It’s hard to believe, but Wednesday, April 22, 2020 marks Earth Day’s 50th anniversary. As far as anniversaries are concerned, the 50th is definitely a milestone, often commemorated with something lasting and treasured.
Kind of ironic then that this year’s Earth Day theme is “Climate Change.” According to the Earth Day Network, this theme represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.
All these tiny pieces of plastic started out as bigger pieces of plastic, which broke down over time and ended up in our waterways. (Photo source: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS)
This year’s theme harkens back to 1970, when the first Earth Day was celebrated with an objective to spread awareness. Twenty million Americans (10% of the country’s population at the time) protested environmental ignorance and demanded protections for our planet. These demands eventually led to the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States, including the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Many countries soon adopted similar laws.
As Extension agents, we are tasked with providing research-based, reasonable, and helpful information on a variety of topics that can improve people’s lives. Climate change is a divisive issue. In fact, a University of Florida IFAS Extension EDIS fact sheet called “Challenges in Communicating Climate Change to Extension Audiences” outlines the many challenges of discussing climate change with typical audiences.
Six Americas Audience Categories
Description
You might hear
Alarmed
Convinced global warming is a serious and urgent threat; highly engaged; most likely to change behavior
I’m so upset and worried about the future.
Concerned
Convinced global warming is a serious threat; somewhat engaged; less likely to change behavior
I think this is something politicians should address
Cautious
Believe global warming is a problem but not a personal or urgent threat
So what is it all about?
Disengaged
Give little thought to global warming; change beliefs easily; not perceived as a problem for them
I have other things to think about, like how to pay the bills.
Doubtful
Not sure if global warming is happening
Seems like climate always changes. This is a political issue.
Dismissive
Firmly believe global warming is not occurring; highly engaged in preventing change in policies; very knowledgeable
It is arrogant to believe that people can change the climate. This graph shows the scientists have it wrong.
Nonetheless, Extension agents are well-informed and desperately care for the health and welfare of their families, neighbors, and communities. Especially now, as collectively, we all are facing an uncertain future.
The coronavirus pandemic has stressed our lives right now. Everyone is grappling with change. Everyone is worried about human health. Even with everything else going on, Earth Day is a yearly reminder to exercise our collective responsibility. As one human race, we just can’t sit back and relax and hope everything turns out okay. It is going to take some work.
So instead of feeling like our time is being wasted by staying at home, perhaps we can spend this time in a positive way. I heard a news commentator recently say something along the lines of not letting this time we all have now to use us, but for us to use this time to come out better on the other end.
Like Helen Keller famously said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Let’s start together.
Here are some tips and resources for saving energy, money, and the environment:
Support your leading environmental movements. Youth around the globe are passionate about this. They worry, and rightly so, about what is going to happen, now and in the future.
Speak openly with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding your health. (Photo source: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS)
We are in the depths of flu season and now the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Although we need to proceed with caution, we also want to avoid causing a panic. Both viruses are very concerning, but with good hand washing skills and a few other daily steps you can do your best to prevent you and your family from becoming sick.
Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
Before, during and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage
Follow these Five Steps Every Time You Wash Your Hands:
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water
You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations.
Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.
How to Properly Use Hand Sanitizer:
Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
Rub your hands together.
Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.
Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise their use.
Conclusion – Other Basic Tips to Prevent Spread of Illness:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Be sure to utilize credible sources to find your information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health are excellent resources.
This month brings awareness and education about the importance of our kidneys in maintaining a healthy life. Kidney function is unique because you may not notice the symptoms until the function is already far gone. The CDC reports chronic kidney disease is a condition that 1 in every 7 adults (age 18 or older) in the United States has, as well as people with end stage renal disease who need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
How do your kidneys keep you healthy?
Help remove excess fluid levels in the body.
Make vitamins that control growth.
Activate Vitamin D for healthy bones.
Filter wastes from the blood.
Control the production of red blood cells.
Release hormones that help regulate blood pressure.
Help regulate blood pressure, red blood cells, and the amount of certain nutrients in the body, such as calcium and potassium.
There are many complications associated with kidney disease. They include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, heart attack, weak bones, high blood pressure, stroke, anemia/low red blood cell count and of course kidney failure.
Speak openly with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding your health. (Photo source: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS)
The main risk factors for kidney disease and the problems associated with it are high blood pressure, diabetes, family history, and being 60 years old and above. Out of these four problems, two of them – high blood pressure and diabetes – may be managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking medications as prescribed, regular visits to your doctor and exercise. If you have been diagnosed with either of these two, you need to regularly monitor your blood pressure and glucose levels, take medications if prescribed, and speak openly with your doctor about concerns or questions you may have. Family history and being over the age of 60 are not issues you can control, but you can strive to live a healthy lifestyle and regularly have blood work drawn so your doctor can help catch any issues that are becoming a problem. Learning to maintain and follow your doctor’s orders will go a long way to keeping you and your kidneys healthy longer.
What are the symptoms you may notice if you are experiencing kidney problems?
Swelling in your face, hands, abdomen, ankles, and feet.
Blood in your urine or foamy urine.
Puffy eyes.
Difficult, painful urination.
Increased thirst.
Fatigue.
If you notice any of these problems or are just concerned because of family history, your family doctor can order the blood work to check your kidney function. If you find out you are experiencing kidney problems you should see a nephrologist – a kidney specialist.
