Students using the thermal imaging camera to measure heat differences.
Story and photographs by Louis Wauters
Visiting Belgian medical graduate Louis Wauters reports on the recent visit by medical students from the Rural Clinical School of the University of Notre Dame to the Blue Mountains Planetary Health precinct in Katoomba, and what they learnt about the connection between human health and planetary health.
Key Points:
The Rural Clinical School of the University of Notre Dame in Lithgow, together with the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative, have been introducing first year medical students to rural medicine, Aboriginal Health and Planetary Health.
In Australia, heatwaves kill more people than all other natural disasters combined and we need to prepare now in a whole-of-community response to reduce the urban heat island effect and its impact on public health and biodiversity.
Better water management with increasing green spaces can reduce the heat island effect. The difference between the temperatures of paved areas in full sun and shaded areas under a large tree can be 30C or more on a warm sunny day.
Last week I had the privilege to join the Rural Intensive run by the rural clinical school of the University of Notre Dame in Lithgow. Approximately 150 first year medical students visited the Lithgow and the Blue Mountains region to learn about rural medicine, Aboriginal health and Planetary Health.
During these two days the students experienced a panel discussion about the beauty and challenges of rural health, medical workshops in Lithgow hospital, a snake bite initiation, a guided First Nations tour, and a visit to the Planetary Health Precinct in Katoomba.
The panel discussion highlighted the importance of rural healthcare and its challenges, and provided an opportunity for rural general practitioners and rural emergency doctors to share their stories and their love for working in a rural community.
At the medical workshops I met Georgia Faith, a biology teacher from Lithgow High School. She was attending the rural intensive days with a selection of year 11 and year 12 High School students who had an interest in medicine. Georgia told me: “It is an incredible opportunity to interact with the university and I think the students got a lot out of the experience”.
Louis Wauters talks about the connection between planetary health and preventative medicine, and what drew him to come here to learn more.
The first day ended with a visit to a Lithgow farm to learn about life and health on a farm, infectious diseases that are transmitted from animals, and how to tackle snake bites.
First year medical students experiencing Aboriginal culture
The First Nations guided tour for me was one of the highlights of the two days as I had no previous experience with Aboriginal culture or Aboriginal health. We were welcomed by a guide, Yamandirra, who introduced us to Aboriginal culture.
The tour began with a cleansing ritual and some background information on Country. Afterwards we walked through Katoomba’s beautiful bushland, and we learned about nature, the Mother, and our connection to it.
Students experiencing a guided First Nations tour
Along the trail we encountered plants with antibacterial properties, with enormous vitamin D content, and with amazing scents. The guide told us about the origin of the Three Sisters and through this explained the importance of community and stories in Aboriginal culture. At the end of this tour we made our way to the Planetary Health Precinct.
Professor Lynne Madden from Notre Dame University at the Planetary Health Precinct
During the visit at the Planetary Health Precinct the students first received an introduction to the concept of Planetary Health. This emphasised not only the interconnectedness between the health of humans and a healthy environment, but also the role physicians and the healthcare sector must play in this.
They were taught about heatwaves, which, in Australia, kill more people than all other natural disasters combined, and the need for medical professionals to understand how to reduce the impact of heatwaves on public health.
Saskia Everingham on the experiences of the Notre Dame medical students at the Planetary Health Precinct in Katoomba.
The Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative presentation focused on how public health is impacted by the larger natural and social systems we live within, and how we can all work together to change those systems to get better health outcomes.
It particularly focused on water as one of the most critical natural systems we need to understand so that we can reduce future disaster risk. It talked about the need to store water in vegetation, soil and underground to moderate the climate and reduce the severity of climate change impacts.
It was interesting to hear how the more water there is in a substance the cooler it will be in summer and the warmer it will be in winter. For example, grass is much cooler in summer (and warmer in winter) than woodchip, pavers or astroturf!
It emphasised the need to reduce evaporation to keep water ‘on earth’ so that it can support more life. Increased evaporation, especially during heatwaves, also adds to humidity and increases the greenhouse effect. The Planetary Health Initiative presentation also highlighted the importance of collaboration between GPs, local government and community to reduce the risk of disasters and improve public health. Doctors around the world are now prescribing ‘nature’ and ‘social connection’ to improve both mental and physical health and local governments provide many such opportunities, with activities like Bushcare and arts and cultural programs and access to communal spaces like libraries and cultural centres.
