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13 pages, 405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Bodies and Relational Anatomies: Toward a Transversal Foundation for Planetary Health Education

by Robert Richter and Filip Maric

Challenges 2022, 13(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020039 - 9 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3640

Abstract

As planetary health education enters medical and health professional training, transversal implementation across curricula is critical in developing its full potential and enabling future health professionals to meet the social, environmental, and health challenges of current and future generations in an integrated manner. [...] Read more.

As planetary health education enters medical and health professional training, transversal implementation across curricula is critical in developing its full potential and enabling future health professionals to meet the social, environmental, and health challenges of current and future generations in an integrated manner. To advance the transversal implementation of planetary health education, our study proceeded through: (1) a sequence analysis of documents framing physiotherapy education to identify relevant nexus points; (2) an explorative implementation of planetary health into foundational anatomy and physiology modules identified as critical nexus points; (3) practical implementation during the 2021 autumn semester. Implementation in the operative foundations of healthcare education—anatomy and physiology—enables the emphasis of the ecological nature of human bodies and interconnection with our planetary environment. Musculoskeletal joints accentuate the relational nature of bodies highlighted across current research and traditional knowledges, as dynamically pervaded and in interaction with culture, technology, objects, ideas, plants, planets, etc. Teaching relational anatomies thus highlights planetary health as the transversal foundation of medical and healthcare education. Making this foundation more explicit will be critical for the transversal implementation of planetary health education and subsequent practice, as well as the fundamental shifts in our understanding of human lives and health they require. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

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15 pages, 2511 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

No Health without Mental Health: Taking Action to Heal a World in Distress—With People, Places, and Planet ‘in Mind’

by Susan L. Prescott, Jeffrey M. Greeson, Mona S. El-Sherbini and The Planetary Health Community Convened by the Nova Institute for Health

Challenges 2022, 13(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020037 - 4 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6109

Abstract

The unprecedented global rise in mental anguish is closely linked with the erosion of our social fabric, economic and political systems, and to our natural environments. We are facing multiple new large-scale threats to health, safety, and security, with a growing lack of [...] Read more.

The unprecedented global rise in mental anguish is closely linked with the erosion of our social fabric, economic and political systems, and to our natural environments. We are facing multiple new large-scale threats to health, safety, and security, with a growing lack of trust in others and in authorities. Pervasive stress, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty are of a nature and scale we have never seen before—manifesting in surging violence, community breakdown, domestic abuse, opioid and other drug overdoses, social isolation, and suicides—with alarming new mental health trends in children and young people. This has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and amplified by an exponential increase in the amount and immediacy of information propagated through electronic media—often negative with manipulative intent aimed at dividing opinions through anger and fear. At the same time, there has been progressive erosion of kindness, civility, compassion, and social supports. Here, in this report from a “campfire” meeting held by the Nova Institute for Health, we discuss the importance of understanding the complexity of these interrelated threats which impact individual and collective mental health. Our dialog highlighted the need for efforts that build both individual and community resilience with more empowering, positive, and inspiring shared narratives that increase purpose and belonging. This includes placing greater value on positive assets that promote awareness and resilience, including creativity, spirituality, mindfulness, and nature connection—recognizing that ‘inner’ transitions contribute to shifts in mindsets for ‘outward’ transformation in communities and the world at large. Ultimately, these strategies also encourage and normalize mutualistic values that are essential for collectively improving the health of people, places, and the planet, by overcoming the destructive, exploitative worldviews which created so many of our current challenges in the first place. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

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9 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

The Need to Prioritize Prevention of Viral Spillover in the Anthropopandemicene: A Message to Global Health Researchers and Policymakers

by Yusuf Amuda Tajudeen, Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo, Rashidat Onyinoyi Yusuf, Iyiola Olatunji Oladunjoye, Aminat Olaitan Adebayo, Abdulhakeem Funsho Ahmed and Mona Said El-Sherbini

Challenges 2022, 13(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020035 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4809

Abstract

Increased anthropogenic activities including changes in land use and unrelenting ecosystem services related to animal husbandry, wildlife trade, and deforestation are driving the emergence of viral zoonosis. This is primarily due to human–animal interaction which is facilitating the spillover of viral zoonotic pathogens [...] Read more.

