Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #119266

Susan West Marmagas, MPH, Director of Health Programs, Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE), 3517 Beverly Drive, Annandale, VA 22003, 703.560.2148, susan@cheforhealth.org and Katherine Shea, MD, MPH, FAAP, Medical Consultant, 1875 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 1012, Washington, DC 20009.

Marine and freshwater fish and shellfish can be an important part of a healthy diet and rich sources of long-chain, omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, fish also tend to be polluted with persistent toxic chemicals and the health dangers of these pollutants must be balanced against the nutritional benefits when making dietary choices. This is particularly important for women who are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding, for all young girls, and for very young children of both genders.

To address this complex issue, Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals have recently developed a clinical guide (QRG) for practitioners who care for women in the childbearing years entitled "Fish consumption to promote good health and minimize contaminants." In this joint publication and a number of supporting fact sheets, we emphasize the health benefits of fish, and educate clinicians about the toxic industrial pollutants that contaminate our fish supply. Specific guidelines are given on how to advise patients on fish consumption for themselves and their children. A patient brochure was also developed which is now in its second edition and being translated into multiple languages. Both the clinical guide and the patient brochure are available on the internet and in hard copy. 20,000 QRGs and 10,000 consumer brochures have been distributed since publication in April 2004.

This presentation will discuss the partnership between PSR and ARHP and how we have reached out to healthcare professionals and the general public with the message of healthy fish consumption.

Learning Objectives: After the presentation, attendees will be able to

• discuss potential health risks especially for women in childbearing years of contaminants found in dietary.
• Explore guidelines on consumption which minimize exposure to environmental pollutants while providing optimal intakes of omega-3 FA

Keywords: Environmental Health, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation