Though many believe the world is becoming more sustainable, environmental risks can still impact your health regardless of whether you live in a city or a rural community. You must pay attention to the risks so you can protect your health and that of your family. Here is some information to consider.
Health Impacts In Rural Areas
Many move to rural areas for bigger yards and a more simplistic life. However, there are some downsides to consider.
Typically, rural areas are known for farming. While that’s good for the food supply, it can hurt the planet when it’s not done sustainably. Many of these agricultural practices can lead to soil erosion, reducing soil fertility. Also, many farmers use fertilizers and pesticides, which can cause water pollution.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, rural residents are at a greater risk of various health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke. While environmental pollution is partly at fault, another significant issue is that healthcare is harder to find in rural America. Studies have found that many rural hospitals have closed over the last several years, giving citizens fewer places to go for care. Even if there is a healthcare facility nearby, many citizens in rural areas also lack health insurance.
How To Help
There are ways that people in rural areas can help to reduce the threats. One is to explore the benefits of sustainable agriculture. That could include using less water and natural pest control via natural predators instead of pesticides. Both can help the environment and reduce the chances of illness. You can also rethink how you shop and eat. Consider a plant-based diet that will reduce the need for livestock, which typically requires more land than necessary.
Environmental Threats In Cities
Living in a city also has its perks. There are many jobs, and everything you need is typically within arm’s reach. However, like in rural areas, cities have environmental issues. More people and industries and increased vehicle exhaust result in increased air pollution. Poor air quality can majorly affect your health, including causing lung and heart disease and respiratory issues.
With so many people, it’s also possible for there to be a lot of uncollected waste that sits out day after day. When left unchecked, waste can pollute the water supply and clog drains, leading to flooding. Waste and garbage can also contribute to the transmission of diseases among people and animals.
How To Help
Just like in a rural environment, city dwellers can do their part to reduce environmental risks. The best way to help is to rethink transportation. Consider walking if it’s safe. If you must drive, opt for public transit so there are fewer vehicles on the road. You could also consider using electric bikes, many of which produce zero emissions. Cut down on unnecessary waste by using recyclable materials as often as possible.
Food Access In Urban And Rural Areas
Regardless of whether you live in a rural or urban area, consuming a healthy diet will always be paramount. Living in a city provides plenty of access to restaurants and eateries. However, eating too many trans fats can negatively affect your health, and the factories that produce processed food can pollute the environment. Try to eat a healthy diet, and you’ll help yourself and the planet.
The issue with living in a rural area is that you could be living in a food desert, where healthy and affordable food options are hard to find. Food deserts are detrimental to healthy eating and mental health. A lack of healthy choices and a dependence on processed foods can lead to obesity, and eating fatty foods can result in chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure and heart disease. There’s also the mental toll. Physical risks, like diabetes, can lead to an increased chance of depression. Also, the desire to eat healthy but not have the option to do so can cause anxiety.
There are ways to get healthy food in both urban and rural centers. In the city, opt out of fast food restaurants and go to the grocery store, where you can control your health options. In both a city and a rural food desert, there’s also the option of healthy food delivery. Apps like DoorDash make choosing restaurants based on vegan, salad cuisine, and other healthy filters easy. You can also customize your meals and swap out unhealthy options, like noodles, for healthy ones, such as brown rice. Then, you can deliver the good stuff to your door while doing what’s right for your body.
Conclusion
Regardless of where you live, you’ll face environmental risks. Do what you can to live a more sustainable life and convince others to do the same. Then, one day, the risks may not feel quite so unavoidable.
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