Increased anthropogenic activities including changes in land use and unrelenting ecosystem services related to animal husbandry, wildlife trade, and deforestation are driving the emergence of viral zoonosis. This is primarily due to human–animal interaction which is facilitating the spillover of viral zoonotic pathogens from animals (domestic and wildlife) to humans that could result in epidemics or pandemics. Scientific reports so far have revealed that viral epidemics and pandemics in recent years such as H1N1 Swine Influenza, H5N1 Avian Influenza, Ebola, Zika, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 were all zoonotic, and their emergence has been linked with spillover events arising from human–animal interaction. This increased interaction and the increased spillover event could facilitate future pandemic risk, and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, “IPBES”, has declared this “the era of pandemics”. Furthermore, since future pandemics would be triggered by anthropogenic activities, we have called this “anthropopandemicene”, i.e., an era of pandemics driven by anthropogenic activities. To minimize the risk of future pandemics, it is important to prioritize the prevention of viral spillover events. Here, we outline five priority areas for global health researchers and policymakers. These areas include improvement of biosecurity at livestock farms, imposing a moratorium or strictly banning wildlife trade that poses a public health risk, conservation of biodiversity by halting deforestation, investing in community-based research for infectious disease control, and strengthening community healthcare systems in precarious ecosystems and infectious diseases hotspots. Finally, we acknowledge the efforts of other renowned global and legally binding frameworks such as IHR, the Paris Agreement, and CITES with regard to addressing the public health risk of infectious diseases, and we provide recommendations for their improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

10 pages, 242 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

The Right to Make Mistakes? The Limits to Adaptive Planning for Climate Change

by Andrew Kirby

Challenges 2022, 13(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13010025 - 6 Jun 2022

Viewed by 2430

Abstract

While the UN recognizes the right of individuals “to take risks and make mistakes”, there are reasons to question whether this right can be universal. In the context of a changing climate, it is imperative that individuals have access to a safe and [...] Read more.

While the UN recognizes the right of individuals “to take risks and make mistakes”, there are reasons to question whether this right can be universal. In the context of a changing climate, it is imperative that individuals have access to a safe and sustainable environment; yet we must ask if this covenant is broken if people choose to place themselves in harm’s way. In its first part, this paper explores outcomes of climate change denial, manifested as continued migration to dangerous locations, and skepticism for adaptive strategies. The second half of the paper explores how localities can create a false narrative concerning risks, and asks whether communities also have a right to make mistakes? Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

10 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Planetary Health and Traditional Medicine: A Potential Synergistic Approach to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

by Iyiola Olatunji Oladunjoye, Yusuf Amuda Tajudeen, Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo and Mona Said El-Sherbini

Challenges 2022, 13(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13010024 - 1 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5091

Abstract

Antimicrobials are compounds that impede the activities of bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Continuous antimicrobial overuse, misuse, and improper use for human, animal, and agricultural purposes are raising concerns about antibiotic residue pollution in the environment, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Because antimicrobial-resistant [...] Read more.

Antimicrobials are compounds that impede the activities of bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Continuous antimicrobial overuse, misuse, and improper use for human, animal, and agricultural purposes are raising concerns about antibiotic residue pollution in the environment, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Because antimicrobial-resistant diseases are linked to human–-microbial ecosystems, environmental pollution from antibiotic residue and ARGs alters the makeup and diversity of human gut microbiota, putting resistance under selection pressure. This perspective proposes that antibiotic-induced microbiome depletion is linked to environmental quality and has repercussions for human health via the gut microbiome’s sensitive ecosystem. This has stimulated new global efforts and multidisciplinary, integrative approaches to addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness in communities. Several academic papers published in recent years have shown that medicinal plant extracts are effective against diseases on WHO’s pathogen priority lists (PPL), such as the ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). Traditional medicine, with its knowledge of medicinal plants, promises to be a valuable source of next-generation powerful antimicrobials. Examples include the recent discovery of Artemisinin, a highly active antimalarial drug derived from Artemisia annua, and the discovery of Taxol, an active chemotherapeutic drug derived from the bark of the Pacific yew, Taxus brevifolia. The connections between small and large ecosystems’ vitality, biodiversity protection, and human health have been acknowledged by Planetary Health principles. To address these intertwined concerns, a Planetary Health and Traditional Medicine approach can be adopted, and antimicrobial resistance can be addressed by expanding the screening of medicinal plants for bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

6 pages, 3164 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

A Spirit of Place

by Ava Carney

Challenges 2022, 13(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13010020 - 10 May 2022

Viewed by 2116

Abstract

This article charts the effects of community, public space, and transdisciplinary interaction on the author’s artistic practice. By considering some of the broader societal and ideological implications of situating artwork in a natural setting, A Spirit of Place reflects on connection points between [...] Read more.

