Today (April 7th) is World Health Day – a day set aside to recognize the fine work of the World Health Organization (WHO), and an opportunity to highlight specific health focus areas. Through a process of education and inter-governmental action, the WHO has been progressively tackling worldwide health issues and raising health awareness for 66 years.
Each year, the WHO focuses on a theme slogan and this year, it’s vector-borne illnesses – those transmitted by mosquitoes, bugs and ticks that are largely associated with sub-tropical region, but with the rapid and increased movement of people and goods around the world, it means that the risks are much more widespread and are increasingly making their way into the United States. Remember that one small bite, can lead to a very big threat.
Here’s a look at some of the key facts taken from the WHO website:
- Vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 1 million deaths annually.
- More than 2.5 billion people in over 100 countries are at risk of contracting dengue alone.
- Malaria causes more than 600, 000 deaths every year globally, most of them children under 5 years of age.
- Other diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Often these diseases can be fatal, particularly affecting some of the world’s least developed countries and some of the poorest people.
- Many of these diseases are preventable through informed protective measures.
More than half of the world’s population is at risk, so whether you’re here or abroad, the broad advice offered by health organizations is largely one of care and prevention for you and your family. Cover up exposed skin when bugs are active, and use a good quality insect repellent. Also, do everything possible to reduce mosquito-breading areas by eliminating or covering areas where stagnant water may accumulate. Following this advice is good practice here in the US, especially in warm, humid areas of the country where bugs thrive. Install properly fitting window screens and keeping doors closed are sensible precautions, as are sleeping nets in extreme circumstances and wearing of light colored clothing.
Remember, an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure.
The post World Health Day appeared first on Natren Probiotics Blog.
0 comments