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On April 7, 2010, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) observed World Health Day at a Washington, D.C. conference focused on the theme of "Urbanism and Healthy Living." Dr. David Vlahov, Director of the Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies at The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM), delivered the plenary address.
For the first time in history, half of the world's population now lives in cities. According to PAHO, that proportion is expected to rise to 70% by 2050. Thus, addressing the unique health challenges of urban population growth is increasingly critical to the future health of people around the world.
In his lecture, Dr. Vlahov dubbed the 21st century the "Century of the city" and addressed the effects of globalization, climate change and demographic trends on urban populations. People in cities are susceptible to the spread of infectious diseases, he said, as well as to chronic diseases caused by air quality, tobacco, exercise, and diet. Road safety and violence are also urban health issues. Moreover, as cities grow, so do inequalities, with poverty-stricken areas of "concentrated disadvantage" facing higher rates of chronic disease.
Despite these grave challenges, Dr. Vlahov closed by declaring, "It is not too late for urban health." His sentiment echoed the day's focus on building a global movement to make cities healthier through targeted urban planning and health initiatives.
World Health Day commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for 2010 is "Urbanization and Health." Dr. Vlahov is serving on the advisory board for the WHO Kobe Center, which is tasked with organizing global efforts including the Global Urban Health Report later this year. In October, Dr. Vlahov is hosting the 9th International Conference on Urban Health at The New York Academy of Medicine. Dr. Vlahov notes, "Holding the Conference at the New York Academy of Medicine is a special honor during this WHO 'Year of Urban Health' and it is particularly salient given the Academy's involvement in urban health since 1847."
Posted on April 26, 2010
Contact:
Andrew J. Martin
Director of Communications
The New York Academy of Medicine
1216 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10029
212-822-7285
amartin@nyam.org
Reporters: to arrange interviews with NYAM medical and urban health experts, contact
Andrew J. Martin, Director of Communications
212-822-7285 / amartin@nyam.org
The 2012-2013 Duncan Clark Lecture - The Affordable Care Act: An Insider’s View
Featured Speaker: Sherry Glied, PhD, former Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
November 19, 2012 - The NYAM Section on Health Care Delivery welcomes Sherry Glied, PhD, former Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who will deliver the 2012-2013 Duncan Clark Lecture on "The Affordable Care Act: An Insider's View."
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The New York Academy of Medicine with support from the New York State Heath Foundation released a new report, Federal Health Care Reform in New York State: A Population Health Perspective.
This report identifies opportunities that build on both the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) and New York’s ongoing efforts toward improving the health of its 19 million residents.
Read press release
Read report