This article charts the effects of community, public space, and transdisciplinary interaction on the author’s artistic practice. By considering some of the broader societal and ideological implications of situating artwork in a natural setting, A Spirit of Place reflects on connection points between public art and ecological citizenship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

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12 pages, 1936 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Planetary Health: We Need to Talk about Narcissism

by Alan C. Logan and Susan L. Prescott

Challenges 2022, 13(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13010019 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5224

Abstract

Concepts of planetary health attempt to collectively address the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors contributing to “Anthropocene Syndrome”, which encompasses the many wicked interrelated challenges of our time. It is increasingly evident that the wide array of causative factors is underpinned by [...] Read more.

Concepts of planetary health attempt to collectively address the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors contributing to “Anthropocene Syndrome”, which encompasses the many wicked interrelated challenges of our time. It is increasingly evident that the wide array of causative factors is underpinned by attitudes, values, and worldviews. Emerging research suggests that certain dispositions or ‘traits’—observable along the continuum from individuals to large groups—may be central to the promotion of health of all systems, at all scales. Here in this viewpoint, we focus on the personality trait of narcissism in the collective context of planetary health. First described in 1852 by pioneering psychiatrist Joseph Guislain, the Mania of Narcissus refers to ‘the patient infatuated with his beauty, his charms, his wit, dress, talents, and birth’. We argue that Guislain’s observations are not restricted to the clinical setting, and that a larger-scale narcissism can interfere with the principles of planetary health. We propose that increasing narcissism, at scales ranging from the individual to the collective, is an important consideration in attitudes and behaviors that undermine health along the continuum of person, place, and planet. Despite a growing body of research directed at collective narcissism, and the role that empathy plays in healthy relationships between humans and nature, it is our contention that the role of narcissism and empathy are important but neglected aspects of the planetary health agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

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8 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Human Flourishing in the Era of COVID-19: How Spirituality and the Faith Sector Help and Hinder Our Collective Response

by Jeff Levin

Challenges 2022, 13(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13010012 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4273

Abstract

Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, religious people and institutions have played a significant role in responding to the challenges that we all have faced. In some instances, religion has been a source of great harm, hindering the global response. Many religious leaders have [...] Read more.

Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, religious people and institutions have played a significant role in responding to the challenges that we all have faced. In some instances, religion has been a source of great harm, hindering the global response. Many religious leaders have promoted misinformation and disinformation; others have promulgated messages of hatred and blame, especially hindering efforts to prevent infection and community transmission and to promote immunization. This has occurred throughout the world, across cultures, religions, and nations. In many other instances, however, the faith sector has been a source of great help, ministering to the lives of suffering and fearful people both emotionally and tangibly. People of faith, including clergy and faith-based organizations, have contributed positively to the global response effort by fulfilling the pastoral, ethical, and prophetic roles of religion. Expressions of spirituality, both personal and institutional, have thus contributed to great flourishing in the midst of a terrible public health emergency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

12 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Can Suboptimal Visual Environments Negatively Affect Children’s Cognitive Development?

by Alexandros A. Lavdas and Nikos A. Salingaros

Challenges 2021, 12(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe12020028 - 9 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4094

Abstract

There are indications that children born during the period of COVID-19 lockdown have cognitive development issues, without having been affected by the virus. We discuss here the idea that environmental deprivation—and, especially, the lack of appropriate visual stimulation—might be one source of these [...] Read more.

There are indications that children born during the period of COVID-19 lockdown have cognitive development issues, without having been affected by the virus. We discuss here the idea that environmental deprivation—and, especially, the lack of appropriate visual stimulation—might be one source of these defects. This thought is in line with previous findings in children brought up in orphanages with poor environmental stimulation, hypothesizing that the minimalist architectural style prevailing for the last several decades is among the potential contributing factors. The process of eliminating organized complexity characteristic of organic forms may prove to be detrimental for humanity’s future, providing suboptimal environmental stimulation and opportunities for interaction during the critical stages of brain development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

9 pages, 722 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

The Importance of Domestic Space in the Times of COVID-19

by Marco Aresta and Nikos A. Salingaros

Challenges 2021, 12(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe12020027 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5899

Abstract

This essay discusses a deep malaise of contemporary architecture, made more obvious by experiencing COVID-19 lockdowns for several months. Evidence-based arguments urge society to improve human health and well-being by re-considering the design of interior and exterior spaces. So far, predictions of how [...] Read more.

