Disease-How to Reduce the Risk

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 in 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. 

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. 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. 

Next time: Disease-How to Reduce the Risk/Protect Yourself  From Disease -Insects

From the Awake! magazine