Health in All Policies
Today's pediatric health challenges are rarely the viral and bacterial scourges of old such as polio or tuberculosis. Rather, our children are facing early onset chronic conditions such as obesity (17% of U.S. children are obese)1 and asthma (10-14%)2. This generation may be the first to see a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to their poor health status. These modern problems bring a new host of challenges for the medical and public health communities, as well as for policymakers, whose legislation and regulations play a vital role in preventing, or contributing to the myriad of causes of these chronic diseases. Various, and sometimes unexpected, sectors shape the environments, and thus the health and futures of our children.
Environmental Health Resources for Health Care Professionals
How Children's Environments Shape their Health and Future
Educational Brief on Children's Environmental Health
Health in All Policies Partners
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1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved August 22, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/