What do you see as the top health challenge facing WNC?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that climate change is the top health challenge facing WNC, but it can lead to more respiratory illness, asthma and allergies, and of course we get concerned when we see things like wildfires. We’re also seeing the spread of vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease. Twenty years ago, Lyme disease was mostly limited to the Northeast, but it’s spreading, and many researchers attribute that to a warming planet.
What’s the best thing you’ve done for your own health lately?
Right before the Christmas holiday, I started meditating twice a day for 20 minutes. I am less stressed, have more mental clarity, and I am happier. It has been a wonderful experience.
Is there something new you plan to do to boost your health in 2019?
I am committing to writing an hour a day. I feel like if I do that, by the end of the year, I might have something on paper that I could feel really proud of. I try to write early in the morning, but if I have to, I will squeeze it in late at night once my kids are asleep.
What piece of advice would you give others to help them have a happier, healthier new year?
Try to find opportunities to laugh throughout the day. Here at The Collider, the ability to cultivate laughter while we are focused on issues that we believe are deadly serious is a wonderful way to maintain some balance, perspective and happiness.
Josh Dorfman is CEO of The Collider, which aims to create breakthrough solutions that help cities, companies and citizens adapt to a changing climate.
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