April 7 - World Health Day | Лепельский райисполком

The theme for April 7, 2022, is "Our Planet, Our Health". This slogan calls for urgent action to protect human health and the environment, and to actively move towards creating "public well-being".

According to the World Health Organization, over 13 million deaths annually are linked to environmental conditions and could be prevented. Climate change poses the greatest threat to our health. The climate crisis is also a health crisis.

More than 90% of people on the planet breathe polluted air. Air pollution is closely linked to climate change. The main source of pollution is the burning of fossil fuels. Thermal and power plants, vehicle emissions, peat and wood used for heating homes and cooking – all of this harms our health and our planet. It is impossible to escape polluted air in prestigious districts and expensive housing.

The absence of visible smog does not mean that the air around is safe. Toxic substances can poison our bodies for years, and the smallest soot particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, heart, and brain. A third of all deaths from strokes, cardiovascular, and lung diseases are linked to polluted air. The economic losses from the impact of air on health amount to up to 4% of the GDP of the largest countries. Reducing carbon emissions will reduce the burden of disease, and the economic effect of this will twice compensate for the costs.

A third of all greenhouse gas emissions come from food production. In addition to contributing to climate change and air pollution, the food itself is heavily processed and harmful to health. Organising more sustainable production practices, growing and consuming healthy food, and reducing meat consumption will not only prevent many cases of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases but will also help combat the climate crisis.

20% of emissions come from transport. Reducing the number of personal cars, walking, and cycling are not only beneficial physical activities but will also have a long-term impact on health. By contributing to pollution reduction, we can influence

on climate and their future health.

On 7 April 1948, the Constitution of the World Health Organization entered into force. This date is considered the organisation's "birthday" and is celebrated annually as World Health Day. The WHO Constitution states the right to health as an inherent fundamental right of every person without distinction of race, religion or social status.

Health, as defined by WHO, is not merely the absence of disease. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. According to WHO, human health is determined by 20% by the living environment, 50% by lifestyle, and only 10% depends on the healthcare system. With the growth of societal prosperity, the main health risks are shifting towards behavioural factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol levels. Common problems such as high blood pressure, excess weight, and high blood glucose levels, previously considered behavioural risks, are now classified as metabolic.

All of these lead to an increase in non-communicable diseases. Cancer, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes are responsible for 71% of all deaths worldwide. Unfortunately, we are largely responsible for this ourselves. The prevention of non-communicable diseases largely depends on individuals themselves. This includes not only a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and proper nutrition, but also timely seeking of medical help, regular medical check-ups, and adherence to doctors' recommendations.

Health risks associated with environmental influences cause up to 23% of all deaths. This proportion remains relatively stable from year to year, but since 2002, the frequency of deaths related to infectious diseases has significantly decreased. More people have access to safe water and sanitation, and fewer households use solid fuel for cooking. Nevertheless, the negative impact of other environmental factors is growing.

Air pollution poses a significant threat to health. In developing countries, indoor air pollution is dangerous, associated with the burning of solid fuels for heating and cooking. In the European region, including Belarus, the main sources of pollution are industry and transport. They are also traditionally sources of harmful factors such as noise pollution.

Chemical safety is also receiving significant attention worldwide. Chemical substances harmful to health can enter the human body through various routes. They may not only be present in the environment; pesticides and traces of antibiotics can be found in food products, and synthetic dyes and plastics, which can release harmful gases, may be present in clothing, furniture, and other items. Health organizations, supervisory and regulatory bodies can ensure the certification and mandatory labeling of such potentially hazardous goods, but the final decision always rests with the consumer.

Human health primarily depends on the individual. Timely prevention, a healthy lifestyle, a responsible attitude towards oneself and others, and the choice of goods and services that do not harm health or the environment are all necessary conditions for maintaining health and longevity and preventing diseases.