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Environmental Health

Ignoring an epidemic

August 31, 2016
This is what the expansion of an epidemic looks like. The Zika virus has now been detected in 67 countries , including most of the Americas. In the 50 states of the U.S., more than 2,500 cases of Zika have been reported, affecting every state except for Alaska and Wyoming . Almost all of these...
David Elliot's picture

A Chemical Risk to Our Children’s Olympic Moments

August 10, 2016
The summer Olympics are coming, and gymnastics are sure to be among the most popular events. But while parents of America’s young aspiring gymnasts -- and even other parents -- are watching the action, most of them don’t know that some gym mats and other foam equipment could pose a serious health...
Charles Margulis's picture

Head Smacker: During the Height of Mosquito Season, Congress Recesses — Without Fighting Zika

August 8, 2016
For months, public health officials have warned that the Zika virus eventually would show up in the continental U.S. They warned of this back in the winter, months before the mosquitoes that help transmit Zika were on most people’s radar screen. They warned of this in early summer, when Congress opted to recess for a very lengthy vacation and campaign season, without passing desperately needed funds to help fight Zika. They warned us. And now Zika is here.
Lecia Imbery's picture

Meanwhile...the mosquitoes are breeding.

July 1, 2016
If you read CHN’s latest Human Needs Report , posted earlier this week, you know that Congress continues to squabble over funding for the Zika virus. They left for the fourth of July recess without approving additional funds. And, thanks to an in-depth article that appeared Sunday in the Washington...
David Elliot's picture

7 Steps to Surviving a Fire -- and Thriving

June 6, 2016
I am living in a hotel as we were recently in a fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt and I had homeowners insurance. Needless to say, I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. Fires in homes or burning anything man-made can be quite dangerous due to the leads, paints, and plastics we have in and...
Clarissa T's picture

Local mom speaks out on lead and water safety: "This isn't something that can be taken back."

June 1, 2016
Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray visited Tacoma, WA to meet with MomsRising member Betsy Kindblade, Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma Public Utilities, the Washington Health Department, and other Tacoma parents to talk about the local and national crisis of lead in school and home drinking water...
Maggie Humphreys's picture
Take Action!

Take Urgent Action On Lead in Water Fountains!

May 11, 2016
What young kid hasn't splashed herself in the face trying to drink from a water fountain? My two-year old always misfires just a bit when trying to get a drink, often leaving both of us chuckling. But I love that she drinks water, and she does too. Indeed we've made lots of progress when it comes...
Karen Showalter's picture

President Obama visits Flint, samples water

May 4, 2016
President Obama Wednesday visited Flint, Michigan to highlight the federal government’s response to the lead poisoning scandal and to renew calls for Congress to pass emergency assistance for the beleaguered city of 100,000. The presidential visit comes one day after the Coalition on Human Needs...
David Elliot's picture

A Storm Is Coming Your Way? 5 Tips to Help You Prepare Without Spending a Fortune

May 3, 2016
It is impressive to see how supermarkets are always empty on the eve of a storm. I wonder: If we get overly alarmed and exaggerate too much in the moment instead of being prepared for the long term? Before the recent snowstorm in the Northeast, when I went to do my weekly shopping, I noticed the...
Lucia Castro Herrera's picture

Get the lead out.

May 3, 2016
On the eve of President Obama’s trip to Flint, Michigan, human needs advocates and health care experts came together Tuesday to discuss how best to address the catastrophe of lead poisoning in the United States and its causes and effects. Hundreds of participants from across the country...
David Elliot's picture

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