scholarly journals Making the Case for “Whole System” Approaches: Integrating Public Health and Housing

Author(s):  
Richard Sharpe ◽  
Tim Taylor ◽  
Lora Fleming ◽  
Karyn Morrissey ◽  
George Morris ◽  
...  

Housing conditions have been an enduring focus for public health activity throughout the modern public health era. However, the nature of the housing and health challenge has changed in response to an evolution in the understanding of the diverse factors influencing public health. Today, the traditional public health emphasis on the type and quality of housing merges with other wider determinants of health. These include the neighbourhood, community, and “place” where a house is located, but also the policies which make access to a healthy house possible and affordable for everyone. Encouragingly, these approaches to policy and action on housing have the potential to contribute to the “triple win” of health and well-being, equity, and environmental sustainability. However, more effective housing policies (and in public health in general) that adopt more systemic approaches to addressing the complex interactions between health, housing, and wider environment are needed. This paper illustrates some of the key components of the housing and health challenge in developed countries, and presents a conceptual model to co-ordinate activities that can deliver the “triple win.” This is achieved by offering a perspective on how to navigate more effectively, inclusively and across sectors when identifying sustainable housing interventions.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 347-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan M. Samet ◽  
Thomas A. Burke

The quality of the environment is a major determinant of the health and well-being of a population. The role of scientific evidence is central in the network of laws addressing environmental pollution in the United States and has been critical in addressing the myriad sources of environmental pollution and the burden of disease attributable to environmental factors. We address the shift away from reasoned action and science to a reliance on belief and document the efforts to separate regulation from science and to remove science-based regulations and policies intended to protect public health. We outline the general steps for moving from research to policy, show how each has been undermined, offer specific examples, and point to resources that document the enormity of the current efforts to set aside scientific evidence.


Author(s):  
Ingūna Briede ◽  
Aina Strode

Sustainable design looks at the environmental, social and economic categories in interactions that deliver significant environmental and health solutions. Common trends in society show that sustainable thinking has not yet become a way of life and is fragmented. This justifies the need for both future and existing professionals – architects and environmental / interior designers – to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in designing and evaluating projects in aspects of sustainability that are related to public health and well-being. The aim of the article is to determine the criteria for the evaluation of sustainable design, which should be taken into account during the development and implementation of the interior design project. Research methods – theoretical – research and analysis of scientific literature.


Author(s):  
Mathew P. White ◽  
Rebecca Lovell ◽  
Benedict W. Wheeler ◽  
Sabine Pahl ◽  
Sebastian Völker ◽  
...  

Although aquatic (blue) landscapes have been used to promote health for centuries, systematic research to explore these issues is relatively recent. We identify four strands of evidence, using different methodological approaches. Preference-based approaches use revealed (e.g. house prices), and stated (e.g. willingness to visit) preferences to examine people’s choice behaviours and intentions in relation to blue landscapes. Experiential approaches tap into people’s experiences in and around blue landscapes (e.g. during and after visits). Experimental approaches deconstruct blue landscapes and explore their impact under controlled conditions, in particular in comparison with the impacts of other landscape types. Finally, quantitative spatial approaches use epidemiological methods to explore health and well-being in relation to how close individuals live to aquatic environments. Broadly speaking, all four approaches suggest important potential for health benefits from blue landscapes, though important caveats, such as the quality of the blue landscape, were also found.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S605-S606
Author(s):  
Renee J Flores

Abstract Despite benefits to overall health and well-being, healthcare professionals’ knowledge and research is limited in regards to older women’s sexuality and intimacy desires. There are barriers that impede fulfilling these desires and lack of understanding hinders ways to address this issue, which negatively affects the well-being of older women. A sexuality and intimacy survey of 29 women between the ages of 60-86 revealed that the majority were having sex at least once a month and expressed the desire to increase the frequency of sexual encounters. These data suggests that later-life sexuality and intimacy encounters are important for some women. Recognizing these desires could prompt responses that could greatly influence the quality of life in older women. A broader public health discussion needs to occur in order to promote awareness and optimize overall well-being.


2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnė Prochorskaitė ◽  
Vida Malienė

Sustainability of the built environment is an increasingly prominent concern in academic and policy discussions in the UK and EU. Initiatives such as the Code for Sustainable Homes in the UK have been developed to aid integration of sustainability principles into housing developments. Primary focus in this field has been largely on environmental sustainability (particularly energy efficiency) with less attention paid to social and economic factors. This article argues that health and well-being issues need greater consideration within current sustainable housing policy and developments. Three key reasons are presented in support of this argument: (i) Creation of greater market demand; public demand for sustainable buildings could be enhanced through greater promotion of the health and well-being benefits of sustainable housing: (ii) Time-scales; given the longevity of buildings, health considerations should be of paramount importance to avoid any possible future adverse effects: (iii) Indirect societal benefits; enhanced health and well-being can lead to wider societal and economic benefits such as lower healthcare costs. The paper then presents some of the seminal findings from health and housing literature review, outlining how these can be used to enhance sustainable housing policy and developments. The paper concludes by presenting the next stages of research.


Vestnik ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 92-96
Author(s):  
Ю.В. Бургардт ◽  
Ж.В. Романова ◽  
А.Т. Душпанова

Сон является важным физиологическим состоянием необходимым для здоровья и благополучия человека. Разные виды нарушений сна отрицательно сказываются на психическом здоровье и качестве жизни человека, являются фактором риска для возникновения или усугубления течения существующих заболеваний. По данным международной классификации нарушений сна, принято выделять шесть основных категорий: бессонница, нарушение дыхания во сне, центральные расстройства гиперсонливости, парасомнии, двигательные расстройства во сне, расстройства циркадного ритма сна. [1]. Учитывая такое разнообразие нарушений сна, мы сталкиваемся с большим количеством нозологий и специальностей, которые вовлечены в процесс диагностики и лечения данных пациентов. Литературные данные указывают на прямую связь нарушений сна с проблемами сердечно-сосудистой, дыхательной, нейроэндокринной систем. Лечением данной группы пациентов занимаются специалисты разных областей медицины - от стоматологов и оториноларингологов до психиатров и неврологов. Актуальность данной тематики не вызывает сомнений, так как по литературным данным в современном обществе до 50 % населения планеты сталкиваются с проблемами, связанными с нарушениями сна. В последние 30 лет этой нозологии уделяется очень много внимания в развитых странах мира, тем не менее, нарушения сна по-прежнему остаются острой проблемой влияющей на качество жизни и здоровье человечества. Sleep is an important physiological condition necessary for human health and well-being. Various types of sleep disorders adversely affect mental health and quality of life of a person, and are a risk factor for the onset or aggravation of existing diseases. According to the international classification of sleep disorders, it is customary to distinguish six main categories: insomnia, breathing disorders during sleep, central disorders of hypersomnia, parasomnias, movement disorders during sleep, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. [1]. Given such a variety of sleep disorders, we are faced with a large number of nosologies and specialties that are involved in the process of diagnosing and treating these patients. Literature data indicate a direct connection between sleep disorders and problems of the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuroendocrine systems. This group of patients is treated by specialists in various fields of medicine - from dentists and otorhinolaryngologists to psychiatrists and neurologists. The relevance of this topic is beyond doubt, since according to literature data in modern society up to 50% of the world's population face problems associated with sleep disorders. In the past 30 years, this nosology has received a lot of attention in the developed countries of the world, however, sleep disorders still remain an acute problem affecting the quality of life and health of mankind.


Author(s):  
Melissa R. Marselle ◽  
Sarah J. Lindley ◽  
Penny A. Cook ◽  
Aletta Bonn

Abstract Purpose of review Biodiversity underpins urban ecosystem functions that are essential for human health and well-being. Understanding how biodiversity relates to human health is a developing frontier for science, policy and practice. This article describes the beneficial, as well as harmful, aspects of biodiversity to human health in urban environments. Recent findings Recent research shows that contact with biodiversity of natural environments within towns and cities can be both positive and negative to human physical, mental and social health and well-being. For example, while viruses or pollen can be seriously harmful to human health, biodiverse ecosystems can promote positive health and well-being. On balance, these influences are positive. As biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, research suggests that its loss could threaten the quality of life of all humans. Summary A key research gap is to understand—and evidence—the specific causal pathways through which biodiversity affects human health. A mechanistic understanding of pathways linking biodiversity to human health can facilitate the application of nature-based solutions in public health and influence policy. Research integration as well as cross-sector urban policy and planning development should harness opportunities to better identify linkages between biodiversity, climate and human health. Given its importance for human health, urban biodiversity conservation should be considered as public health investment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (5) ◽  
pp. 515-522
Author(s):  
P Raynham

Electric light in buildings may provide some health benefits; however, for most people these benefits are likely to be small. It is possible for electric lighting to cause health problems, if there is too little light or there is glare, but for the most part there is good guidance available and these problems can be avoided. The quality of the lit environment can have a psychological impact and this may in turn impact well-being. A starting point for this is perceived adequacy of illumination. Related lighting metrics are examined and a hypothetical explanation is suggested.


Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 341
Author(s):  
Ralf-Uwe Syrbe ◽  
Ina Neumann ◽  
Karsten Grunewald ◽  
Patrycia Brzoska ◽  
Jiři Louda ◽  
...  

The quality of life in our cities critically depends on the intelligent planning and shaping of urban living space, in particular urban nature. By providing a wide range of ecosystem services (ES), urban nature essentially contributes to the well-being of city dwellers and plays a major role in avoiding common diseases through its positive impact on physical and mental health. Health is one of the most important factors underlying human welfare and is, thus, vital to sustainable development. The ES of urban green space provide other social-cultural functions alongside public health, for example by fostering environmental justice and citizenship participation. Thus, they should always be considered when searching for solutions to urban problems. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of green areas in three selected cities on the health and well-being of people by self-reporting of green areas’ visitors. To this end, we posed the research question: which types and characteristics of urban green space are most appreciated by city dwellers? Based on our findings, we have drawn up recommendations for practices to promote better living conditions. We have also pinpointed obstacles to and opportunities for leisure time activities as well as ways of supporting the public health of citizens.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 517
Author(s):  
Ilia Adami ◽  
Michalis Foukarakis ◽  
Stavroula Ntoa ◽  
Nikolaos Partarakis ◽  
Nikolaos Stefanakis ◽  
...  

Improving the well-being and quality of life of the elderly population is closely related to assisting them to effectively manage age-related conditions such as chronic illnesses and anxiety, and to maintain their independence and self-sufficiency as much as possible. This paper presents the design, architecture and implementation structure of an adaptive system for monitoring the health and well-being of the elderly. The system was designed following best practices of the Human-Centred Design approach involving representative end-users from the early stages.


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