While I certainly can’t speak to the accuracy of this report, there was a study that noted increased cases of diabetes in communities close to pollution:
I was listening yesterday to a program on NPR that noted that in the South, Mississippi is the sickest of all our states with Louisiana not far behind. Those states- and traditionally- people of color, the poor- which are usually both, AND elderly, which are three strikes, are likely to be exceedingly hard hit. Where Medicare was expanded there is some relief but the obesity numbers didn’t budge much.
Communities of color- which in America are hard hit- aren’t even beginning to see the real impact internationally. India, African nations…where there are deeply repressive regimes in particular. I fear countries like Tanzania will respond like the idiot Florida governor: far more concerned about tourist revenue than health, safety or the welfare of their people. It’s Jaws all over again at a wholly different level.
I wonder when people are going to realize that without people there are no tourist services, without support staff nobody washes the shit out of your tightey whiteys and cleans up after your beer parties, nor are there support staff for you when you are in a ventilator. If there are any left. Nor are there people to pick your strawberries or ensure that you get to pluck a grape at your leisure.
It saddens me deeply. I don’t have answers. When the CEO of Kaiser, a Black man, died far too young recently there were some articles about the disparity of health quality for Black Men. Then there’s this, which justifiably went viral:
I speak every year at a conference of Black PhDs. A goodly number of those people, often young, are battling obesity and diabetes. These incredibly talented and smart folks are vulnerable, so are their families, and they are among our best and brightest America has to offer.
I only have questions. And plenty of anger.