Authors: Prutha Bhise, Upasana Bhuyan, Katherine Price, Ye Yuan Abstract: The concept of evidence-based public health (EBPH) practice is relatively new, but rapidly gaining in momentum and recognition. The purpose of this paper is to define and describe evidence-based public health, and explore the level of ‘proof’ necessary to preserve and improve evidence-based practices in public health, using specific examples from the four major areas: community health, environmental health, public health infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Article (pdf)

Author: Cheryl A. Vamos Abstract: This article considers the role ofhealth literacy in promotion oforal health across the lifespan. A Canadian-based oral health program serves as an illustrative example. The strategies and characteristics from the program can assist agencies and organizations in employing a health literacy lens in its approach to health education, disease prevention, and health promotion. Article (pdf)

Authors: Nina Gottselig and Sara Kennedy Abstract: The term “ecovillage” came into common use in the early 1990s and defines a specific form of intentional community. Ecological communities are attempting to implement a new paradigm intended to lead humanity towards a more sustainable future. Communities focused on becoming or remaining ecologically sustainable lie along a spectrum of varying degrees of sustainability. An ecologically feasible village has to deal with a number of challenges throughout all processes of community life. This paper reviews two prototype ecovillage communities in the present context ofdevelopment and sustainability. Article (pdf)

Author: Kirk W. Junker Abstract: This article considers the role of law as an active force in educating citizens on norms of the society. The norms are created and enforced in the law in general, but of particular importance are those in environmental law. In environmental law the environment is not protected only for the sake of serving human beings. To learn this lesson, however, one must look at the specifics of the law and its application. Some laws purport to be concerned with the environment for its own sake, but a review ofthe language ofthat law shows it to be indirectly benefitting humans. Article (pdf)

Authors: Alla Keselman, Daniel M. Levin, Judy F. Kramer, Karen Matzkin, Gale Dutcher Abstract: Whereas environmental health education is rapidly becoming a global priority, it still receives little attention in schools. This paper describes a U.S. National Library ofMedicine program, aiming to support environmental health education in grades 6-12 in U.S. schools. The program has four components: (1) developing reliable online resources that provide quality environmental health information; (2) creating lesson plans that integrate our resources into the classroom and extracurricular activities; (3) engaging teachers by inviting collaborations and promoting our resources and activities; and (4) conducting educational research that provides a foundation for the other components. The paper describes specific educational resources and activities and grounds them in learning theories from the fields ofcognitive psychology and science education. Article (pdf)

Authors: Philipp Krämer and Klaus Klein Abstract: Preventive methods against contagious diseases are an important matter in public health. Teaching hand hygiene is important and can be introduced in a fun but educational way in primary and secondary school classrooms. This briefpaper illustrates the integration ofthis idea in a natural science class using a hands-on demonstration. Article (pdf)

Authors: Jennifer Marshall and Jessica Ng Abstract: This manuscript presents a review of the sources and pathways of phthalate exposures in home and community environments, followed by a description of the effects of phthalate exposure on prenatal, infant, and child development and health. An examination of policy responses over the past decade across the international landscape culminates in case descriptions of the recent statewide and nationwide policy changes implemented in the United States and Canada. The phthalate example sets the backdrop for a call to develop more timely and effective risk management investigations, regulations, and health education campaigns regarding chemical exposure to in our environment. Article (pdf)

Authors: Dhitinut Ratnapradipa, Frida Fokum, Alicia Wodika, Sam Churchill Abstract: Childhood lead poisoning can cause an array of symptoms that vary in severity depending on dose. Over the last decade the United States has taken drastic measures to administer preventive screening methods to decrease the number ofchildren with elevated blood lead levels (EBLL). Historically, Illinois has had many issues with lead poisoning prevention, and although the number of children with EBLL has decreased over the last few decades, Illinois continues to lead the nation with one of the highest rates ofEBLL. This article evaluates the compiled data pertaining to Illinois and the U.S, collected over ten years to assess patterns in lead poisoning screenings, prevention strategies, and outreach. State and national levels were researched for lead screening rates, percentage of children with EBLL 5/10μg/dL (5 and 10 micrograms per deciliter), specific counties and lead poisoning results (in Illinois), estimated numbers ofhomes built before 1980, and outreach efforts being utilized in Illinois and across the nation. Although Illinois continues to lead the nation in the number of reported childhood lead poisoning cases, the screenings tended to increase over time while reported cases ofEBLL ≥10μg/dL decreased significantly. Article (pdf)

