Bill Davenhall presents essential arguments in favor of health’s direct relation to people’s residence. The environment has always been a subject of health and well-being; everyone says that living in the country is good for you. However, this idea seemed distant, unrelated to me or my current health. Yet, after watching Your health depends on where you live TED Talk, I have realized how important the environmental conditions of my present location are. I am sure to contemplate such aspects next time I travel or consider moving.
The idea presented in the TED Talk can also be proven by looking at the global pandemic case rate across the world and the United States. The highest number of cases and case-fatality rates in the U.S. fall noticeably in the urban areas with increased air pollution. Additionally, with the lockdown of most Asian countries, gaseous pollutants were reduced in the air, consequently reducing the amount of COVID-19 cases and mortality. These factors can be considered connected due to the fact that COVID-19 infection is severe on respiratory organs. As such, polluted air worsens the outcomes of the disease.
I believe that people at the greatest risk of harm should carefully consider the effects of the surrounding atmosphere on their well-being. Consulting a medical professional first is always the safest option because one can ask questions about the best suitable environment. However, sometimes, thorough research on a new place of living or desirable travel destination can be necessary. Such research may contain pollution, disease contamination, and mortality rates (Davenhall, 2009). Also, keeping a list or GPS-tracking of the locations visited is a significant addition to the medical history that can help doctors provide the best possible care and advice.
Reference
Davenhall, Bill. (2009). Your health depends on where you live [Video]. TED. Web.