A Healthy Environment and Healthy Aging

Guest Post: As AARP's Sustainability Manager, Pam Evans has led the effort to incorporate environmentally responsible practices into AARP's internal business operations. She's passionate about educating members on the importance of responsible use of resources, and the direct connection between the declining health of the environment and the health of our, and future, generations.

Every day we read another article about what's good, or not so good, for our health. I know I'm particularly disappointed that I can't consider my evening glass of wine therapeutic any more. I am optimistic, however, that Pinot Grigio will soon be on the 'good for you list' once more - in moderation of course!

As someone who grew up in the 60's and remembers the first Earth Day, I've always been interested in how I can contribute to a healthier environment. Now that I'm closer to 60 than 30, it's especially important to me for several reasons. First, there's undeniable evidence linking many of our major healthy aging challenges like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to pollution and environmental factors.

Second, as I await the birth of my first grandchild, I'm increasingly aware of the studies linking many of the ingredients and by-products our most commonly used items to birth defects, asthma, ADHD, and other healthy-child challenges.

I'll be blogging more about these and other issues related to health and the environment and I'm eager to hear what you think.  If you're interested in learning more about what we can do to help keep ourselves, our kids & grandkids, and our earth, as healthy as we can be, let me know!

Tip of the week: We may be too late for this year's National Take Back Day, but here's what to do with your unused prescription meds!

Photo thanks to Michael Pollok via Flickr.