It also showcased how its Neighbourhood Local News initiative was connecting communities, and sharing solutions and inspiring stories to grow a more hopeful future.
Lis Bastian from the Planetary Health Initiative speaking to one of four groups of students.
Afterwards the students were divided into groups to get hands-on experience in designing spaces to reduce the heat island effect. Each group used a thermal imaging camera to measure the surface heat of different objects and materials. The sunny conditions were ideal to measure the different temperatures of areas in shade or full sun, and of pavement and asphalt, tiles, astroturf, mulch, grass, trees and other vegetation.
Students using the thermal imaging camera to measure heat differences.
The students then discussed their observations and remarked on the temperature differences: even between light and dark coloured surfaces. The importance of shade and the benefits of natural shade, which is cooler, versus man-made shade, was particularly obvious. It wasn’t a very hot day, but the students were surprised to see that there was a 30C difference between the shade under a large tree and a paved area in full sun. They also discussed the need for ventilation, both mechanical and natural.
Most students didn’t know about Planetary Health or had only been briefly introduced to it in an assignment. They were visibly interested and were thankful for the experience and the lessons they learned. As Kiaro said, “I thought it was really important, what they touched upon, how everyone can contribute to daily life”.
So many of the activities of the two days were memorable but what mostly stayed with me was the sense of community I experienced at the rural clinic in Lithgow. To see how the professors, lecturers, students, staff, even the Head of the Rural School, all worked together was heartwarming.
Everyone came together in a spirit of camaraderie to share knowledge and experience with a new generation. This for me seemed the biggest strength of a rural setting for a physician. There was a true sense of community; of being welcomed and feeling at home: even for someone from the other side of the planet.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
We had a thoroughly enjoyable final Skill Share Saturday for the year yesterday with Qigong, Fashion Upcycling, Seed Saving and Bushcare! We shared seeds from local gardens and harvested carrots, as well as Mizuna, Broad Bean, Daikon and Land Cress seeds from the Planetary Health garden. We then packaged up (and shared) our first Upper Mountains Seed Savers packs for our fledgling Seed Bank. In Bushcare it`s very exciting to see whole new areas of the Planetary Health Precinct open up as we remove invasive weeds. It`s been a year of great progress as we`ve restored habitat for wildlife and given local native plants the opportunity to flourish and re-establish on the site.
Join the Planetary Health Centre this Sat 6 Dec for the last Skill Share Saturday of the year: Qigong at 9am, Seed Saving & Gardening Group at 10am, and Bushcare at 1.30pm. One perfect day with great company, great coffee and food, and great steps for living a healthy balanced life, while also contributing to the health of our planet for present and future generations. All ages welcome!
Registration links in profile and below.
Register for Qigong here: https://bit.ly/48wlHjD Register for Seed Saving & Gardening here: https://bit.ly/4prcRe7 Register for Bushcare here: https://bit.ly/4oAFDrz
We have a rare opportunity to learn about the newest and best possible ways to support family and community members struggling with mental health issues, at a free talk and afternoon tea provided by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 Nov. Hear from Peter Joseph AM, Chair of the Black Dog Institute, and Professor Helen Christensen AO, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and former Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute. They`ll be in conversation with journalist Emma Rossi. Dr Christensen is a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
This Saturday Sherlie McMillan from Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be running a workshop on How to use a sewing machine from 9am at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Learn how to set up a machine, service it, troubleshoot when it`s not sewing correctly, and learn some basic sewing skills.
Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/how-to-use-your-sewing-machine
NB. This class is a prerequisite for our very popular Fashion Upcycling classes held once a month.
