Every day your body wages war against enemies that are
silent and unseen but potentially deadly. Foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses,
and parasites, threaten your health.
(Most Microbes do not cause disease. This article is
focused on microorganisms and other infective agents that threaten your
health.)
You are not likely to be aware of those battles because
your immune system repels or destroys most of the invaders before the onset of
symptoms.
Sometimes, however, the harmful germs gain the upper
hand. If so, you may need to bolster your defenses with medicine and treatments.
Read also - Five ways to Improve your Health
For thousands of years, people knew virtually nothing
about the dangers of microscopic or harmful organisms. However, when 19th
– century scientists confirmed the link between germs and diseases, we became
better equipped to defend ourselves.
Medical researchers have since eliminated or greatly
reduced the threat of some infectious diseases, including smallpox and polio.
Recently, however, others, such as yellow fever and
dengue, have made a comeback. Why?
Consider these factors:
1. Every year, millions of people travel around the
globe, often transporting disease-causing agents. According to an article in
the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, “Virtually all of the contagious
virulent infections” can be spread by international travelers.
2. Some bacteria have developed resistance to
antibiotics. “The world is heading towards a post-antibiotic era, in which
common infections…. Can once again kill,” states the World Health Organization.
3. Civil unrest and poverty often hinder government
efforts to control the spread of disease.
4. Many people lack practical knowledge of how to prevent
disease.
Despite these disturbing trends, there is much you can do
to protect yourself and family. The following will show that, even if you live
in a developing land, simple and efficient strategies may be within your reach.
Protect yourself from Disease
Many ancient cities were protected by massive walls. If an
enemy breached just a small section of a wall, the safety of the entire city
was at risk.
Your body is like a walled city. How you care for your
defenses has much to do with how healthy you are. Consider five elements that
can expose you to disease and how you can put up the best possible defenses.
1. WATER
THE THREAT: Harmful organisms can “march” straight into
your body by way of contaminated water.
YOUR DEFENSE: The best defense is to protect your water
supply from contamination. If you know that your water supply is contaminated
or suspect that it is, you can treat the water at home to make it safe. Store potable
water in a closed vessel, and dispense it hygienically with a clean ladle or
through a tap. Never put your hands into a clean water supply. If possible, you
should try to live in a community that properly disposes of human waste so that
it does not contaminate local water sources.
Note: The world health organization recommends several
methods to improve water quality at home, including chlorination, solar
disinfection, filtration, and boiling.
2. FOOD
THE THREAT: Harmful organisms can be present in or on
your food.
YOUR DEFENSE: Contaminated food may look fresh and nutritious.
So get into the habit of thoroughly washing all fruits and vegetables. Ensure that
food utensils, kitchen surfaces, and your hands are clean when preparing or
serving food.
Read also – How we are exposed to Food Poisoning
Some foods require cooking at a certain temperature in
order to destroy dangerous microbes. Beware of food that is discolored or has
an unpleasant odor or taste – signs that an army of microorganisms could be
waiting for you. Refrigerate unused food as soon as possible. Avoid preparing
food for others when you are sick.
3. INSECTS
THE THREAT: Some insects can infect you with harmful microorganisms
that live inside them.
YOUR DEFENSE: Limit contact with disease – carrying
insects by staying indoors when they are active or by wearing protective
clothing, such as long sleeves and long trousers. Sleep under treated insect
nets, and use personal insect repellant. Eliminate containers of stagnant water
where mosquitoes could breed.
Read also – Facts about Malaria Parasites
4. ANIMALS
THE THREAT: Microbes that live harmlessly inside an
animal can threaten your health. If you are bitten or scratched by a pet or
another animal or exposed to its feces, you could be at risk.
YOUR DEFENSE: Some people choose to keep their animals
outside the house to minimize contact with them. Wash your hands after touching
a domestic animal, and avoid all contact with wild animals. If you are bitten
or scratched, was the wound thoroughly and seek a doctor’s advice.
Note: Injuries from venomous creatures usually require
emergency medical attention.
5. PEOPLE
THE THREAT: Some germs can invade your body by riding on
tiny droplets in someone’s cough or sneeze. They can also spread through skin
contact, such as hugging or shaking hands. Microorganisms from other people may
lurk on such items as doorknobs, handrails, telephones, remote controls, or
computer screens and keyboards.
YOUR DEFENSE: Do not share personal items, such as
razors, toothbrushes or towels. Avoid contact with body fluids from animals or
from other people, including blood and products derived from blood. And do not
underestimate the benefits of washing your hands thoroughly and frequently. It is
perhaps the most effective way you can stop the spread of infection.
If possible, stay home when you are sick. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommends that you cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, but not your
hands.
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CONCEAL YOURSELF FROM DANGER BY PRACTICING GOOD HYGEINE.
BOLSTER YOUR DEFENSES, AND REDUCE THE RISK OF DISEASE THREATS!
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