In 1948, the First World Health Assembly proposed the establishment of a World Health Day to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organisation. The day is commemorated every 7th of April, and each year, a specific health theme is chosen to highlight a priority area of concern for the organisation. This year, the WHO will take advantage of this day, to highlight the urgent measures that, according to the organisation, are needed to maintain the health of people and the planet, while at the same time seeking to encourage a change in citizens' concern for environmental well-being.
According to the Environment Councillor, Arancha López (Cs), "our health is not only physical and mental but also environmental. We have to take care of the planet and have healthy habits in our nature, as it directly influences our own health. Respecting the ecosystem means avoiding illnesses and greater ills. We must all be aware of this important issue".
For her part, the psychologist from the Health Department of the City Council, Ana Belén García, pointed out that "we want to echo the WHO this year's motto which is launching to the whole world, that is to protect our environment in order to protect our health. It is clear that we do many things to maintain a healthy lifestyle, physically or mentally, but we must bear in mind that we are leaving a footprint on our planet that is affecting our health in a very direct way".
Our planet, our health
Mijas Town Hall joins the initiative 'Our planet, our health' of the WHO that invites all citizens to express and make visible the actions that are carried out in order to protect the environment and health. You can send your actions by text, photo or video explaining what you can do to protect the environment you live in to sanidad@mijas.es or send a WhatsApp to 618 929 005.
All the experiences received will be shared through social networks and the municipal media. The City Council stresses that "any small gesture adds up".
- The psychologist from the Health Department of Mijas Town Hall, Ana Belén García |
- C. Jiménez
Health and the environment
Every year, according to the World Health Organisation, it is estimated that there are more than 13 million deaths due to avoidable environmental causes such as the climate crisis, which is the greatest health threat facing humanity. The organisation says that more than 90 per cent of people breathe unhealthy air, a consequence of burning fossil fuels.
The scientific community recognises the link between the environment and health. Air, water and soil pollution, noise, chemical emissions, food pollution and the consequences of climate change are factors that influence the health of all living things.
World Environment Day
During the month of June, as part of the actions to mark World Environment Day, the City Council announced that a special event will be held in which the actions received will be made visible, and each gesture will be valued. "From today, until June, we propose to any group or individual to do their bit to ensure that we live in a much healthier environment," concluded García.
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