UIS Sustainability Week Keynote Lecture
"Environmental Health Disparities:How Can We Seek Environmental & Health Equity Across Human Communities?"Lecture & Discussion
Wednesday, November 20, 6:00PM
Dr. Catherine Zeman's presentation delves into the intricate relationship
between environmental factors and health outcomes, particularly focusing
on disparities across human communities. By analyzing trends in U.S.
lifespan and healthcare expenditures, Dr. Zeman highlights the divergent
pathways experienced by different racial/ethnic groups. She underscores the
impact of neighborhood characteristics, such as income levels and
educational attainment, on health outcomes, emphasizing the increased risk
of chronic diseases and limited access to healthcare services in
disadvantaged areas. Chronic inflammation emerges as a critical factor
linking environmental pollutants to various diseases, including
cardiovascular conditions and cancer. The presentation also addresses
lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, and their implications for health
disparities. To address these issues, Dr. Zeman advocates for cutting edge
systems-oriented research, informed action, political accountability, the use
of advanced computer intelligence and community engagement, stressing
the importance of inclusive, effective solutions for achieving environmental
and health equity.
Dr. Catherine Zeman is a Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at
James Madison University where she teaches environmental health. In the
past, she has taught epidemiology, anatomy, and physiology for health
sciences, toxicology, human diseases, environmental and occupational
health regulations/policy, and complementary, alternative, and integrative
health. Dr. Zeman’s research has focused on the acute and chronic
hematopoietic and immunotoxicological impacts of nitrate, children’s
environmental health and learning, select pesticides and the development of
methodologies for exposure assessment in epidemiological research.
Co-Sponsored by the UIS School of Integrated Sciences,
Sustainability & Public Health and the UIS Sustainability
Committee.