We`re thrilled to announce that Professor Helen Christensen, a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression, will be joining the conversation with Peter Joseph AM from the Black Dog Institute and journalist Emma Rossi at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 November. Helen was the Executive Director and Chief Scientist for the Black Dog Institute for 10 years and has now been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. This free event is being co-hosted by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Human composting is increasingly being legalised around the world. Read about it in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/legalising-human-composting/
If you’d like to see this option available in NSW you can now sign a live petition to the NSW Parliament here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/43QIHbz
Thanks to everyone who contributed to deliver a fantastic Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and Family Day yesterday. @mark_greenhill_mayor opened the event at which we celebrated the 13th birthday of Betty the Asbestos Education House; @firecoat_au demonstrated and launched its range of fire retardant products that can help protect homes, gardens and even electricity poles; the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit was launched; Santa arrived and delighted young and old; and @plantinspired99 and Action for Animals fed us all with a delicious plant-based sausage sizzle. The day was filled with talks, workshops, stalls and the sharing of a huge amount of expertise to keep us, and the other species we share our planet with, safe and healthy! @southkatoomba.rfb @nswses @fireandrescuensw @nswrfs @redcrossleura @redcrossau @shelter.building.design @firehalo.au @asbestosawareness @amelie_ecology @bbagsbluemtns @wireswildliferescue @handsheartfeet
Our marquee is up and we`re excited about our Expo and Family Day tomorrow (Sat 22 Nov). There`s something for everyone from a free sausage sizzle, plants from Santa and drumming and pollinator workshops, to sessions on keeping you and our community safe from extreme weather events and hazardous substances like mould and asbestos. Learn how intumescent paints can slow the spread of fire and pick up a sample pot; check out all our emergency service organisations; learn how to dispose of hazardous materials; paint a native orchid, make some seed balls or sew a boomerang bag to give as plastic-free Christmas presents this year; enjoy coffee and locally made sweets; and get tips on how to retrofit your home safely and beautifully to be prepared for future extreme weather events. View the full program and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many new and innovative ways of doing things, like the new cooking techniques being explored by Michael from Good Fat Pastry, and the new fire protection methods being launched at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Check out Michael’s recent presentation at the Food Security Fair in our video here: https://bit.ly/4pnXbIg (link in profile) and come along to taste his delicious carrot cake and pastries at the Expo on Saturday. Check out the program and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
In 2006 Peter Joseph’s son Michael suicided after a 14-year episodic battle with mental illness. Peter is now the Chair of the Black Dog Institute which is working to achieve better outcomes for all those struggling with mental health issues. Journalist Emma Rossi will engage Peter in an intimate and moving conversation about a life of purpose and mental health advocacy. As a Rotary scholar Peter will also reflect on how Rotary helped shape his values and sense of purpose as a young man - and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. This free event is being hosted by the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative on Saturday 29 November from 2-4pm at the Planetary Health Centre at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Learn about intumescent fire retardant paint and a range of other strategies to prepare for extreme weather events, and to manage hazardous materials, at the upcoming Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre on Sat 22 Nov. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J We checked out how intumescent paint works in this video.
When temperatures reach a certain point the intumescent paint begins to swell and expand, often up to 50 times its original thickness. It forms a thick, carbonaceous "char" that acts as an insulating barrier. This layer slows the rate at which heat reaches the structural elements and buys valuable time for people to safely exit a building during a fire. It makes the structure safer for firefighters and rescue teams. #intumescentpaint #fireretardant #bushfire @firecoat_au...
Mould, lead paint, asbestos, silica dust from engineered stone bench tops and a wide range of chemicals, are amongst some of the many hazardous substances entering our environment and negatively impacting our health. Asbestos is found in over 3000 products including textured paints, moulded garden pots, brake pads and clutch linings in older cars, floor and ceiling tiles, lino, fibro, roofing, pipes and gutters, hot water systems, backing for switchboards and insulation boards in air-conditioning ducts, insulation, sealants, fillers, caulking and adhesives, gaskets for industrial and lab equipment and more. We’ll have information to take away and Blue Mountains City Council and the Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association (AHCA) will be running free workshops on how to identify and manage these hazardous substances at the Planetary Health Centre`s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. Find out more and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Louis Wauters has recently graduated from medical school in Ghent, Belgium, where he lives. At the beginning of his clinical career he has come here to learn about Planetary Health and all its benefits. He is a strong believer in preventive medicine, and wants to strengthen social and environmental health by helping to rebuild the communities and an ecological lifestyle in society and healthcare.
The concept of planetary health is rapidly gaining attention globally, as the world increasingly confronts the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and public health crises. But what does the term 'planetary health' really mean, and why does it matter?
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