AOHC Encore 2022-407: Building to Better Health

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, a panel moderated by Dr. Rosandra Day Walker discusses the impact of the built environment on health and well-being. The panel includes speakers Dr. Blythe Mansfield, Dr. Karen Lee, and Dr. John Clark. They explore various aspects of the built environment, such as architecture, green space, accessibility, and air quality, and their influence on public health. Dr. Mansfield emphasizes the need for occupational and environmental medicine professionals to consider urbanization and climate change. Dr. Lee shares her experience as a physician and discusses urban microclimates and their effects on health. She also talks about the limitations of current regulations like the Clean Air Act in addressing microclimates and pollution hotspots.<br /><br />The video also discusses the harmful impact of pollution hotspots on communities, especially low-income and communities of color. These hotspots contribute to a range of health issues, including asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer risks. The panel highlights the existing monitoring and regulation systems' inadequacy and reluctance to address mobile sources of pollution emissions. However, they also mention positive initiatives in California, such as the AB 617 bill, which promotes community health programs and local air quality monitoring.<br /><br />The panel includes insights from Dr. John Clark, who emphasizes the importance of social determinants of health and shares his experience in Ithaca, New York. He discusses the role of occupational medicine providers in advocating for change, providing access to healthcare and education, and using innovative methods like health hop to raise awareness. The discussion concludes with a focus on the power of occupational and environmental health physicians in influencing policy and bridging the gap between science and legislation to address social determinants of health. The importance of legislation and corporate social responsibility is also highlighted. Overall, the video emphasizes the need to consider the built environment's impact on health and the importance of addressing pollution hotspots and social determinants of health.

Keywords

built environment

health

well-being

architecture

green space

accessibility

air quality

urbanization

urban microclimates

pollution hotspots

social determinants of health

occupational medicine providers