Breathe In, Stress Out!

The Mental Health Impacts of Air Pollution

to the brain and the central nervous system. For instance, let's say someone lives in an area with high levels of air pollution, such as near a busy highway or industrial plant. Constant exposure to air pollution can lead to the buildup of toxins in the body, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. This can negatively impact brain function and lead to a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.

Moreover, the stress and anxiety caused by constant exposure to air pollution can also lead to mental health problems. For example, someone who lives in an area with high levels of air pollution may feel helpless and overwhelmed by the situation, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression. They may also be more prone to mood swings and irritability, which can negatively impact their relationships with others.

The constant beeping of cars, burning garbage, and pollution emanating from every corner of the world are destroying the very nature that has sheltered human beings. However, few people realize that this pollution affects them both mentally and physically. Recent studies by JAMA networks indicate that long-term exposure to air pollution raises the risk of depression and anxiety.

To further analyze the impact of pollution on mental health, Harvard and Emory University conducted an experiment on Medicare patients in the US between 2005 and 2016. Out of the nearly 9 million elderly people studied, 1.52 million were diagnosed with late-life depression, and researchers traced this to pollution. They noted that air pollution from traffic emissions from cars, power plants, and refineries triggered depression in the elderly, especially those who were socioeconomically disadvantaged.

The Philippines is not exempted from pollution, especially air pollution, with constant burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil, and 53% of the population lacking access to technology for cooking and fuel cleaning. As a result, the country ranks 64 out of 98 with a US average of 58 for the most polluted countries, and many mental health issues, including depression, are likely linked to pollution.

Air pollution is affecting one's mental health because it contains a mixture of toxic gases, chemicals, and particulate matter that can be harmful

Our main mission should be to create a safe and pollution-free environment for every one to revive the once lively nature we had. If pollution is the problem, we need to cleanse it to create a healthier and more prosperous world. Advocating for clean air policies and taking actions to reduce individual carbon footprints can also help to improve both physical and mental health outcomes.

As the quote says, "You don't get what you want. You get what you deserve." To live a healthier life, we need to give justice to our nature by cleansing the world of our selfish and ignorant deeds of the past.

Opinion

Torn Between the Limited Scope of SHS Strands

I wonder what it feels like to be a satellite away from my home planet. In a year, learners like me will be torn to decide whether to stay within the orbit of our home school or go interstellar and explore other academic institutions. Indeed, this is the dilemma among Grade 10 learners who will be deciding to choose what strand to take. This decision for them to make relies on their future.

According to a recent survey, the result shows a good number of grade ten learners of Amucao National High School (ANHS) preferred STEM and ABM rather than ICT, and Organic Agriculture which the senior high school department can offer them. This means that many Grade 10 learners will transfer to other schools next school year due to the unavailability of their preferred strands.

STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand. This particular strand is aimed at equipping students who have a strong inclination towards pursuing college degrees that revolve around STEM with learning activities that enhance their analytical abilities, broaden their understanding of real-world implications, and develop their research skills

However, the ANHS senior high school department has not managed yet to include STEM in its current offering. Even the offering of Special Science Classes in the Junior High Department is still a struggle. Despite the eagerness of the incoming SHS students to wish to puruse STEM, Science major teachers are one in saying there would be almost no chance to add STEM to the curriculum. As stated by John Louie Garcia, a Junior High School Science teacher, ANHS is not ready for STEM because the school lacked equipment and facilities, but the teachers can teach the subjects under the STEM strand.

Moreover, Noel Joseph Galido, Senior High School Special Science Teacher claimed, “It should start from conducting Special Science Program (SSC) in the Junior High School Department.” He also stated that Science laboratories should be available to have STEM since the availability of science labs is required for the strand.

If the school offers the said strand, SHS learners of ANHS who live outside Tarlac City, particularly in La Paz area, will no longer struggle with commuting which may lessen their family’s expenses. Also, students who traveled using private services will benefit in terms of gas consumption since they no longer need to travel to a farther school.

ANHS has been consistent in producing academically inclined learners as seen by a commendable number of high-performing students graduating basic education in other schools who are products of this institution. Former ANHS students are also seen excelling in their courses and being active in different student-related activities in college. Many are seen employed and some are in a business venture.

Hence, it is not hard to imagine how great it would be if ANHS had many other strands to offer. ANHS alumni who took STEM-related courses do not need to pursue bridging programs to fit in if ever STEM has been approved. Enrollment will also go up. Time will come, the school will be inviting home-grown scientists, medical practitioners, and engineers to impart their knowledge.

However, due to the reasons mentioned above, incoming senior high school learners are torn between staying at ANHS for financial reasons and convenience and leaving for other schools to take STEM or ABM strands.

For now, the light for a young scientist may not be visible at this time. Maybe, the cosmos has not aligned with the stars yet. However, the fact that Amucao NHS is still one of the schools which offer quality education is something all ANHSians are proud of. With or without the learners’ preferred strand, the institution carries on its mission to hone values and excellence as it paves its way in transforming hypotheses into theories and theories into laws.

Promoting clean water conservation

Ga ller y walk concludes World Water Day celeb

REYNEIL B. VINUYA

To promote clean water conservation and mark the end of the Amucao National High School’s World Water Day celebration, ANHSians enjoyed a Gallery Walk prepared and spearheaded by the Youth for Environment in Schools (YESO) on March 23, 2023. According to Sam Cambarijan, YESO president, “This event aims to raise awareness on the shortage of clean water supply; therefore, my learners should learn how to conserve water at home and at school. In this way, we can help mother nature and contribute to sustainable development goals.”

The three-day event conducted classroom-based activities like poster-making and an information drive that centers on limited access to clean water and water sanitation.

“This is to support the school ’s Project Aquasafe or the provision of water gallons per room since the results of water testing done by Tarlac City Prime Water said that our tap water is not drinkabl e and can only be used for other purposes ” said Ma’am Eurasia A. Bagay, YESO adviser.

The YESO officers also conducted an adopt-a-creek program through a clean-up drive in the nearby Masalasa Creek in Brgy. Amucao, Tarlac City.

“I am happy and proud to be part of this worthwhile activity, ” Jericho Aldala, 10-Alcala said.

Water is essential to our lives and the world around us. However, the Philippines is facing a significant water crisis due to the rapid deterioration of its natural water resources caused by pollution, population growth, and inflation.

According to research published in the Science Advances journal of the AAAS in April 2021, 28% of the rivers in the Philippines are plastic polluted. Furthermore, 180 out of 421 other bodies of water in the Philippines are so heavily contaminated and polluted that they are soon to be declared biologically dead (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2019). These issues have made the Philippines one of the biggest plastic polluters globally, accounting for 30% of plastic waste in the ocean.