National Public Health Week
April 7-13, 2008

There is a direct connection between climate change and the health of our nation today. Yet few Americans are aware of the very real consequences of climate change on the health of our communities, our families and our children.

In light of the theme for National Public Health Week, Climate Change: Our Health in the Balance.  Here are some things you can do April 7-13:
                                                      

• Monday: Be Prepared. Inform yourself about the health impacts of climate change and climate change issues facing your community, and take actions to prepare for possible emergencies.

• Tuesday: Travel Differently. Leave the car at home one day, and take public transportation. Walk or bike, but if you need to drive, carpool – and telecommute if you can.

• Wednesday: Eat Differently. Buy food from a community farmer’s market that doesn’t travel across the country to get to you. Eat more vegetables, and less meat 

• Thursday: Green Your Work. Use recycled paper if you don’t already, and even if you do, print less often and on both sides of the paper. Set your computer to energy-saver mode and buy eco-friendly office furniture.

• Friday: Green Your Home.  Seal and insulate your home and replace air filters frequently to cut costs and save energy. Reduce your use of wasteful products, and reuse or recycle the products you do use. Conserve waterwhenever possible.

For more information about climate change and the health consequences, visit http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/WHO/WHOCONSEQ.html.