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Healthy Environments for Children

ccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year over 5 million children below ages of 14, mainlt from developing countries, die from diseases which are related to their environment such as diarrhoea and malaria. Other threats to children's health include pollution, poor hygiene and accidents like poisoning, burns and drowning. Since children spend most of their live at home, in a child care centre or at school, it is important to keep these environments safe and healthy for their growing years.

It is easy for us to take for granted the safety of our homes, especially when we are well and free from sickness. However, it is better not to take such chances, as our children's lives are not worth the gamble. During the early stages of their growth, their organs and systems are not fully developed compared to those of an adult, and they could be more susceptible to threats from the environment. Being sick deprives them of going to school or taking part in certain activities, and this inhibits their social and intellectual development.

Children depend on their parents, caregivers and teachers to ensure a safe environment for them. After all, these early years are vital for the children's future development. here is a checklist of safety and health factors that contributes to a healthy environment.

CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE
A clean environment is important to reduce the rick of infections and disease. Maintain good hygiene practice on personal care and food preparation.

AIR QUALITY
As children spend a lot of their time indoors, you should be concerned about the quality of air in home. If you or a member of your family smokes at home, your child is exposed to secondhande smoke. The effects of secondhand smoking to your child include respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and ear infections. So keep your home smoke-free to protect your children.

BATTLING VECTORS
Dengue is a serious disease, and is a leading cause of hospitalisation and death among children. As the Aedes mosquito is the main vector of dengue, eliminating this pest helps to contain the sprread of this disease. The best way to start is by destroying their breeding sites.

FALLS
Install window guards to prevent children from falling and make sure the frames are secured. Install bed rails to prevent children from falling off the bed. Put stair guards at the top and bottom steps of the stairs. Do not leaves ladders out in the garden where children can climb.

INJURIES
Keep glass and other breakables our of the reach of children. Store knives in a place where children have no access. Do not let children play with plastic bags as they may cover their faces and suffocate. Store garden tools properly.

BURNS
Store matches and lighters in a safe place. Do not let children play near to the oven or stove area. Place hot dishes or hot drinks our of children's reach.

DROWNING
Never leave children unattened in a bath or pool. Children can drown in just 8 centimenters of water. Teach children how to swim and always there an adult to supervise them. Do not let children near drains.

POISONING
Store all harmful chemicals, medicine and solutions in a dafe place where children cannot reach. Do not keep poisonous plants in the house or garden.

If you need any further assistant or have anything related topics to share with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me via my email: ewe.monica@gmail.com or monicaharaldsted@yahoo.co.uk at anytime. Hope that you enjoy my articles.