GOOD HEALTH LESSON 1
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH - HOUSING
So; you wish to work in a disadvantaged area, and help effectively as a volunteer.
There will be certain things you will need to know to help the people in the area.
Many people often require support, assistance and education with health and school education.
Lumiere has published a series of blog posts with health tips for use as resource.
Adequate housing
Good and adequate housing has an effect on health. A strong, well built house gives protection against the natural elements.
It provides warmth in cold and wet weather, and shade in hot, sunny weather.
A house provides physical and mental rest for both individual and family by affording adequate space for sleep and rest.
Good housing has clean, disease free water. The family are thus able to wash, cook and drink water in order to maintain good health.
Housing provides security and safety to individual and family - affording a safe place to live and sleep.
Protection is offered by doors and windows against intruders and health hazards such as mosquitoes and snakes.
Effective sanitation and plumbing prevents many diseases.
Building a house
A house should be built so that it is strong, is not damp or subject to rising dampness, has good ventilation (air movement) and has plenty of light. Housing should be built in areas that are not subject to flooding, earth tremors or earthquakes.
The floor level should be above ground level in order to prevent dampness and flooding by surface waters.
Roof overhang should be designed so as to keep rainwater from the walls.
Hygienic arrangements should be made for sleeping, cooking and food storage.
Toilet facilities
Toilet facilities should be available.
If you live in outlying areas, every family should have an outhouse (a flyproof privy or closet).
This can be made quite simply by digging a deep hole with a little house over it.
Adults and children should not pass water or stools around the house and near places where drinking water is obtained.
People should not use rivers or water sources as a toilet.
Cleanliness
It is important that the house is kept clean. No spitting should be allowed on the floor.
Spitting can spread diseases such as tuberculosis. Animals such as fowls (birds), pigs and other animals should not be allowed in the house as they can sometimes carry disease.
The householders should regularly check that no vermin such as rats, bedbugs, flies, fleas or other pests are present in the house.
If there are any signs of these vermin, the necessary steps should be taken to remove them as they too can carry disease.
Repair
Keep the house in good repair. Fill cracks and holes in the walls and floor of the house so vermin cannot hide in those areas.
Householders should keep both bedding and clothing clean.
They should be washed regularly, and hung in the sun where possible.
Avoid overcrowding
Do not overcrowd the house. Overcrowding such as many people in bunkbeds in a small room can lead to the spreading of disease, and emotional stress as people need space and privacy.
A family needs sufficient space for privacy. Cramped living conditions can affect children's study at home, and cause depression and anxiety.
As volunteer
As a volunteer worker, do what you can to assist people to have access to affordable housing.
How to build an outhouse
With thanks to hmnwaste.htm
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