Role of Physical Environment on Health

There`s no doubt that physical environment can influence our health in one way or the other. Vegetation, animals, the air we breathe, our drinking and recreational water, our food, buildings, the land we live on and our vehicles are some of the components of our physical environment. Exposure to pollutants in the physical environment produces a variety of health problems. You ready to maintain your precious health? I`m sure your answer is a big YES. Well, here is what to do: try as much as possible to minimize your exposure to pollutants in the physical environment. Avoiding them at all may not be simple. Healthy life, of course, requires greenish environment, avoidance of sun exposure, safe drinking water, air ventilated buildings, e.t.c. That`s it!

AIR

Air pollution results from the release of hazardous substances into the air. Common air pollutants are ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide. Exhaust emissions from vehicles are the main source of these air pollutants. Why can`t we minimize the use of cars and trucks especially around crowded areas? Look, I like those flashy cars too, maybe much more than you do. But, my health and the health of people around me is far more important than my desires. Here in Nigeria, lack of constant power supply triggers the use of generator sets for electricity supply. Emissions from these generator sets are deteriorating our health as they release air-borne pollutants. Should we look for other alternatives? I would say YES!

WATER

Safe drinking water has been one of the public health goals. Bacteria and other organisms found in water can cause serious health problems. Our drinking water as well as recreational water should be well monitored.

STRUCTURES

Roads, houses, schools, workplaces, parks and business areas form the structural component of our physical environment. How we plan and develop them will influence our health positively or otherwise. Well-designed places improve health, while unregulated structures could lead to adverse health experiences.

FOOD

Your food tells a lot about your health. We should try as much as possible to be combining all classes of food in our meals. A balanced diet helps develop our body immunity which in turn fights against pathogens that cause variety of diseases.