This essay discusses a deep malaise of contemporary architecture, made more obvious by experiencing COVID-19 lockdowns for several months. Evidence-based arguments urge society to improve human health and well-being by re-considering the design of interior and exterior spaces. So far, predictions of how design will “improve” after COVID-19 just continue business-as-usual, ignoring accumulated evidence. Yet, the negative emotional experience of families cooped up during the pandemic reveals the failure of the standard approach to designing spaces. An architecture that adapts to human biology and psychology starts with the relatively new understanding of people interacting unconsciously with their environment and broadens it. A traditional design toolkit, augmented by the latest technology, can generate healing spaces as judged by their ability to enhance users’ subjective well-being. We recommend implementing specific design innovations to achieve this goal—replacing industrial-minimalism with biophilic and neuro-based design and using documented patterns that trigger feelings of happiness in users. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

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14 pages, 1212 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Wise Ancestors, Good Ancestors: Why Mindfulness Matters in the Promotion of Planetary Health

by Alan C. Logan, Susan H. Berman, Richard B. Scott, Brian M. Berman and Susan L. Prescott

Challenges 2021, 12(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe12020026 - 9 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4880

Abstract

The concept of planetary health blurs the artificial lines between health at scales of person, place, and planet. It emphasizes the interconnected grand challenges of our time, and underscores the need for integration of biological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of health in [...] Read more.

The concept of planetary health blurs the artificial lines between health at scales of person, place, and planet. It emphasizes the interconnected grand challenges of our time, and underscores the need for integration of biological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of health in the modern environment. Here, in our Viewpoint article, we revisit vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk’s contention that wisdom is central to the concept of planetary health. Our perspective is centered on the idea that practical wisdom is associated with decision-making that leads to flourishing—the vitality and fullest potential of individuals, communities, and life on the planet as a whole. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has illustrated the acute consequences of unwise and mindless leadership; yet, wisdom and mindfulness, or lack thereof, is no less consequential to grotesque biodiversity losses, climate change, environmental degradation, resource depletion, the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), health inequalities, and social injustices. Since mindfulness is a teachable asset linked to both wisdom and flourishing, we argue that mindfulness deserves much greater attention in the context of planetary health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

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12 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Reducing the Use of Antimicrobials as a Solution to the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Approaching an Ethical Dilemma through the Lens of Planetary Health

by Samuel O. Abimbola, Melvine Anyango Otieno and Jennifer Cole

Challenges 2021, 12(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe12020023 - 13 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5528

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Controlled dispensation of antimicrobial drugs is the most echoed solution among many that have been postulated to counter this problem. However, the life-impacting significance of antimicrobials makes this [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Controlled dispensation of antimicrobial drugs is the most echoed solution among many that have been postulated to counter this problem. However, the life-impacting significance of antimicrobials makes this approach a very complex one, which must be considered under the lens of health and planetary ethics. As the problem of AMR is not peculiar to only a few people, the right to know the risk, as well as decisions as to when and how antimicrobials are used should, not be granted to only a few decision makers, but be used as drivers to advance planetary health knowledge in a way that benefits individuals, society, and future generations. Within an ethical framework, implementing policies that extend the efficacy period of antimicrobials should be considered in a way that balances range, choice, and quality of drugs against stewardship activities. The challenge of AMR cannot be eliminated completely by reduced use of antimicrobials only; understanding how, where and when reduction is necessary, and social structures and patterns (as well as existing health and government systems) are required if any global/national intervention would be successful and equitable. We may well have gone past the stage of adopting precautionary principles as the danger we face presents no iota of uncertainty. The measures to control AMR’s emergence and its spread are well presented. Nevertheless, we must not ere from the path of justice and equity even in the face of certain danger. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Earthrise: From Healing to Flourishing for the Health of People, Places and Planet (Celebrating the 10th Annual Conference of inVIVO Planetary Health, 2021))

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