Elimination

Washington ranks number nine in the top ten among the most polluted cities in the United States American Lung Association, 2013). The Washington, DC pollution index is the sum of the most hazardous air pollutants displayed in pounds. The Washington, DC pollution index is equal to the District of Columbia average and 16.2% less than the national average. Washington D.C. has been an unhealthy place to live due to its poor air quality. The environmental quality and public health statistics of Washington D.C, indicate increased pediatric emergency room visits. The top five pest problems in Washington are mice, termites, bed bugs, stinkbugs and ants (Capitol Pest, 2013).

Activity and Rest:

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has recreation centers in every ward located in DC. The city's network of recreation facilities also includes 12 senior citizens centers, where residents over the age of 55 may take part in programs that challenge them to remain active and involved in the larger community (District of Columbia, 2013). DPR operates 127 tennis courts across the District. There are multiple courts available in every ward, with a premier tennis facility. DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Fitness Centers are maintained by the Athletic Programs Administration (APA) at DPR centers across the District. DPR Fitness Centers offer a wide variety of wellness and fitness activities with equipment to maintain or improve your physical fitness. Fitness Centers feature a variety of equipment including elliptical cross-trainers, stationary cycles, treadmills, rowing machines, free weights, weight machine, upright bikes, recumbent bikes and stair climbers (District of Columbia). DPR works with the community to establish garden across the District. DPR currently has 13 community gardens under its jurisdiction.
Blueline Security Services offer crime awareness and security guard training for commercial, property management and retail operations in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland.

In 2011, 4,612 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes—an increase of 2 percent from the 4,518 motorcyclists killed in 2010. There were 81,000 motorcyclists injured during 2011, a slight decrease from 82,000 in 2010. The Washington, D.C. auto accident statistics were the worst in the nation, with the average driver experiencing an accident every 5.1 years.

Washington, DC has a bus system to get around the National Mall. DC Circulator Buses provide an inexpensive way to get around the city's most popular attractions. Buses run every 5 to 10 minutes and will cost $1 per ride. The best way to get across town and to the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia is by Metro. The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority is clean and safe. To find the Metro stations, look for the tall brown columns with the large "M."
Metro opens at 5:30 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. weekends. It closes at midnight Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, it stays open until 3 a. m. Fares range in price from $1.35 to $4.25 based on the distance you travel. Some areas of town are a long walk from Metro stations, and the DC Circulator buses do not run throughout the city, it is easier to get to some places by Metrobus. Bus stops have red, white and blue signs or flags. As the bus approaches the stop, look for the route number and destination located above the windshield. Fares range from $1.25 to $3.10.Taxis are easy to find around Washington. To get around the downtown area, the fare will range from $4 to $15. Each passenger may be charged an addition $1.50. Car sharing provides self-service vehicles available by the hour or day. The price includes gas, insurance, and maintenance and you only pay for the time you use. This is a great alternative for an occasional trip to the suburbs.

Sexuality/Reproductive:

Abstinence-Only Education teaches abstinence as the only morally correct option of sexual expression for teenagers. It usually censors information about contraception and condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancy. District of Columbia requires sex education in schools. Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington DC (PPMW) has been providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to women, men, and teens in the Metropolitan Washington DC area for more than 70 years. They provide information on abortion, provide low cost birth control pills, help individuals get tested and treated for sexually transmitted disease, morning after pill and many other services. The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs is a national resource, partner and advocate for state public health leaders and others working to improve the health of women, children, youth and families, including those with special health care needs. WIC- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children is a program that provides services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 with the following: nutrition counseling and education, breastfeeding resources and support, nutrient-rich foods, immunization assessment and screening, referrals to health, social service providers, and support groups. For women and children over 1 year old, WIC also provides fresh fruits and vegetables (May – November) through the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (District of Columbia Department of Health, 2013). All of these services are at no cost to the participants. There has been an decline in the teenage pregnancy rate since 1997, the rate decreased from 84.6 percent to 64.1 percent (District of Columbia Department of Health, 2012).

References:
About Washington D.C. (2013). Getting Around The Washington D.C. Area. Retrieved from: http://dc.about.com/cs/sightseeing/a/Gettingaround.htm

Capitol Pest, (2013). Top Five Pest Problems in Washington D.C. Retrieved from http://www.capitolpest.com/blog/entry/4

District of Columbia Department of Health (2013). Services. Retrieved from: http://doh.dc.gov/service/wic-special-supplemental-nutrition-program-women-infants-and-children

District of Columbia, (2013). Department of Parks and Recreation. Retrieved from: http://dc.gov/DC/DPR/Facilities+and+Permits/Recreation+Facilities#0