Understanding Climate Change and Your Health
At Crown Street Surgery, we recognise that climate change is not just an environmental issue – it’s a pressing health concern that affects us all. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, we are seeing a direct impact on our health. Conditions such as respiratory problems, heat-related illnesses, and mental health challenges are on the rise. It’s important for us to understand how our individual actions can contribute to a healthier planet, and, in turn, a healthier community.
How you can make a difference
- Here are a few simple steps you can take that can help to make a massive difference:
- Choose sustainable transport: If possible, walk, cycle, or use public transport to attend the GP. Not only does this reduce emissions, but it also boosts your physical health!
- Engage in community initiatives: Get involved with environmental groups and volunteer to improve
your local green spaces (see below). These can provide a sense of community and
improve your mental well-being while making a positive impact. - Stay active outdoors: Spend more time in nature by going on walks or cycling in parks
and green spaces. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also promotes
physical activity, which is vital for your mental and physical health. - Consider a plant-based diet: Reducing meat and dairy consumption can lower your carbon
footprint. Explore plant-based meals, which are often healthier and can lead to
improved overall well-being. - Use medications wisely: Only take medications that are prescribed to you and use them as directed. Keep track of your medications and avoid over-ordering. Doing these things not only will help you manage your health better, but also will reduce the likelihood of unused medications piling up and prevent unnecessary waste.
- Proper disposal of medications: When you have unused or expired medications, it is crucial to dispose of them safely at your local pharmacy. Never throw medications in the bin or flush them down the toilet, as this can harm wildlife and contaminate water supplies. All pharmacies in England will take back unused medications and safely dispose of them for you. Most inhalers contain gases that contribute to global warming if they are not disposed of correctly, so it is crucial for you to dispose of your old inhalers at your pharmacy.
- Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about climate change and its health impacts. Share this knowledge with family and friends, and create a culture of awareness and action in your community.
Our Commitment
As your healthcare team, we are committed to addressing climate change through our practices. We have been working on reducing our own carbon footprint by implementing our new appointment triage process to improve access to care and reduce unnecessary travel and GP visits. Furthermore, we aim to educate and support our patients in adopting sustainable and healthy habits.
Together, we can tackle the challenges of climate change. By taking small steps in our daily lives and supporting one another, we can create a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come. Let’s take action – every little bit helps!
Resources for Patients
- Mind Food (Charity) – https://www.mindfood.org.uk/volunteer/
- Cultivate London – https://cultivatelondon.org/get-involved/
- The DIG Community Garden, 62 Green Lane, Hanwell, London W7 2PB
- Every Monday, 10 – 3pm All welcome, no booking or experience necessary, come along meet some new people, we are a friendly group!
- The Salopian Garden, 689a London Road, TW7 4ES
- Every Wednesday 10 – 4 pm. Drop in, meet some new people. We have strong cohort of regulars and new people joining all the time – no experience necessary, just a can-do attitude!
- Berrymede Community Gardens, Acton Gardens Primary school, 232 Osborne Rd, London W3 8SN
- The beds are located in the playgrounds of the 3 buildings of the Acton Gardens Primary school (formerly Berrymede), the drop-in sessions are outside lessons times: Saturdays 11:30 – 14:30 and Tuesdays 3-5pm (during summer 4-6pm plus an extra session on Thursdays).
- The DIG Community Garden, 62 Green Lane, Hanwell, London W7 2PB
- Gunnersbury Parkrun – https://www.parkrun.org.uk/gunnersbury/
- The Kew Society Circular Walk – https://www.kewsociety.org/kew-walk/