From emerging infections to cancer, global environmental change and ecosystem disruptions are impacting the health of individuals all over the world. In turn, human activity is increasingly threatening the health of our environment. This session explores this critical inter-relationship and connects these issues directly to children as a vulnerable population for environmental health problems. A brief overview introduces the audience to the theoretical and historical roots of environmental concepts in nursing. This presentation will identify the dearth of environmental health curriculum in nursing and medical education as well as the lack of continuing education products and programs for practicing health professionals on the interrelationship between the environment and human health. A video clip from the author’s 4-part independent study module video series, Health and the Environment:Exploring Critical Connections, will illustrate the growing concern of practicing health professionals who diagnose and treat environmentally-caused health problems in children. This presentation suggests that nurses can and should be the leaders in promoting and protecting sustainable life on earth with particular focus on promoting the health of our most vulnerable, our children.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participants will be able to: Recognize the interdependence between the environment and human health. Identify the unique characteristics of children that make them at risk for environmentally related health problems
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.