Latest news with #urbanhealth
Mail & Guardian
13-07-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Climate crisis puts older adults at high risk from extreme heat, Unep warns
Older people face increasing health risks from extreme heat as climate change intensifies, the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) has warned. (Envato Elements) Older people face In the latest edition of its The report highlights other effects of climate change, including the melting of glaciers that reawaken ancient pathogens and floods that risk releasing dangerous chemicals, as well as potential solutions to these emerging environmental issues. Older people are The global population aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 10% in 2024 to 16% by 2050, primarily in low and middle-income countries, the report notes. Concurrently, climate change is exacerbating risks such as The world is also becoming 'A rising number of cities will therefore soon face the new reality of increasingly ageing urban dwellers. Maintaining good health and vitality is crucial at any age and minimising risk factors for diseases become even more critical as we age,' the report said. 'In addition to the genetic, physiological, behavioural and social influences, environmental conditions play a crucial role, especially in cities that bring together a high concentration of a variety of environmental health risks.' The risks of respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and the increased risk of mortality, become particularly acute for frail people with reduced mobility and chronic health issues. Air pollution and chemical contamination increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, dementia, depression and anxiety. Poverty, crowded cities and social isolation also raise the vulnerability of older people. The report recommends transforming cities into age-friendly, pollution-free, resilient, accessible spaces with expansive vegetation through better urban planning. Investing in weather stations to monitor extreme heat is critical to protect lives while community-based disaster risk management and access to information are key approaches to help aging people adapt successfully to climate change, it said. The report follows the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution 58/13 to develop an 'international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons'. Zombie microbes It warns of the ' Should global temperatures rise more than 2˚C above pre-industrial levels, this would significantly reduce the cryosphere in mass, which includes glaciers, seasonal snow, ice sheets and shelves, sea ice, seasonally frozen ground, and permafrost. 'In a best-case scenario, it would take centuries for cryosphere conditions to return.' The cryosphere is surprisingly rich in ancient life, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses, of which some are pathogens. Much of this life is currently dormant. Warming could reactivate and remobilise modern and ancient microorganisms in cryospheric environments. 'Some might thrive, modifying existing microbial communities, while some might not survive resulting in a loss of microbial can enhance the powers of existing pathogens through natural gene transfers, resulting in heightened risk of antimicrobial resistance,' said the report. Cryospheric regions are home to 670 million people. This population could rise to 844 million by 2050, spanning the Alps, the Andes, Greenland, Hindu Kush Himalaya, Siberia, and the Tibetan Plateau as well as billions more who live in areas with water originating from those frozen areas. To slow down the decline of the cryosphere, the report recommends cutting greenhouse gas emissions — including black carbon emissions from diesel engines — open-field agricultural burning, and wildfires and limiting tourism in fragile frozen regions. Scientific research must also accelerate into the diversity of cryospheric microorganisms that will not survive the cryosphere's decline. Banned chemicals re-emerge Global climate change is contributing to longer, more severe, and more frequent floods. A flood can carry significant volumes of sediment and debris, the report said. Sediments and debris often include common inorganic When floods occur, these can re-enter cities or the food system. The persistent nature of these chemicals means even banned and phased-out chemicals can be remobilised. In recent years, extreme rainfall and subsequent flooding have demonstrated their ability to remobilise legacy pollutants accumulated in the environment. Extensive petroleum operations and incidences of oil spills in the Niger Delta of Nigeria over decades has led to severe contamination with ecological and human health consequences, the report said. A catastrophic flood event in the Niger Delta in 2012 mobilised sediments contaminated with After the worst flooding in more than 100 years The same flood also mobilised legacy radionuclides and heavy metal pollutants from former uranium-mining waste dumps and tailing ponds in the Elbe region. The Pakistan flood of 2010 inundated a fifth of the country's total land area. It, together with a series of smaller flash floods, swept away a significant but unknown portion of 2 835 metric tonnes of 'The release of these obsolete chemicals into the environment will likely cause further contamination in soils, water, and sediments, and the damage needs to be monitored and assessed,' the report said. Effective measures to reduce this imminent risk include traditional control measures like polders, dikes and retention basins, improved drainage systems, nature-based solutions like the sponge-city approach, regular monitoring of pollutants in diverse locations and products, and studying and tackling the economic impacts of this kind of pollution. The risk of ageing dams Another emerging threat the report addresses is the risk of ageing dams. It notes that alongside many benefits, dams can harm indigenous and fishing-dependent communities, as well as degrade ecosystems. There are about 62 000 large dams and millions of smaller barriers that exist worldwide, with expected effects on 90% of the world's river volume by 2030. Large ageing dams are increasingly being removed in Europe and North America, once they become unsafe, obsolete, or economically unviable. Greater natural river connectivity means healthier ecosystems and greater biodiversity, renewing species' access to tens or even hundreds of kilometres of upstream habitats. The report noted, however, that where urbanisation, industrial agriculture or deforestation are common, dam removal alone may not significantly improve a river's health. Large dam removals have the largest impact, though removing multiple small barriers may result in similar effects. Adhering to the UN's principles for ecosystem-restoration initiatives when considering the removal of river barriers is critical, the report said.
