NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK: ENSURE A SAFE, HEALTHY HOME

Improving public health at home can prevent health problems and improve quality of life. National Public Health Week (April 1-7, 2013) encourages the prevention of disease and injury by following these steps to better health:

• Eat five fruits and vegetables daily. Good nutrition can reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer and obesity. Visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/eatright.html
• Be active for at least 30 minutes each day. Physical activity is essential for children's health and development and helps to prevent many health problems over the lifetime. See physical activity ideas at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/getfit.html
• Make your home tobacco-free to prevent cancer and respiratory problems. Help smokers and those who chew tobacco receive free help at: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/tobacco.html
• Prevent falls by removing clutter and tripping hazards, and installing handrails. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among people ages 65 and older.
• Prevent burns by cleaning ovens, stoves and microwaves to eliminate grease.
• Clean out the medicine cabinet; gather expired or unused prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Bag the discards and drop them off on April 27, 2013 National Prescription Drugs Take Back Day, at statewide collection sites. Visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/pressreleases/pressrel.html
• Post the Poison Control Center's phone number on the refrigerator and on your cell phone. 1-800-222-1222 will automatically connect you to life-saving information.
• Prevent deaths by replacing batteries in smoke detectors, and installing carbon monoxide detectors. In 2010, about two-thirds of U.S. home fire deaths happened in homes without working smoke detectors.
• Hang dry cleaning in the garage for a day so chemicals can dissipate there instead of the house. Find other tips on improving indoor air quality at this link: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/hhinside.html
• Test household paint for lead, especially if the home dates to 1978 or older. For instructions, visit dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/hhinsidelead.html
• Create or replenish your Household Emergency Preparedness Kit. Your stockpile should include a three-day supply of water and food. For a list of suggested items, visit dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/php/prepind.html

For more ideas on how to improve health and safety at home, visit www.nphw.org.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.