Health Issues

The world is changing. Things which did not seem to have any adverse effect a few years ago on our health currently has a damaging effect on the health of children. These things can have an undesirable effect on our children.

Indoor air pollutions, drinking water, second hand smoke, toxins, poisons and dangers from the sun  may pose problems to your child’s health.
            
Indoor air pollutions are caused by many sources like oil, gas, kerosene, coal, tobacco, furnishing, central heating and paint. These can cause health hazards to you and your family members, especially children when there is inadequate ventilation, high temperature and humidity levels. Poor ventilation implies that there is not enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and also indoor air pollutants not being carried out.  

Through indoor air pollution health issues can emerge immediately or at a later day. Some of the immediate effects are irritation of eyes, nose and throat, dizziness, headaches and fatigue. Long term effects can be respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer. Thus it is very important to keep the indoor air pure and fresh for the well being of your family and you.

Second hand cigarette smoke is another factor which causes dangerous health issues, especially in children as their lungs are still developing and have a higher breathing rate than adults and have little control over their environment. Children can be prone to suffer from asthma attacks, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections. If you are a smoking mother or parent, here is a good reason to stop. Even if you cannot stop immediately, take immediate action not to smoke where your children are present.

Even exposure to the sun can be hazardous to your child’s health because of the ozone depletion. Over exposure to the sun can cause skin cancers, premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damages, and immune system suppression. As a parent take precautions in preventing these by making sure your children are protected from the harmful rays of the sun before they step out doors.

What about your tap water. Is it safe to drink? From where does it come? Have you taken the time to think about it? Your water can be contaminated, and boiling the water before drinking will kill the micro-organisms that cause disease. But if you suspect nitrates in your drinking water, boiling will only increase its concentration and potential risk. High level of nitrates can cause ‘blue baby syndrome’ which can be fatal without immediate medical attention. Thus if you suspect nitrates in your drinking water talk to your doctor about alternatives for drinking and boiling water for baby formula.

These are a few of the health issues that are caused by the children’s immediate environment.  Remember cleanliness will minimise health issues to a certain extent. Knowledge about your environment will help you to protect your children.