Public Health Week Stresses Healthier People, Healthier Climate

DENVER - During a news conference today, Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien and Jim Martin, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, called on Coloradans to make small changes that would help protect the environment and improve people’s health. The event was the kickoff for National Public Health Week, April 7-13. This year’s theme is “Climate Change: Our Health in the Balance.”

Speaking during the event at Stapleton’s new Central Park, Lt. Gov. O’Brien said, “There is a direct connection between climate change and our health. During public health week, we want to bring attention to a healthier world. We want to see people making changes in their own lives to help lead to a healthier climate. We are prepared to travel, eat, live and work differently. These changes have the added benefit of making us healthier, too.”

Martin said, “It’s great to talk about health and environmental issues, but it is more important to act. There are simple but effective actions each of us can take to improve the environment and our health.”

Some of the country’s top health and climate change experts have endorsed a number of recommendations for a healthier lifestyle and a healthier climate. Martin highlighted several steps people can take.

Travel differently

• Walk or bike when you can.
• Take public transportation.
• If you must drive, park farther from your destination and walk more.
• Drive fuel-efficient vehicles.

Eat differently

• Eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily.
• Eat meatless once a week.
• Choose a healthy meal at one of the restaurants in the state featuring the Smart Meal Seal.

Green your work

· Maintain digital records to use less paper.

• Use green office products.
• Use recycled goods.

Green your home

• Adjust your thermostat by lowering it in winter and raising it in summer.
• Insulate and weatherize your home.
• Use compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Plant a tree.
• Recycle.

“A walkable community such as Stapleton provides the perfect setting to promote the integration of healthy living and a healthy environment,” said Martin.

In June 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Forest City Enterprises Inc., with an Environmental Achievement Award for vision, superior leadership and skill in redeveloping the former Stapleton International Airport site in Denver into an environmentally friendly, mixed-use development.

Covering more than 4,700 acres, Stapleton is a model of urban reuse and one of the largest "green" communities in the nation, according to the EPA. The development employs several key elements of sustainability including: compact mixed-use development, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, energy-efficient building design and construction, innovative storm water management, preservation of open space, extensive recycling and light pollution mitigation.

John Lehigh, president of Forest City-Stapleton, and Alisha Brown, neighborhood connections officer with the Stapleton Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities, also spoke at the event.