Draft Final Climate Change and Health Impacts Point ... - ANTHC

and a major cause of disability. Along with associated risk factors such as obesity, glucose intolerance,
diabetes, and hypertension, the rate of cardiovascular disease is increasing among Alaska Natives.
Multiple studies associate cardiovascular disease among Alaska Natives with increased intake of
nontraditional foods (Murphy et al., 1995; Nobmann et al., 2005; Stang et al., 2005). Alaska Natives have
also been increasingly exposed to social and environmental risk factors such as tobacco use, and
transition to lifestyles that are less physically active (Eberhart‐Phillips et al., 2003). People that continue
to live a traditional subsistence lifestyle are generally at lower risk for cardiovascular disease.
Mental Health: The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of well‐being in which
the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work
productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (WHO, 2005).
Alaska Natives experience high rates of mental health problems including anxiety, depression, assault,
suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence.
Causal factors may include rapid cultural change (Curtis et al., 2005) and the sense of profound loss of
past social, cultural, and environmental conditions (Albrecht et al. 2006). Another factor is distress from
threats to one’s community, environment, or way of life. Until the threat is removed, people respond
emotionally, based upon their coping abilities (Luginaah et al., 2002).
Climate change can generate stress and fear related to the safety and security of family, home, and
community. Changes in wildlife, habitat, landscape, weather, traditional practices, and cultural sites
among others areas, may compound existing concerns. Climate change may also increase competition
for limited resources, affecting interpersonal and intergroup behavior (American Psychological
Association, 2009).
OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS
This section provides a summary of the findings based on the seven categories deemed relevant to the
Maniilaq Area. For each category a summary is provided of the observations reported by Point Hope
residents, as well as data acquired from local sources, published studies, government records, or
experts.
At the top of each section, a short list is provided summarizing Observed Changes, Health Concerns, and
Potential Adaptation, measures. Where possible, “Projected Future Change” has been provided based
on observed or measured trends, projections, or climate models.
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