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
How to overcome disparity to find mental health care
Disparity in mental health care can take many forms. For the 1 in 5 who suffer with mental health issues, it can mean lack of care in some neighborhoods, care that's unaffordable or social stigmas that may prevent some people from reaching out. But there is help, and no one should have to suffer in silence. There are programs that are free or low cost, and services that will meet you where you are. It can be a friendly voice on the phone, a psychiatrist who can treat you at an urgent care, or even an empathetic and knowing ear at your neighborhood beauty salon. In this CBS News New York "Breaking the Stigma" special, Cindy Hsu highlights some of these resources and speaks to Congressman Ritchie Torres about his own issues with mental health and the public policies he now champions. Additional resources can also be found here. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call or text 988 to speak with a trained, caring counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also chat online with a counselor at Get help Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health : Part of the mission of the institute, founded in 1992 by the tennis legend and social activist, was to be boots on the ground in underserved communities with programs to help overcome the stigma of mental illness and create a trusted bridge by offering training in neighborhood salons and barber shops to help get care to clients in need. The institute's reach extends into schools, as well, to engage teens for peer leadership and outreach programs. : Part of the mission of the institute, founded in 1992 by the tennis legend and social activist, was to be boots on the ground in underserved communities with programs to help overcome the stigma of mental illness and create a trusted bridge by offering training in neighborhood salons and barber shops to help get care to clients in need. The institute's reach extends into schools, as well, to engage teens for peer leadership and outreach programs. National Alliance on Mental Illness NYC (NAMI NYC) : NAMI NYC's services include a free, anonymous help line, a variety of support groups, and an advocacy ambassador program that trains volunteers to meet with elected officials. : NAMI NYC's services include a free, anonymous help line, a variety of support groups, and an advocacy ambassador program that trains volunteers to meet with elected officials. The HOPE Center : While some social stigmas may be a deterrent to reaching out for professional help, houses of worship have long offered respite for those who are struggling. The need was so great at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem that this vital neighborhood center was created to help address mental health needs for the community. : While some social stigmas may be a deterrent to reaching out for professional help, houses of worship have long offered respite for those who are struggling. The need was so great at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem that this vital neighborhood center was created to help address mental health needs for the community. Compassionate Cleaning : Many clients of Compassionate Cleaning are figuratively drowning in their own mess. The company helps clean their spaces without judgement. : Many clients of Compassionate Cleaning are figuratively drowning in their own mess. The company helps clean their spaces without judgement. The Grandma Stand: The Grandma Stand is a free pop-up where wisdom of the ages, along with a healthy dose of kindness, is dispensed by a rotating group of grandmothers to anyone willing to take a seat. Psychiatric/behavioral health urgent care in the Tri-State Area Hospitals in New York City with a psychiatric emergency room Brooklyn: Coney Island Hospital (718-616-5373) Coney Island Hospital (718-616-5373) Brooklyn: Kings County Hospital (718- 245-2310) Kings County Hospital (718- 245-2310) Midtown: Maimonides (718-283-8100) Maimonides (718-283-8100) Midtown East: Bellevue (212-562-4141) Bellevue (212-562-4141) Midtown East: NYU Langone (212-263-7419) NYU Langone (212-263-7419) Upper East Side: Metropolitan Hospital (212-423-6466) Metropolitan Hospital (212-423-6466) Upper East Side: Mount Sinai Hospital (212-659-8752) Mount Sinai Hospital (212-659-8752) Upper East Side: New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell (212-746-5026) Social resources for those with mental illness "I feel strongly the love and support of your friends and family is an important part of the equation," Torres said. "There are mental health centers known as clubhouses, which are geared with those towards serious mental illness." "We want people to have a place where they can build relationships, reduce isolation and learn that this is a safe place," New York City Deputy Commissioner of Mental Hygiene Dr. H. Jean Wright II said. "So clubhouses is a great example of a socialization that is helpful." Brooklyn Community Services: Greater Heights Clubhouse 980 Halsey St. Brooklyn, NY 11207 718-235-5780 980 Halsey St. Brooklyn, NY 11207 718-235-5780 Fountain House Bronx 564 Walton Ave. Bronx, NY 10451 718-742-9884 564 Walton Ave. Bronx, NY 10451 718-742-9884 Fountain House Midtown 425 W. 47th St. New York, NY 10036 212-582-0340 425 