The National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) recently held a webcast focusing on Asthma and African American children. The discussion was around how study after study has shown that airborne particulate pollution has sent asthma rates soaring among Latino and African American children. The smokestacks of coal-powered electric plants are spewing their poisons over poorer neighborhoods and many power plants stand in the shadow of school buildings and playgrounds where children spend their days. Particulate pollution triggers and aggravates asthma. A new study by Dr. Sande Okelo of Johns Hopkins indicates that African American patients are suffering longer from poorly controlled asthma than their Caucasian counterparts before being seen by an asthma specialist.
Reading this information led me to explore the content of another website called We Act. There was valuable information regarding Achieving Environmental Justice by Building Healthy Communities.
Their plans are:
Clean Air - Elimination of ambient air pollutants emitted from transportation, housing and other facilities, including small business sources.
Affordable, Equitable Transit - Access by residents of affordable, safe, clean and reliable forms of public and alternative transportation.
Reducing Waste, Pests, and Pesticides - The appropriate management of solid waste, pest and pesticides.
Toxic Free Products - Access to and use of consumer products that do not contain chemicals at levels harmful to human health.
Good Food in Schools - Safe, fresh and nutritious school meals that are prepared in schools in a quality environment, that kids eat and parents support to contribute to the reduction of childhood obesity.
Sustainable Land Use - Promoting land use, planning and zoning policies that support community health and wellness.
Healthy Indoor Environments - Reduced exposure to indoor pollutants in residences, workplaces and schools.
References:
Waiting to Inhale online seminar retrieved from http://nbcdi.org/blog/2011/06/20/soaring-rates-of-asthma-among-african-american-kids
Achieving Environmental Justice by Building Healthy Communities retrieved from http://.weact.org
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the more we learn the more we realize their is still so much for us to learn. I have realized the more I investigate the more I need to continue to research other sites. It seems you have done the same. Did you find the weact website link on the BNCDI website? I prefer websites that link directly to other sites. It really helps in finding more and more valuable information. These websites would be great for parents as well. Parents need to know the issues affecting their children and the more people that learn about the health issues affecting children the more likely something will be done to change that. It sounds as though the weact website has some great ideas in how to create a healthier environment for children. Thanks for sharing both of these websites.
Amy
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog this week. You addressed a health issue facing Africian American children. You described in details the health issue and you provided examples of solutions or the health issue. This website can be very useful for parents and educators who are interested in learning about the health issues of children in their community. I found this website to very helpful. I hope my colleagues read your post it was very informative.
Tonetta
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI have noticed as well the rise in asthma inflicted minority children. The fact that people take advantage of poorer neighborhoods and its residents, really infuriates me. The children are suffering because the parent's cannot afford to move to better neighborhoods and because they cannot afford the treatments to help combat the condition as soon as it is triggered. This is something that I have tried to do more research into, but just haven't had the time to. It was helpful that you gave the information on where to go.