Friday, June 29, 2012

Health Department launches “Healthy Home/ Healthy Environment” program

GREENVILLE, OH- The Darke County Health Department is committed to improving the health & well being of the residents of Darke County. Having a “Healthy Home” will improve the health & well being of its residents. Therefore, the health department has started a “Healthy Home/ Healthy Environment” program to provide education to help individuals improve the internal environment of their home so that it is a healthy home.

There are many aspects of a healthy home. A healthy home is clean, safe, well-maintained, and well-ventilated. A healthy home is free of pests, mold, moisture, dust, dirt, and other household contaminants. A healthy home makes its inhabitants feel safe and secure.

Much of your family’s time is spent in the home. The condition of your home can greatly affect your family and their health. A healthy home promotes mental, physical and social well-being. If a home is not healthy, many harmful health effects can occur.

There are many harmful conditions and diseases related to poor housing conditions. These harmful effects include: Allergies, Asthma, Carbon monoxide poisoning, Radon, Lead poisoning in children, falls, and fires. The seven elements of a healthy home are as follows: 1) Keep it dry 2) Keep it clean 3) Keep it safe 4) Keep it well-ventilated 5) Keep it pest-free 6) Keep it contaminant-free 7) Keep it well-maintained

When requested, the health department will conduct a healthy home inspection to help an individual identify areas within their home that can be improved. These inspections will also be done when an individual files a complaint against their landlord for housing conditions. As part of these inspections, the individual will be asked to watch a ten minute video on the seven elements of a healthy home. A healthy home inspection will increase the occupant’s awareness of any hazards present within the home, provide the occupants with tools and resources to remove those hazards, and promote the family’s health by improving the condition of the home. Education on home safety, cleanliness, maintenance, and other issues will provide you with the knowledge to make your home a place that supports wellness.

For additional information on this program, visit the Darke County Health Department’s website at www.darkecountyhealth.org or contact Corrie Holthaus, RS, at 937-548-4196 ext. 205.

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