Welcome to the Health Haven post!  My name is Jazmyne Boyd, and I am a public health fellow at WNC Bridge Foundation.  I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in public health.  I am very excited to share my knowledge and passion for bettering health in our communities!

How much does your health matter to you? Over the coming months, I’ll share insights from the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) on the “8 Elements of a Green and Healthy Home”. GHHI aims to enhance health, equity, and opportunity through safe, energy-efficient homes. For more information, visit 8 Elements of a Green and Healthy Home. GHHI promotes a “whole-house strategy”, and the two elements we discussed last month were “Dry” and “Clean”.  The two elements we will discuss this month are “Safe” and “Well-Ventilated”.

Safe

To maintain a safe home environment, it’s crucial to follow several essential practices. Begin by securely storing and clearly labeling all potentially hazardous materials, such as poisons, and ensuring they are kept out of reach of children. Additionally, secure loose rugs to prevent tripping and keep children’s play areas free of hard or sharp surfaces that could cause injury. Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is vital for early hazard detection, and having fire extinguishers readily accessible ensures you can respond swiftly in an emergency.

Well-Ventilated

To maintain a safe and healthy home, proper ventilation is crucial. Ensure that bathrooms and kitchens are well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of mold and mildew. Additionally, utilizing a whole-house ventilation system can help supply fresh air throughout the home, effectively reducing the concentration of indoor contaminants. By focusing on these ventilation practices, you can create a more comfortable and safer living environment.

I hope that this information was helpful and that it may help you, a neighbor, or a friend’s home a health haven!  Thank you!