Public health is the science that studies how our lifestyle and the environment affect our health and wellness. In addition its purpose is to protect and improve our health.
In simple words it is the science that tells what to eat, touch, breath and what not.
If you think this is hard, well, it is. Hence the costly and time-consuming research scientists for years and years now.
However we think that things are simplified: ‘natural’ is good and ‘artificial’ is bad for our health. This is can not be more far from the truth.
Honestly the things are not that simple. In fact, what you never hear from the news or advertisements is that not all ‘natural ‘ products are safe. As well as the fact that all artificial products are unhealthy.
Testing shows the harmful products and materials
But how scientists recognise what may be a threat to our health: by testing them in the laboratory.
Toxicology is the science that studies how our body may react on substances by testing them on animals. On the one hand, animal testing can be a cruel act. However, on the other hand, we can accept it more than testing in people.
Having in mind how costly and slowly the process to test any product, drug or substance, it is very difficult indeed to have answers for everything. Therefore we can not be sure for every we consume.
One is for sure, it is better to avoid anything that is not tested. Furthermore we need to look for products that are tested for a wide range of harmful substances. In any case, national agencies and global organisations like the World Health Organisation have information on what we should look for.
Natural vs Artificial
Biological and green products seem to be so in fashion now. On the one hand they seem to be more healthy and we can feel safe on what we eat and what we use. However they may be not so innocent as everybody advertise.
Having in mind that nature has been polluted and damages by ourselves, in the end they all come in our plate and home.
In more specific, we use or eat things that grow or come from nature. When we destroy the environment, we actually harm everything that is a part of it.
So whether is ‘natural’ or ‘artificial’ product, it come be harmful to us and to future generations.
Education is the first step
In order to learn ourselves what to buy and what not, we must start with education. Knowledge is power and we have it.
Therefore let just start by learning the basics of public health science. Hence we can incest in learning about what can harms so we can avoid it.
Luckily we live in the digital world where information is only a ‘click’ away. In addition demand to know what we are buying. Do not be a consumer, be an informed one.
Some years ago, I learned that my parents house might have asbestos. Therefore I immediately took actions and call the company where they bought the tiles from. In addition I talked to the governmental department that provided me the relevant information.
So be that person to ask and learn. At the end of the day it is your and your family’s health.
Trusting the science
Public health science has involved so much today. Now we know more than anytime before.
Nowadays new type of sciences can give new knowledge for the environment and for our health. For example, medical geology gives knowledge on how the environment and its materials can harm our health.
Moreover science is not political, or it should not be. In addition science should be driven by economical gain.
Therefore we must learn to trust the science.
In only cases we can question science is where it is done poorly. However if you get the same knowledge from different sources, the chances are that whatever they are saying it is true.
Originally published at www.konstantiaachilleos.com