M3.5 Transportation
The quote by Dr. Bhatia rings true in regards to Public health being a collaborative and integrated efforts by all departments and professionals to address health related issues because many variables can influence a specific issue/problem. The topic of discussion for this blog is a good example of government, public transportation, public health officials and expert opinions coming together to promote a new intervention that can benefit the public in many ways. According to the 2 articles, public transportation not only reduce carbon dioxide, it can increase physical activity, lower exposure to bad air quality that causes asthma and allow people to get access to nutritious food,education and health services. Many people in low income areas are less compliant to preventative services such as mammogram services for women and one of the reasons are they don't have transportation to go to their health clinics. if there are more public transportation options there is definitely going to be an important for people that need to seek health services. In Hawaii, the state have been promoting an new bike sharing program called Biki, and it have been gaining success and popularities not just amount tourist but also the locals. it's a great way to bring interest to improving health through physical activity and to reduce amount of carbon dioxide emission. The only concern I have regarding public transportation is the cost, since most people that do rely on public transportation are low income, and with the rising cost of gas, if the cost of public transportation is too expensive it may deter many people from frequently using it.
Feng,
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome that your community is starting a new bike sharing program. Walnut Creek is doing a similar bike sharing program known as LimeBikes. I see lime green bikes everywhere I go now so it shows that people are really utilizing them in our community and environment. In the community clinic I worked in, many people didn't come to the hospital because they didn't have transportation or transportation just was not as easily accessible. This can definitely hinder their health and preventative measures they can make towards their health.
I am glad to learn that Hawaii is promoting a new bike sharing program. It does seem like a wonderful form of transportation around your island, especially with all the beautiful landscape you have around you. It is the perfect way to get from point A to point B. Unfortunately, my city does not have a ride sharing program. Since facilities in my city are pretty spread out and we are a flat city (compared to SF), a rise sharing program would be perfect! I wonder if it is in the works at the department of public transportation...
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