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Most of us think of our homes as our sanctuaries. However surprisingly more accidents occur in the home than anywhere else. When you actually think about it your home can be a dangerous death trap or somewhere which will keep you safe and sound, so you need to assess your home environment carefully.

BACTERIA AND GERMS

Some germs and bacteria are a necessary part of life but in order to keep you and your family healthy you will need to minimise them in your home. Regularly using anti-bacterial sprays can help keep germs at bay. It is no good things looking clean if they are not really clean.

PETS

I have two dogs, that I adore, but we have to accept that animals can cause germs and infections at times. Hygiene around pets is very important.

DUST MITES

Dust mites that may live in the carpet, bed, pillows and bedding can cause or aggravate allergy and breathing problems. Investing in the latest vacuum cleaners and allergy free materials for bedding and the like can improve the someone's health.

FUMES

Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous emission which can be emitted from Gas appliances. It is called the silent killer, as it is hard to detect. Appliances need to be regularly serviced and maintained to prevent such problems. Also investing in a Carbon Monoxide detector is sensible and these days much cheaper. Similarly using certain paints and cleaning products around the home will expose you to harmful fumes. Be sensible and buy products that are user friendly.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Imagine your home is your workplace and do a health and safety assessment. You may be surprised at what you find that is unsafe. It could be broken ladders, insecure handrails, poor water supply, unsafe electrics. old and faulty equipment, lack of fire alarms, poor sanitation, good looking furniture that hurts your back, old and worn out mattresses or one of many things. In our homes we all use unsafe practices at times. For example using potentially lethal equipment such as lawn mowers whilst wearing sandals and a flowing dress. At home, as at work, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job and the right clothing.

AIR QUALITY

In order to be healthy we all need a good healthy supply of oxygen. We also need to keep our bodies at a good temperature. It is important to have sufficient heat in your home, but not too much, and to have fresh air, not stale air.

CIGARETTE SMOKE

Obviously a home filled with cigarette smoke will not be healthy. If possible make your home no smoking. If you cannot give up, take it outside and make visitors do the same.

YOUR GROCERIES AND DRINK

Shop for healthy foods and only buy alcohol on an occasional basis. A healthy home may have occasional treats in it's store cupboard but will usually have more fruit and vegetables than anything else.

CONCLUSION

Well looking at my thoughts I think my article is more about safety in the home than health. However safety and health are really one and the same or at least they can be.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
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