Health policy

2024-11-22 06:05

Senk

Climate Change and Healthcare: The Role of SDG 13

 

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing global health. The impacts are widespread, affecting air quality, food security, water resources, and the spread of infectious diseases. In this context, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action plays a crucial role in addressing the health consequences of climate change, as it calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

 

The Connection Between Climate Change and Healthcare
Climate change affects human health in multiple ways, including increased risks of heat-related illnesses, respiratory conditions due to poor air quality, and vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, which are spread by changing weather patterns. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, the elderly, and children, face disproportionate health risks.

Healthcare systems themselves are also affected by climate change. Extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can disrupt health services, damage infrastructure, and increase the burden of healthcare needs. Therefore, addressing climate change through SDG 13 is vital for building resilient healthcare systems that can cope with these growing challenges.

 

Global Actions under SDG 13
Several global initiatives are taking place to meet the targets of SDG 13, with a strong focus on protecting health from climate change:

1. Strengthening Health Systems: Countries are integrating climate change considerations into public health policies, focusing on climate-resilient health systems. This includes preparing healthcare infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, developing early warning systems, and ensuring that health services can continue during emergencies. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need for climate adaptation in health planning to protect vulnerable populations (WHO, 2023).

2. Promoting Low-Carbon Healthcare: The healthcare sector itself is a significant emitter of carbon. Efforts are underway to reduce its carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources in hospitals and clinics, reducing waste, and adopting sustainable practices. The Health Care Without Harm initiative is leading global efforts to promote a green healthcare system (Health Care Without Harm, 2023).

3. Global Frameworks and Partnerships: International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global temperature rise and ensure that climate action is also beneficial for public health. The Health and Climate Change Coalition works to align the goals of climate action with health improvement efforts, pushing for policies that support both the environment and human well-being (UNFCCC, 2023).

 

Conclusion
SDG 13, Climate Action, directly influences global health by mitigating the risks of climate change and promoting sustainable, climate-resilient healthcare systems. To safeguard public health, it is essential for countries to take concerted action in reducing emissions, building climate-resilient health infrastructure, and integrating climate change into healthcare policies. With continued global collaboration, the world can make progress in both mitigating climate change and protecting health for future generations.

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Healthcare Technology

2024-11-22 06:22

Senk

New Trends in Healthcare Worldwide for 2024

 

 

Healthcare is undergoing significant transformation with the advent of new technologies, practices, and policies. Here are the key trends shaping the industry in 2024:

1. AI in Healthcare: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment plans, and patient care. AI is improving early disease detection, enhancing administrative efficiency, and supporting clinical decision-making  .

2. Data Sharing & Integration: Real-time health data sharing and interoperability are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Initiatives such as the European Health Data Space and the UK’s Federated Data Platform are leading the way in breaking down data silos  .

3. Integrated Care Systems: Healthcare systems are adopting integrated care models, where providers work collaboratively across specialties to deliver more patient-centered care and improve health outcomes  .

4. Telemedicine & Virtual Care: The growth of telemedicine continues, providing expanded access to remote consultations and services like chronic disease management, especially in underserved regions  .

5. Sustainable Healthcare: With a growing emphasis on environmental impact, healthcare organizations are adopting sustainable practices, such as renewable energy, waste reduction, and carbon-neutral technologies  .

6. Personalized Medicine: Advances in genomics are pushing personalized medicine forward, allowing for treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles, especially in fields like cancer and rare diseases  .

7. Health Equity: Efforts to address healthcare disparities focus on improving accessibility and affordability, particularly for underserved populations  .

8. Wearables & Health Monitoring: Wearable technology is empowering individuals to take control of their health by continuously monitoring vital signs and potentially detecting early signs of health issues  .

 

In summary, healthcare in 2024 is increasingly digital, sustainable, and personalized, with technology playing a crucial role in enhancing care and accessibility.

 

Sources:

Healthcare Digitalization and AI

Sustainable Healthcare Initiatives

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Health Instructions

2024-10-16 10:33

How to avoid heartburn!

Professor Vladimir Popov, of the Russian University of Biotechnology, said that we can eliminate the pain of heartburn through certain daily foods.

According to the professor, we should pay full attention to cereals such as; Sauerkraut and brown rice, as well as carrots, beets, zucchini, spinach, broccoli, green beans and fruits, because these products are high in dietary fiber, which makes you feel full for a long time and thus avoid overeating Avoid foods that cause heartburn.

The professor added that stomach acid can be eliminated by eating primary products – cauliflower, yellow watermelon, bananas and nuts.

According to him, exercise plays an important role in controlling the symptoms of depression, so it is considered the first line of prevention and treatment.

Fatty foods, salt and spices are sources of pain for heartburn, such as; Fatty meats, fast food, potato chips, pizza, smoked sausages, spices and hot sauces. Citrus fruits, vegetables, sour fruits, coffee, soft drinks, garlic, onions, grapes, chocolate, sweets and sour foods can also cause heartburn.

The professor adds that smoking stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which leads to hyperacidity. Tobacco smoke also causes minor irritation and burning in the mucous membrane of the esophagus.

The professor added that it is better not to drink water, tea or coffee immediately after meals.

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Health Instructions

2024-10-16 10:32

Doctors warn against eating certain parts of chicken

Doctors and health experts point out that in some places chicken fat is equivalent to the fat of red meat; The best way to prepare chicken is to steam it or roast it without the red skin.

Doctors and health experts say in a new study that chicken generally has the least fat. They also explain that chicken breast should be eaten for dinner, and other parts should be prepared for lunch, because most other parts except the breast, similar to red meat and contain saturated fat.

Doctors and health experts warn against eating chicken with its skin because it contains a high amount of saturated fat.

They said most of those who give up red meat, but at the same time eat chicken with the skin, which does not benefit them and is like eating red meat.

Doctors and health experts point out that eating chicken skin can cause premature aging of blood vessels and skin.

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Health Instructions

2024-10-16 10:30

Toothbrushes and bathroom showers are full of microscopic, invisible bacteria

Toothbrushes and hot showers are full of microorganisms, some of which have not been seen under a microscope, according to a new study.

Researchers at Northwestern University sampled 32 toothbrushes and 92 showers across the United States and found hundreds of species They have never been seen under a microscope before.

"Toothbrushes and showers are hiding places for hundreds of species of organisms and bacteria," said Erica Hartman, lead author of the study.

Hartman said the presence of bacteria and germs in toothbrushes and showers is not a concern, but cleaning should not be neglected.

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