Authors: Dhitinut Ratnapradipa, Dale O. Ritzel, Kadi Bliss Abstract: Over the past decade, bed bugs have re-emerged as a global public health nuisance. Although these insects are not known to transmit disease among humans, the ease with which they spread has become problematic. Risk communication is one approach that can be used to educate the public about this pest, thereby engaging public participation in addressing this costly public health challenge. Article (pdf)

Authors: Dale O. Ritzel, Dhitinut Ratnapradipa, Maria Alexandrova Abstract: The April 20, 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil spill created enormous challenges for public health and environmental health authorities. This paper examines those challenges and offers short-term and long-term views on the resultant effects of the spill. Article (pdf)

Authors: Monica Rousseau, Babatope Akinola, Prerna Bhasin Abstract: As the world population and carbon emissions continue to rise, so does the global temperature. It is now obvious that previous attempts to limit carbon emissions have been feeble and have not affected the forecasted concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. What then, should be the primary focus for tackling global climate change? There are many options available, ranging from forest restorations to new recycling initiatives. However, one sector provides a scope of change incomparable to other options. It is the sector that was previously addressed by our ancestors: energy. This paper highlights the dangers of continuing with current popular trends in energy consumption; moreover, it offers broad, energy-based solutions that could impact society in many of the same ways the Industrial Revolution and its outcomes impacted the course of civilization: by altering the trajectory of the environment, economy, and public health. Article (pdf)

Authors: Natalia Fitz Sandoval, Heidi M. Hale, Alyssa B. Mayer Abstract: In the last 40 years, laws and regulations devoted to environmental protection have been implemented the world over, particularly in more developed countries. More than 100 countries have environmental impact laws that mediate the effects of industry and society. Most countries have environmental laws that restrict air and water pollution and the unmitigated exploitation of natural resources, as well as environmental regulatory agencies charged with drafting and enforcing these laws. Specifically, the United States and many European countries have an extensive history of regulatory compliance and enforcement of environmental laws. However, environmental protection on a global scale cannot be achieved through force of law alone. Education, persuasion, and marketing are critical elements of the current environmental argument. A multi-faceted approach to conservation is required to persuade government, industry, and individuals of all nations to consider the environment while working to promote economic expansion. Striking the balance among education, marketing, and regulatory law is the key to effective global environmental interventions. Article (pdf)

Authors: Pascal Bergmann, Oksana Kurz, Kirsten Schlüter Abstract: This study represents a teacher survey concerning the significance ofwild and medicinal plants in biology lessons. 57 teachers ofdifferent school types were interrogated in Siegen (Germany). We found out that wild plants usually have a small role in biology lessons and that this significance is even lower for medicinal plants and home remedies. However there are significant differences concerning the importance these topics have today and the importance they should have according to teachers’ opinion. Differences depending on the school form could be detected for medicinal plants and home remedies, but were minimal for wild plants. Article (pdf)

Author: Sandra Vamos Abstract: Whereas health literacy has been featured in health policy documents in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong, health literacy is a relatively new concept in health research and practice in Canada. This paper explores various initiatives for putting health literacy research into practice across Canada. Article (pdf)

Authors: Robin Telford, Aprilia Shinta Lucia, Stefanie Fleischmann Abstract: Despite the cost-efficiency ofnuclear power the health and environmental implications are not as well known. Disasters such as that which occurred in Chernobyl in 1986 have seen an increase in the development ofthyroid cancer in the areas in the immediate vicinity. Other studies have found that just living near a nuclear power plant does not put a person at an increased risk ofmalignant lymphoma or childhood leukemia. Studies ofthe environment have shown that nuclear power plants have little effect on the land or air, but have significant negative impacts on the aquatic environments. New safety measures, including situation specific emergency response systems, can be put into place to further reduce the risk ofnuclear power plant disasters. Article (pdf)

Authors: Margaret L. Walsh, Maja Spasovska, Francesco Maria Basili Abstract: There is disagreement about what defines the levels of effectiveness and efficiency for “evidence-based practices” where environmental issues are concerned. Using an evidence-based public health (EBPH) model of assessing evidence, audiences, and competencies, this paper applies case studies to highlight efforts at obtaining a synchronized definition of evidence-based practices for environmental preservation. Through a review of current environmental practices, history of evidence-based research, and assimilation ofrecommended practices by those in affected communities, a better understanding ofa necessary level of“proof” will arise. Recommendations on how to tailor evidence-based practices to various stakeholders are included. Article (pdf)

Authors: Paul Yeung and Sandra Vamos Abstract: In recent decades, efforts have been taken by governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to promote healthy living in Australia, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. This paper will give a briefoverview ofselected nations that advocate for a health literacy framework in health policies, programs, and activities. Article (pdf)