W. 47th St. New York, NY 10036 212-582-0340 Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and New Jersey: Citiview Connections 33-24A Northern Blvd. Long Island City, NY 11101 718-361-7030 33-24A Northern Blvd. Long Island City, NY 11101 718-361-7030 Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and New Jersey: Lantern House 512 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY 10455 718-993-1078 New York Disaster Interfaith Services: Elements House 48 Henry St. New York, NY 10002 929-227-6881 48 Henry St. New York, NY 10002 929-227-6881 Services for the Underserved: Brooklyn Clubhouse 1125 Fulton St., 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11238 347-226-9015 Venture House, Inc. 2477 Webster Ave. Bronx, NY 10458 646-214-8164 2477 Webster Ave. Bronx, NY 10458 646-214-8164 Venture House Inc. 885 Rogers Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11226 929-551-2130 885 Rogers Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11226 929-551-2130 Venture House, Inc. 150-10 Hillside Ave. Jamaica, NY 11432 718-658-7201 150-10 Hillside Ave. Jamaica, NY 11432 718-658-7201 Venture House, Inc. 1442 Castleton Ave. Staten Island, NY 10302 718-658-7821
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
These Three Cities Honored For Their Public Health Achievements
Yes, the world is becoming more city, as I've described before in Forbes. That's city with a 'c,' meaning an increasing percentage of the world's population is living in urban settings. That means that cities are playing increasing roles in more and more people's health. That role can be bad if cities allow pollution, crime, accidents and other health threats to grow. Or it can be good as evidenced by the three cities that earned the 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Awards given during the 2025 edition of the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit held in March in Paris, France. The Summit was co-hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization (WHO), Vital Strategies, and, of course, the City of Paris. It brought together mayors and officials from 61 different cities around the world that are already part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities network. Kelly Larson, MPH, who directs this Partnership for Bloomberg Philanthropies, indicated that this global network now has all told 74 cities. It was initially launched in 2017 and has steadily grown since. 'The first step in joining this network is to have buy in from the mayor or the equivalent,' she explained. 'It includes high, middle and low income cities.' She added, 'We've identified specific non-communicable disease or injury issues that the cities can choose from to work on: tobacco, food policy, road safety, overdose prevention, pollution surveillance and most recently dealing with heat.' During the Summit the participants discussed the biggest public health issues facing cities and the world and how to, you know, actually do something about these issues rather than just blame others. This Partnership includes a Policy Accelerator that offers training and support for cities do things like what the three honored cities have done. Those cities won their awards because they made good concrete in preventing either noncommunicable diseases or injuries or both. In a statement, Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries, and 108th mayor of New York City reminded everyone, 'Noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and injuries are responsible for more than 80% of all deaths globally, but the good news is: They are preventable.' So without further ado, here are the three winners and what they do and have done: WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the winners by saying in statement, "Cities are at the forefront of the fight against noncommunicable diseases and injuries. The progress made in Córdoba, Fortaleza, and Greater Manchester is not only improving health today but also setting a model for others to follow.' These awardees have shown what being committed to improving the health and lives their residents and following scientific evidence can do. That's something that you don't always see at the national government level these days. For example, in the U.S., recent major cuts in public health personnel, funding and resources may make you wonder how much commitment there is to improving the health of the population. There's also been substantial cuts in what the U.S. is providing to major organizations that have been providing health and public health services around the world. All of this means that unless someone else steps up to fill these new gaps, the health of people around the world could suffer. That means that an increasing proportion of the public health responsibiilties could fall on the shoulders of cities. Larson acknowledged 'This is a challenging time for public health around the world.' But she was optimistic about what cities can do and has been by the commitments that she has seen with cities and their mayors. 'I believe in the power of cities.' She pointed out what happened in New York City when Bloomberg was mayor, 'Life expectancies in NYC increased by 3 years. We can prioritize cities and public health using model of Mike's tenure as mayor.' In other words, a city situation could end up being quite good.
