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National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences | |
| 20 Easy Steps to Personal Environmental Health Now |
A Family Guide
20 Easy Steps to Personal Environmental Health Now
A health guide from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
It's not too much of an exaggeration to say, Your environment is your health.
So to improve your health, see that your family's environment is a healthy one.
Of course, your environment isn't the only factor influencing your health. Genes play an important role, too, as your kids are sure to tell you. But, sorry, you can't choose your parents. You and your family can, on the other hand, do a lot about your personal environment-your surroundings, your exposures, your diet and your health habits-to extend your life and to improve your fitness and appearance.
For an example of how society has improved health by environmental action, you have to look no further than our protected reservoirs and water disinfection plants. The purification of city water supplies has been the most significant reason that the average life span has very nearly doubled over the past century or so. Millions and millions of us live longer and better because of clean water and because our country and industries have reduced our exposures to lead and other substances.
In addition to the environments we share, each of us has his or her own personal environment. Our personal environments can greatly influence our lifespans and how healthy we feel and are. Here are simple but important steps that you and your family can take-health-wise-about your environment....
The environmental actions listed are all about prevention. Protecting yourself from your environment (and protecting your environment from abuse) -these are preventive health measures. For your family's good health.
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The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences contributes information on health and research to two federal health information websites which you and your family may want to consult for reliable information: http://www.healthfinder.gov and http://www.nih.gov/health. Comments? Additional environmental health tips? Or need a free copy? Write us at: NIEHS Office of Communications, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709, Attn: John Peterson, Mail Drop EC-12, or calling John Peterson at (919) 541-7860. E-mail requests should be directed to booklet@niehs.nih.gov. Teachers may receive larger quantities. A Family Guide - 20 Easy Steps to Personal Environmental Health Now - NIH Publication No. #99-4654-Family - US Department of Health and Human Services - National Institutes of Health - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Our publications are not copyrighted and may be reproduced without permission. However, we do ask that credit be given to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health |