• Good genes
• Strong support networks
• Education
• Gender
• Household income
• Culture
• Safe communities
• Early childhood development
• Access to health care and social services
• Positive social environments
• Access to employment and good working conditions
• Personal health practices and coping skills
• Healthy physical environments

Some of these factors are within our control and others are beyond it. One thing we are beginning to learn is how much human health depends on a natural environment with clean and chemical-free air, water, and soil. There is a strong link between human health and the planet's health.


Built environments like our homes, schools, workplaces, daycares, and community centres must be equally safe. Just as a healthy physical environment can contribute positively to a child's health, an unhealthy physical environment can have negative and even permanent effects on a child's body and mind.


The good news is that as families, communities, educators, health professionals, child care providers, and policy makers - we can make a difference. We all have a stake in the health and environment of today's children and future generations. By working together and sharing the responsibility of protecting children's health and environment, we can all benefit.