HHS HealthBeat (June 18, 2009)

A call to action for safer homes

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

They say home is where the heart is. But too often, home is where the hurt is – health hazards that can lead to sickness, injury and death. That’s why the Office of the Surgeon General has issued a Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes.

Acting Surgeon General Steve Galson:

[Acting Surgeon General Steve Galson speaks] "Individuals can make their homes healthy by improving air quality, using safety devices, adequately supervising children, properly storing firearms, and controlling or eliminating toxic chemicals."

This could mean

• Fixing furnace or fireplace problems that could leak toxic carbon monoxide gas
• Not smoking in the home
• Protecting children from lead-based paint and other hazards, such as household chemicals
• And preventing bathroom falls by installing grab bars in showers.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: June, 18 2009