Mitigating the environmental impact of NSAIDs - physiotherapy as a contribution to One Health and the SDGs

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) continue to be amongst the most frequently used pharmaceutical treatments for mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain globally. In this short communication, we continue to expand the growing field of environmental physiotherapy by tracing NSAIDs journey through aquatic ecosystems, and the potential of physiotherapy to mitigate these negative environmental impacts and so contribute to achieving a range of UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the aspirations of One Health. Through metabolic excretion into waterways, NSAIDs negatively impact the health and survival of various aquatic lifeforms, which, in turn, has consequences for human health. By reducing and delaying the need for pharmacotherapy for mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain, physiotherapy presents an important sustainable healthcare solution. Beyond this, however, the ecological persistence of NSAIDs also underscores the need for transformative change in healthcare and physiotherapy, towards the full recognition of the interconnected nature of human, animal, and ecosystems health and the complex questions and responsibilities this raises. For this, we need to increase our understanding of the entangled nature of health and its negotiation with human and non-human others and develop approaches to include them in our thinking, pursuit, and practice of health and care.

Fostering the discussion of planetary health in occupational therapy and physiotherapy

“…By aiding these individuals in obtaining increased independence and active engagement in society, occupational therapy and physiotherapy actively contribute to the achievement of SDGs 1 (no poverty), 10 (reduced inequalities), and 11 (sustainable cities and communities). Regarding the environmental dimension, the effective implementation of occupational therapy and physiotherapy might contribute to enhancing sustainable practices in health care by adopting ecological approaches during interventions (Banerjee & Maric, 2023; Reagon, 2022; Stanhope et al, 2023). Examples include incorporating eco‐friendly materials and equipment in rehabilitation settings, implementing energy‐efficient practices within therapy facilities, and promoting telehealth options to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel to and from healthcare appointments (Harkey et al, 2020; Barnerjee and Maric, 2023).…”

“…Regarding the environmental dimension, the effective implementation of occupational therapy and physiotherapy might contribute to enhancing sustainable practices in health care by adopting ecological approaches during interventions (Banerjee & Maric, 2023; Reagon, 2022; Stanhope et al, 2023). Examples include incorporating eco‐friendly materials and equipment in rehabilitation settings, implementing energy‐efficient practices within therapy facilities, and promoting telehealth options to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel to and from healthcare appointments (Harkey et al, 2020; Barnerjee and Maric, 2023). Therefore, these actions might contribute to SDGs 12 (responsible consumption and production), 13 (climate action), and 15 (life on land).…”

A new on-line SPE LC-HRMS method for simultaneous analysis of selected emerging contaminants in surface waters

“…[12][13][14] Unintended exposure to these chemicals, even at a trace level, can lead to a range of human health effects, e.g., heart failure, ulcers, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, myocardial infarction, and hypertension of the cardiovascular system. [15][16][17] Per and polyuoroalkyl substances (PFASs), also known as 'forever chemicals', is another class of ECs commonly detected in surface water. 18 PFASs are synthetic chemicals used in the production of various consumer goods, such as non-stick metal coatings for frying pans, textiles, and food packaging.…”

Diclofenac, ibuprofen, and paracetamol biodegradation: overconsumed non-steroidal anti-inflammatories drugs at COVID-19 pandemic

“…A problem that can be aggravated by the constitution of complex mixtures of biological products that, in some cases, can originate unknown super contaminants ( Fent et al, 2006 ). Recently, the metabolic excretion of NSAIDs had received attention and became a relevant issue due to the impacts in aquatic species, more specifically in terms of chronic effects since low and constant contamination by these products were described ( Banerjee and Maric, 2023 ). However, there is a large group of organisms whose exposure to these compounds and its effects have not yet been evaluated ( Świacka et al, 2020 ).…”