2 cup
• Cream of mushroom soup- one can
• Fat free milk- a glug 
• Sliced olives - small jar
• Prepared Pesto - couple tablespoons 
• Lemon juice - couple squeezes
• 2% shredded cheese - a big handful 
• Large shell macaroni (you can use whole wheat) - cup cups dry 
• Salt and pepper to taste- I usually just add a very small amount. 

Directions

• Boil the pasta until al dente.
• In a second large pot, cook the onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil until softened.  Add garlic.
• Shred the chicken and add to the pan.
• Add mayo, cream of mushroom soup, milk, olives, lemon juice, and pesto.
• Add the peas.
• Add the cooked shells.
• Stir to combine.

• Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded cheese. 

• Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. 

• This is one of the meals I portion out into about 10 small plastic containers and take to work with me.   I reheat it for about a minute.

* * * * *

Health must be central to climate action

This is the declaration prepared by health and medical organisations during the COP18.  The declaration can be supported by Organisations and Individuals.

Health and medical organisations from around the world are calling for the protection and promotion of health to be made the one of the central priorities of global and national policy responses to climate change.

The protection of health and welfare is one of the central rationales for reducing emissions in Article One of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Article Four requires all countries to consider the health implications of climate adaptation and mitigation. Yet health is being overlooked in the development of responses to climate change, and its importance undervalued by policymakers, business and the media.

Human health and wellbeing is a basic human right and contributes to economic and social development. It is fundamentally dependent on stable, functioning ecosystems and a healthy biosphere.  These foundations for health are at risk from climate change and ecological degradation.

Health as a driver for mitigation and adaptation

The impact of climate change on health is one of the most significant measures of harm associated with our warming planet. Protecting health is therefore one of the most important motivations for climate action.

Climate change is affecting human health in multiple ways: both direct – through extreme weather events, food and water insecurity and infectious diseases – and indirect – through economic instability, migration and as a driver of conflict.
The risks to health from climate change are very large and will affect all populations, but particularly children, women and poorer people and those in developing nations.  Urgent and sustained emissions reductions as well as effective adaptation are needed.
Climate action can deliver many benefits to health worldwide. Reducing fossil fuel consumption simultaneously improves air quality and improves public health.  Shifting to cleaner, safer, low carbon energy systems will save millions of lives each year.  Moving to more active lifestyles and expansion of and access to public transport systems can improve health through increased physical activity and reduced air pollution.  Improving insulation in homes and buildings can protect people from extreme temperatures and reduce energy consumption. All of these changes will provide significant economic savings. Climate action that recognises these benefits can improve the health of individuals and communities, support resilient and sustainable development, and improve global equity.

What we seek from climate action

Recognising health in all policies and strengthening health systems globally can advance human rights and help create safe, resilient, adaptable, and sustainable communities.   

We call for:

1.       The health impacts of climate change to be taken into account domestically and globally

•Health impacts and co-benefits to be fully evaluated, costed and reflected in all domestic, regional and global climate decisions on both mitigation and adaptation;
•Health and environmental costs to be reflected in corporate and national accounts;
•Assessment of loss and damage from climate change to include impacts on human health, wellbeing and community resilience, as well as impacts to health care infrastructure and systems;

2.       Investment in climate mitigation and adaptation to be significantly increased on a rapid timescale

•Priority given to decarbonisation of national and global energy supplies;
•Cessation of fossil fuel subsidies globally and greater funding for renewable and clean technologies;
•Funding for programs to support and protect health in vulnerable countries to be significantly increased;
•Investment in adaptation and mitigation programs that can demonstrate health benefits to be substantially increased;    

3.       The health sector and the community to be engaged and informed on climate action

•The health sector to be engaged and included in the processes of designing and leading climate mitigation and adaptation worldwide;
• National and global education programs to increase public awareness of the health effects of climate change and promote the health co-benefits of low carbon pathways; and
•More inclusive consultation processes in global climate negotiations to reflect the views of young people, women and indigenous people.

Our Future

Human health is profoundly threatened by our global failure to halt emissions growth and curb climate change. As representatives of health communities around the world, we argue that strategies to achieve rapid and sustained emissions reductions and protect health must be implemented in a time frame to avert further loss and damage.
We recognise that this will require exceptional courage and leadership from our political, business and civil society leaders, including the health sector; acceptance from the global community about the threats to health posed by our current path; and a willingness to act to realise the many benefits of creating low carbon, healthy, sustainable and resilient societies.