Scrollable Chapter Reader
Chapter 28: Community & Environmental Health
Lesson 1 — Community Health
Community health refers to the physical, mental, and social well-being of a defined group of people. It goes beyond individual health — the zip code you grow up in predicts health outcomes as much as your genetic code.
Social Determinants of Health
The non-medical factors that influence health: income, education, housing, employment, food access, transportation, and social support. Addressing these "upstream" factors prevents disease more effectively than treatment alone.
The non-medical factors that influence health: income, education, housing, employment, food access, transportation, and social support. Addressing these "upstream" factors prevents disease more effectively than treatment alone.
Public HealthThe science of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, policy, and research
Health DisparitiesPreventable differences in disease burden between groups due to social, economic, and environmental factors
Community ResourcesHealth departments, clinics, food banks, shelters — local systems that support community health
AdvocacyWorking to change policies, systems, and environments that affect community health
Quick Check: What are social determinants of health, and why do they matter?
Lesson 2 — Air & Water Quality
Clean air and safe water are fundamental public health needs. Pollution affects respiratory health, cardiovascular health, and cognitive development — especially in children.
- Indoor air pollutants: radon, carbon monoxide, mold, tobacco smoke, VOCs
- Outdoor air: smog (ozone + particulate matter) worsens asthma and heart disease
- Clean Water Act (1972) regulates discharge of pollutants into U.S. waterways
- Lead in water (e.g., Flint, MI) causes permanent neurological damage — especially in children
Quick Check: Name two indoor and two outdoor air pollutants that affect health.
Lesson 3 — Climate Change & Health
Climate change is recognized by every major medical organization as the greatest health threat of the 21st century. Its effects are already measurable and accelerating.
HeatRecord heat waves cause heat stroke and cardiovascular stress; urban areas hit hardest
Extreme WeatherStronger hurricanes, floods, wildfires displace communities and contaminate water supplies
Vector ExpansionWarmer temperatures expand mosquito/tick ranges — spreading Lyme, Zika, dengue
Mental HealthEco-anxiety and climate grief are real; disaster trauma causes PTSD
Quick Check: Name two ways climate change directly affects human health.
Lesson 4 — Being a Health Advocate
You don't need to be a politician to make a difference. Health advocacy starts locally — in your school, neighborhood, and community — and builds from there.
- Vote and engage with local government — zoning, parks, food access, and transit decisions affect health
- Reduce personal carbon footprint: plant-based meals, public transit, energy efficiency
- Support community health organizations and volunteer
- Use your voice — write letters, attend school board meetings, start or join clubs
- Share accurate health information — counter misinformation in your networks
- Champion health equity — advocate for under-resourced communities
Quick Check: Name two local actions a teenager can take to improve community health.
Chapter Vocabulary
Community healthThe physical, mental, and social well-being of a defined group of people living in a shared environment.
Public healthThe science of protecting and improving the health of populations through education, policy, and preventive measures.
Social determinants of healthNon-medical factors (income, education, housing) that significantly influence health outcomes.
Health disparityA preventable difference in health outcomes between populations linked to social, economic, or environmental disadvantage.
Environmental healthThe field studying how the natural and built environment affects human health.
Air quality indexA measure of how clean or polluted outdoor air is and what health effects may be of concern.
Greenhouse gasesGases (CO₂, methane) that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
Health advocacyActions taken to promote policies, systems, and conditions that improve health for individuals and communities.
Health equityThe state in which every person has a fair opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
SustainabilityMeeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.