Healthy EnvironmentsThe physical environment, our habitat, is the most important determinant of human health. Protection of the environment and preservation of ecosystems are, in public health terms, the most fundamental steps in preventing human illness. Physicians for Social Responsibility, 1993
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Clean air to breatheIntact natural systems are able to clean our air and water, as the vegetation filters out harmful substances. Trees are especially effective at removing carbon dioxide, ozone and fine particles that make it hard for us to breathe. When the tree cover is removed and replaced with pavement, our air quality suffers, and so do we. To learn how air quality affects your health, click here. |
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Clean water to drinkWater running over streets, parking lots and yards picks up a lot of chemicals that would not be safe to drink. Streamside vegetation slows down the flow of stormwater runoff, allowing sediment and chemicals to settle out and be removed. For more information on how water quality affects your health, click here. |
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Wholesome food to eatIn addition to cleaning the air and water, North Carolina’s abundant agricultural land provides us with fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables and other products. Long distance food transport adds to road congestion and pollution problems. To find out more about the connection between food and the environment, click here. |
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Places for exercise and recreationResearch has shown that obesity-related illnesses have increased tremendously in recent years as people have become more sedentary. We can reverse this trend as we access the natural world for exercise and relaxation. cess the natural world for exercise and relaxation, we help to maintain good health. Fortunately, our state has a number of parks, nature centers, trails and greenways that make it easy to enjoy being active outdoors. For great outside places nearby to exercise, play and explore nature, check out Discover the World Outdoors and HealthEE Centers. |
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