Week Two: Health
Our focus this week is on health – mental and physical – of families, children, and communities.
When families live in clean, sustainable, energy efficient homes they are less likely to suffer from environmental illnesses like asthma and allergies. Beyond physical health, living with stronger mental health is an affect of living in a Habitat home. Living with the social stigma of poverty, children embarassed by where they live, multiple generations sharing bedrooms and small spaces. Depression, stress and exhaustion from worrying about money and working long hours to make ends meet. It all adds up to pressure, stress, and both physical and mental health impacts.
By supporting our mission this week, you are empowering local families to thrive. Habitat families live better lives by being happier, healthier, and breaking cycles of poor mental and physical health. Your support can take on many roles: financial contributions, donation of time by committing to a long-term volunteer schedule, advocate for Habitat by sharing with others through social media and outreach, serving on committees, shopping at our ReStore locations and donating furniture and building supplies, too.
Click the links to learn more: DONATE – VOLUNTEER – ADVOCATE – DONATE TO A RESTORE
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Around the world, families without decent housing are exposed to greater personal and environmental risks, are less nourished, and have less access to health care, according to the World Health Organization. As many as 1 in 4 people worldwide live in conditions that harm their health and safety.
Wherever it’s located, substandard and deteriorating housing can contribute to a variety of serious ailments. Respiratory diseases, lead poisoning, cancers from toxic materials, neurological disorders, stress, psychological and behavioral dysfunction. Just one example of how physical surroundings can affect health: It is estimated that as many as 40 percent of asthma cases can be attributed to factors in the home such as molds, pests like mice or cockroaches, or exposure to chemicals.
“Where you live may be your strongest predictor of your health. We are thinking more and more about housing as something that we need to be investing in and supporting to improve the health of our patients.” — Dr. Megan T. Sandel
A decent, affordable house can have a significant impact on a family’s health. Replacing a dirt floor with a concrete one reduces the spread of respiratory and parasitic diseases. Repairing a leaky roof eliminates mold. Creating access to basic sanitation facilities such as toilets or latrines helps improve hygiene and stops life-threatening disease. Affordability raises a family’s standard of living and relieves the psychological pressure of being forced to make tough trade-offs just to make it through the month.
The place you call home should never threaten your health. Decent and affordable housing help make that difference.
(link to original article)