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Urban
Urban health presents special challenges and special opportunities. The highest asthma rates are found in cities. The greatest ethnic diversity is found in cities. Cheek-by-jowl, mixed-use industrial and residential land use is common to cities.
To ensure safe, healthy learning zones, protective health policies must be defined and enforced on issues like vehicle idling, construction activity and smoking. |
Elementary
Pollution is a greater health risk to children than to adults. Their special vulnerability stems from their hand-to-mouth behaviors, immature immune systems, and faster metabolism that results in greater pound-for-pound intake of food, water, and air.
Polluted air leads to asthma symptoms, activity limitation, difficulty in breathing, absenteeism and increased use of medication, doctor visits, emergency room and hospital admissions.
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Schools
Schools are where we find the greatest number of children in one place at one time.
The average neighborhood with a school may have only 25% children in its evening and weekend population—but during the school day this same neighborhood may have as much as 75% children. Many spend up to eight hours a day there.
For children with asthma, schools are often the midway point between home and the emergency room.
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