Be mindful of heart health risks during hunting season – The Monroe Times

Report on Health and Safety in Recreational Activities and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Integrating Health and Sustainability in Rural Recreation

An analysis of health risks associated with strenuous rural activities, such as deer hunting, highlights a critical intersection between recreational land use and public health, directly aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The physical exertion, environmental conditions, and potential for delayed emergency medical services in remote areas present significant health challenges. Addressing these challenges is essential for promoting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and ensuring the safety and resilience of communities as outlined in SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). This report outlines key health risks and preventative measures, framing them within the context of achieving a sustainable and healthy future for all.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages is a cornerstone of sustainable development. The increased risk of cardiovascular events during physically demanding activities directly impacts Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.

Risk Factors and Early Warning Systems

The combination of physical exertion, cold temperatures, and heightened excitement can precipitate cardiac emergencies. Strengthening the capacity for early warning and risk reduction (Target 3.d) is paramount. Individuals must be educated to recognize the symptoms of heart attacks and strokes.

• Heart Attack Symptoms:
  1. Chest discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain).
  2. Discomfort in other upper body areas (arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach).
  3. Shortness of breath.
  4. Other signs such as cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness.
• Stroke Symptoms (F.A.S.T. Protocol):
  1. F = Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or is numb.
  2. A = Arm Weakness: One arm is weak, numb, or drifts downward when raised.
  3. S = Speech Difficulty: Speech is slurred or difficult to understand.
  4. T = Time to call 911: Immediate action is required if any symptoms are present.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable includes addressing the unique challenges of rural and remote areas. The potential for longer emergency response times in these locations underscores the importance of community preparedness and resilience, contributing to Target 11.5 (reduce deaths and people affected by disasters).

Building Community Resilience and Emergency Preparedness

Empowering individuals with life-saving skills is a critical strategy for mitigating health risks in areas with limited access to immediate professional medical care. This enhances community self-sufficiency and safety.

• Emergency Action Plan: Participants in rural activities should have a pre-established emergency plan, know the location of the nearest hospital, and utilize communication tools like walkie-talkies if cellular service is unavailable.
• First Aid and CPR Training: Promoting widespread knowledge of first aid, particularly Hands-Only CPR, is a vital public health intervention. In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest (characterized by sudden loss of responsiveness and no normal breathing), the following steps are critical:
  1. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
  2. Begin pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until professional help arrives.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Achieving the SDGs requires multi-stakeholder partnerships. The collaboration between health organizations, such as the American Heart Association, and community groups exemplifies the partnerships needed (Target 17.17) to disseminate critical health information and build capacity for public safety. By providing accessible education on health risks and life-saving techniques, these partnerships contribute directly to the well-being of communities and the sustainable management of recreational activities.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article’s entire focus is on public health, specifically addressing the prevention of and emergency response to non-communicable diseases like heart attacks and strokes. It aims to promote the well-being of a specific demographic (hunters) by raising awareness of health risks associated with their activity. The text directly supports this by stating, “…it’s important for hunters to be ready to respond in a cardiac or stroke emergency,” which is a core component of ensuring healthy lives.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases

• The article is a preventative health message aimed at reducing deaths from cardiovascular events. By educating hunters on the symptoms of heart attacks and strokes, and the importance of immediate action, it directly contributes to the goal of reducing premature mortality. The advice from Dr. Joy Lincoln, “Know all the signs… and call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms,” is a clear strategy to prevent death through early treatment.

Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks

• The article serves as a tool to strengthen the capacity of individuals for early warning and risk management. It provides specific early warning signs (e.g., the F.A.S.T. acronym for stroke, symptoms of heart attack) and risk management procedures (e.g., “learn Hands-Only-CPR,” “Never hunt alone if possible,” “know in advance where the closest hospital is”). This empowers the community to handle health emergencies, especially in “rural settings where EMS responses can be delayed.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for Target 3.4

• Implied: Mortality rate from cardiovascular disease. While the article does not provide statistics, its goal is to prevent deaths from heart attacks and strokes among the “900,000 hunters” expected to participate in the season. A reduction in the number of fatalities from these causes within this group would be a direct measure of the success of such awareness campaigns.

Indicators for Target 3.d

• Implied: Public knowledge of symptoms. The article extensively details the warning signs for heart attacks and strokes. An implied indicator is the percentage of the hunter population that can correctly identify these symptoms, which measures the effectiveness of the early warning education.
• Mentioned: Rate of CPR training. The article explicitly urges hunters to “learn Hands-Only-CPR” and mentions that the “American Heart Association offers many local CPR classes.” A direct, measurable indicator is the number or proportion of hunters who have received CPR training, which reflects the community’s capacity to respond to a cardiac arrest.
• Implied: Access to emergency services. The article highlights the problem of delayed EMS response in rural areas. Therefore, an implied indicator is the average EMS response time in these specific hunting locations, which measures the structural capacity for managing health risks.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: themonroetimes.com