Polynesians, like other remote maritime populations such as Inuit, are intimately connected to the ocean which nourishes their daily life and culture. Moreover, isolated coastal populations have to face changes in their environment and their society. Their reliance on fish raises the issue of potential exposure to harmful natural and anthropogenic contaminants as well as providing essential nutrients. Recent data will be presented on health impacts from toxic substances (ciguatera and mercury) as well as protection from seafood nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and iodine. Changes in dietary pattern and chronic diseases emergence will also be illustrated. Opportunities for collaboration in public health research in the Pacific will be discussed.
Presenter:
Eric Dewailly, MD, PhD
Professor, Laval University
Director, Public Health Research Unit of the Laval University Medical Center (CHUQ)
Director of Environmental Health Research, Quebec National Public Health Institute
(INSPQ)
Quebec City, Canada
Friday, August 24, 2007
11:00am
Kuykendall 207 [Note location change]
Refreshments will be served after the seminar in POST 121
The Pacific Research Center for Marine Biomedicine (PRCMB) is a newly established center at the University of Hawaii dedicated to trans-disciplinary research designed to gain new knowledge about the profound impacts of the ocean on human health. The Center is funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
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