Dario Lopez-Mills/AP
READ MORE ABOUT:
Swine flu is everywhere—it's invaded 4 or more continents, headlines around the globe, and just about every disease-fearing person's peace of mind. And while thus far evidence is pointing to only a mild danger in the US, there's good reason to be concerned: 150 are dead in Mexico, and around 50 cases have been diagnosed stateside. So far, there's been very few hospitalizations and no deaths here in the US—but even if this pandemic never does end up gravely threatening most Americans, we should take this opportunity to examine how we can all help prevent a future outbreak that does.
After all, there are fewer things more terrifying than a global pandemic—and many health experts fear that thanks to a number of our unwise practices, we're making ourselves evermore susceptible to exactly that. Here are three things we should all be doing to help lower the possibility of another swine flu outbreak occurring—and it turns out, as so often is the case, that with swine flu, what's bad for the environment is bad for human health. So by avoiding swine flu, you'll also be doing the environment a favor.
- Buy Organic Beef, or None at All
Nothing's been determined for sure yet, but one of the prime suspects for the original development of swine flu is factory farming. There are over 100 such industrial pig farms operating in Mexico, where animals are corralled together, often in less than sanitary conditions, and human workers are up close and personal with the lot of them. In such conditions, disease is transferred frequently between the pigs—and sometimes a virus mutates, occasionally to the people around them. There are a ton of problems with factory farms beyond that too, including the fact that industrial farms build up animals' resistance to antibodies - Fly Less
Everyone loves a good vacation. But instead of flying to Paris, Buenos Aires, or Mexico City (probably not high on your list at this very moment, granted) why not visit a nearby national park or take the train to a city you've never been to before. Take note that I'm not advocating paranoia of other countries—just that flying is both bad for the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions as well as one of the main ways that diseases get spread across continents so rapidly. - Stay Sanitary
Whether you're traveling in a foreign land or just taking the subway to work, one of the best ways you can help prevent a disease from spreading is by not getting it. Win-win, right? So do your best to keep your distance from sneezing folks, wash your hands often after being in crowded areas, and be aware of symptoms: in this case, they include sore throat, vomiting, fever, body aches, a cough, and lethargy. A little awareness can go a long way.
More About Green Health
Green Glossary: Mutagen
Treehugger: Touting Factory Pig Farming Safe, Really?
How to Go Green: Food and Health
Watch The Meatrix
-
- {}