Although many people ignore the importance of their kidneys, they play a very important part in our daily bodily functions in regulating minerals, fluids, blood pressure, and so much more. Striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle will help to ensure your kidneys keep working hard for you. Be sure to show your kidneys some love this March to celebrate National Kidney Month.
During flu season or other outbreaks of illness, take extra steps to stop the spread of germs.
Keep surfaces clean and sanitized to help reduce the spread of illness. (Photo source: Kendra Zamojski)
Wash hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Use a tissue and toss, or cover your face with your elbow.
Avoid close contact with others showing signs of respiratory illness like sneezing and coughing.
Stay home if you are sick.
Clean and sanitize surfaces. Use a spray or wipe a sanitizer of your choice across the surface. (Be sure to follow the package directions for the most effective use.) Mixing 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach in a quart of water (4 teaspoons per gallon) will make an effective sanitizer.
To avoid foodborne illness, use a food thermometer to ensure foods like meat and eggs are cooked to their proper temperatures for safety.
February is National Heart Health Awareness Month. On February 7th join the nation and wear red to show support and awareness for women and heart disease.
National Heart Awareness Month is sponsored by the American Heart Association. It is designed to provide the public with information that could lead to a more healthful lifestyle and reduce heart disease.
Go Red for Women’s Heart Health Photo Source: Dorothy Lee
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States yearly. According to the American Heart Association heart disease and stroke kills one in three women yearly in the United States. Heart disease is a silent killer. It often strikes without warning.
Know the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease. Risk factors are family history of heart disease, diabetes, poor diet, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, excessive alcohol use, smoking and physical inactivity.
The diet choices we make today are important to our nutritional well-being tomorrow. A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high in fruits and vegetables, and grain products that contain some type of dietary fiber may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Our health is our most precious possession. A healthy diet is only one part of a heart healthy lifestyle. Physical activity is another important component. The American Heart Association physical activity guidelines recommend some type of aerobic exercise daily. Walking, dancing, biking, swimming, or gardening are good examples. Be sure to consult your physician before starting any exercise program.
We are all concerned about maintaining good health. Take steps to a healthier heart. Develop good eating habits based on moderation and variety, plus physical activity can help keep and even improve your health. So, reach in the back of the closet and find that little red dress and wear it this year on Friday, February 7th in support of Women’s Heart Healthy Awareness. Go Red!
We have a silent killer amongst us. It is the use and abuse of opioids! In fact, opioid use and abuse is a classified epidemic.
Too many pills? Photo Source: Heidi Copeland
The opioid epidemic refers to the growing number of deaths and hospitalizations due to opioid use.
According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths from opioids, including prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic illicit opioids (like fentanyl), have increased almost six times since 1999.
What is the appeal of opioid abuse? In the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 11.5 million adults who abused prescription pain relievers at least once in the past year were asked their reasoning for misuse. The top answer included to relieve physical pain! (63.4%) Other reasons included relaxation, relieve tension, feel good, help with sleep, or to increase or decrease the effects of other drugs (Lipari, Williams, & Van Horn 2017).
There is no doubt that opioids are an effective pain reliever, however, the speed in which this abusive opioid epidemic has grown provides plenty of reasons everyone should be concerned. An opioid addiction can endanger the safety of each of us.
How did this epidemic begin? The epidemic stems from the late 1990’s. At the time, no one knew how quickly misuse of a prescription opioid could lead to an addiction. In a relatively short period of time opioid overdose rates, both prescription opioids as well as illicit synthetic opioids, skyrocketed. In the year 2017 alone, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose and 1.7 million individuals suffered from substance use relating to pain killers as a whole (NIH 2018).
The epidemic is also causing serious repercussions socially and economically. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the total cost of opioid abuse to be a $78.5 billion a year and is a burden to our economy. Additional issues associated with opioid misuse can include loss of worker productivity, addictive behavior, and higher crime rates (Rich, Kornfield, Mayes, & Williams 2019).
Every individual can positively contribute to ending this epidemic. Get educated. Be aware of the signs of someone struggling with an opioid abuse and addiction.Recognize character traits associated with opioid abuse like loss of control, preoccupation with drug use, and willingness to continue using despite the negative consequences.
There are promising practices and resources to help end this epidemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is directing their attention to this epidemic with efforts focused on (NIH 2018):
improving access to treatment and recovery services
strengthening our understanding of the epidemic through public health surveillance
providing support for research on pain and addiction
advancing alternative practices for controlling pain
As well, both National and State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) are promising drug prevention tools.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. (Margaret Mead) Together, we can all do our part stop this epidemic.
Bailee Hurd, University of Florida Health Education Intern
Bonner, Michael. “’Opioids Are the Health Crisis of This Generation’.” Southcoasttoday.com, Southcoasttoday.com, 24 Sept. 2017, www.southcoasttoday.com/news/20170922/opioids-are-health-crisis-of-this-generation.
Lipari, Rachel, et al. “Why Do Adults Misuse Prescription Drugs?” Https://Www.samhsa.gov/Data/Sites/Default/Files/report_3210/ShortReport-3210.Html, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 27 July 2017, www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_3210/ShortReport-3210.html.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Opioid Overdose Crisis.” NIDA, 22 Jan. 2019, www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis.
“Opioid Overdose.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Oct. 2019, www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/.
Rich, Steven, et al. “A New Look at How the Opioid Epidemic Evolved.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 23 Dec. 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/opioid-pills-overdose-analysis/.
