Green Health: How Climate Change Is Shaping Modern Illness
Climate and health are interconnected explained Yasmine Morgan, NHS Fife Sustainability Officer, in her presentation at the Green Health Partnership Networking event this week at the Fife Renewables Centre in Methil.
We are likely to see more people becoming ill with vector borne diseases, such as malaria, that didn't exist previously in the UK due to our warming climate, alongside over-heating and more respiratory conditions, commented Yasmine at the event organised by the River Park Programmes Green Health Partnership. Yasmine who will soon head to Sweden to study a Master’s in Leadership in Sustainability at Malmö University, said that the NHS is looking at better responses and solutions to the changes we are starting to see as a result of our changing climate. A lot of food for thought there and great to know that our health care system is looking to the future with such brilliant minds on board.
Yasmine went on to talk about the more hands on steps NHS Fife are taking to prevent and alleviate illnesses created by the modern society we live in. The use of NHS Fife land is being looked at to support green health activities, like those being promoted by our own Green Health Partnership. “Most people are unaware that more than 60% of NHS land is greenspace and that this land is in strategic positions, more accessible transport links, said Yasmine who was part of the team that developed the NHS Fife Green Space Strategy 2030. The strategy identifies ways in which this land can be made use of by the community like the amazingly beautiful therapeutic gardens at Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline and the allotments created at Skeith Medical Practice in Anstruther, for use by the community. “We would like to offer more land to community groups but funding is needed to make this happen; so we are working in partnership with community groups to link them with funding,” said Yasmine. If you are part of a community group that would like to get involved or just want to know more about the Greenspace Strategy you can read about it on the NHS Fife website.
Yamsine ended her presentation by talking about something close to the heart of many members of the Green Health Partnership who were in the room: green health referrals. This is where a health professional refers you to some, mainly community led groups, that operate in the outdoors to support your care and prevent you from needing more in the future. A win win situation for all concerned really!
This led nicely onto the launch of the Green Health Directory developed by Green Health Partnership (GHP). GHP Project lead Emily Alexander told the health and nature based members of the partnership how the directory of green health activities, such as tree planting, gentle walks and more will be launched next month. Next month is also when Green Health Week happens alongside a full day of green health activities being held in Levenmouth. The Family Fun Day of activities celebrating outdoor fun and nature will be held in the beautiful greenspace of Letham Glen Park in Leven on May 7th from 11am to 3pm. There will be nature crafts to try, and a woodland trail to follow. So, if you’re still unsure what green health looks like pop along and see it in action!