Our health depends on healthy environmental conditions. The
environment in which we live greatly influences our health and
the quality of life. The overcrowding of our cities and towns is at the root of many of our evils. Humans are highly adaptable and able to live in many different types of climate and diverse conditions. For e.g. many young children of today live in slum areas situated in utter unhygienic conditions and surroundings, whereas others live in polluted and dusty city environs whereas people in a village far away from city hustle and bustle live in lush green surroundings and lovely
environment and lead a very healthy yet simple lifestyle. Perhaps they are free from many of the prominent diseases being faced by their urbanite brethren. However some regions are better for your health than others. You cannot alter the overall climate but, if you are aware of the potential risks in your own environment, you can certainly control existing health problems and reduce the risks to your health.
THE AIR YOU BREATH: Avoid living at high altitude if you suffer form a respiratory disorder such as emphysema. The lower oxygen content in the air will make your condition worse. Air pollution from car or other automobiles, kitchen exhaust, fumes from burning dried leaves, industrial pollution is not good for health and may lead to many respiratory ailments, especially bronchitis, asthma or breathing difficulties. Tobacco smoke should also be avoided.
THE WATER YOU DRINK: Some studies show that people who live in soft water areas have a slightly higher incident of heart disease and mortality rate than people living in hard water areas. If you are concerned about the purity of your drinking water you can switch over to bottled mineral water or start to filter your tap water. Both these methods can, however, cause health problems if they are used incorrectly. Bottled water that has been opened should be stored in refrigerator to reduce risk of contamination. Water filters should be changed regularly. Aluminum should not be used.
THE FOOD YOU EAT: Fertilizers, pesticides, additives and preservatives, that are used in the production of our food, are said to cause cancers, allergies and occasionally hyperactivity in children. Risk from chemicals is less important than those of an unhealthy diet containing too much fat and alcohol and tobacco. People who use organic foods should check them for purity, dates etc. spoiled food is a serious health risk.
THE SUN YOU BASK IN : Many people worry from harmful effects of
radiation from nuclear power stations, but the far greater threat to your health is from the large doses of ultraviolet radiation that absorbs through lying in the sun for long periods of time. Thus avoid unnecessary medical x-rays, sunbathes and keep your exposure to radiation limited. People do suffer from skin cancers and some from recurrent sunburns.