
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 12, 1990                   TAG: 9004120634
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-14   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

OUR HEALTH DEPENDS ON THE PLANET'S

APRIL 7 was proclaimed World Health Day by the World Health Organization, an institution dedicated to improving human health worldwide. The theme is "Think globally, act locally," a slogan that will celebrate the 20th year of its popularity on Earth Day (April 22), 1990. There can ultimately be no true health for the human population without our first priority being the health of the world itself.

A true definition of human health extends beyond the medical cure of specific maladies to the creation of a context of physical and psychological wholeness that permits humans to realize their full potential. World health requires restoration and preservation of the natural environment of the planet to permit all forms of life and all elements of creation a balanced expression of their being.

Adequate nutrition requires nurture of the soil that provides us nourishment; adequate pure water requires care of forest watersheds and conservation of underground aquifers; clean air requires abstinence from systematic pollution and preservation of cleansing trees and plants. Health authorities recognize that a greater improvement in the basic quality of life can be made by improving these factors relating to "environmental disease" than by the elaboration of medical technology.

Indeed, the vast sums expended in industrialized nations on heroic medical rescues by means of high technology could achieve a far greater advance in human health if directed toward improved nutrition, water quality and population control, both in the less-developed nations and at home.

Each U.S. consumer appropriates a vastly disproportionate share of the world's resources, and by his lifestyle decisions effectively directs much of the world's economy. For world health, the jobs and economy of the future must be thrifty, sharing and caring. In the weeks ahead media attention will focus on a host of ways in which individual actions can exert a positive impact on our planet. Reduced consumption of fossil fuels and increased energy conservation, purchasing more durable goods, more effective recycling, more home preparation of fresh foods, in season and grown nearby, planting gardens and trees - these are only a few examples of local activities that will be featured.

In making such contributions to the restoration of our natural environment, we act as physicians to our fellow man, and create the ultimate world-health organization. JOHN A. THORNTON FINCASTLE

by CNB