The 8 dimensions of wellness – Environmental

There are 8 overall dimensions or categories of wellness. Each dimension can and will influence the other dimensions. We will be doing a quick dive to explore each dimension of wellness in this mini-series. We will discuss what each dimension is devised of, how it can impact other parts of your wellness, and more!

Let’s quickly discuss wellness vs. health. Health just means the absence of disease. While wellness is more of a gradient, and the goal of wellness is for one to thrive in each aspect.

We are going to look into environmental wellness in todays blog. Environmental wellness is not just about the outside environment like trees and plants, it is about the environment that surrounds you! You can’t always choose what’s in the environments you live, work, or play in. But taking small steps to make your environments safer and limiting your exposure to potentially harmful substances can help keep you healthier. The National Health Institute provides some strategies for improving your environmental health- reducing your home health hazards, reduce allergies, hot and cold weather protection, air quality and water safety. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to maintain your environmental health;

• Wash your bedding in hot water once a week.
• Stay out of the ocean for at least 24 hours after a storm. Avoid places where storm water is released on the beach.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities if the air is polluted.
  Check your region’s air quality index at www.airnow.gov(link is external). Orange and red mean it’s a bad air day, so people with lung problems should avoid the outdoors. Purple and maroon mean air pollution is extreme, and everyone should try to stay inside in an environment with clean air.
• Use vent fans in rooms that have lots of moisture, like the bathroom, to prevent mold growth.
• If your home was built before 1978, test exposed paint for lead. You can buy test kits yourself or hire a professional. Some city health departments provide free test kits.
• Keep your heat set to at least 68°F or higher during cold weather. If you need help paying your heating bills, see if you qualify for the HHS energy assistance program(link is external).
• Open a window or use a fan to improve air circulation when you’re cleaning.

Environmental wellness can often be confused with other aspects of wellness. Stay tuned for more aspects of wellness as we dive in!

Get Healthy SHHS!