Housing

Did you know that certain aspects of your home, such as its structure and safety features, can increase the risk of injuries and worsen existing health conditions? Additionally, poor indoor air quality can contribute to serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and asthma. But don't worry, there are things you can do to improve your housing conditions and enhance your physical health. Let's explore some practical steps you can take to create a healthier living environment for you and your family.

There are some things you can do to help yourself stay well in winter.

 

Keep warm and get help with heating

Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom. This is particularly important if you have a health condition. It's best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night.

Check your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they're working properly. You can find an engineer from the Gas Safe Register website.

Make sure your home is fire safe. For fire safety advice specific to you and your home, visit the online home fire safety check website to complete a safety check for your home.

Make sure you're getting all the help that you're entitled to. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.

Find out more about ways to save energy in your home from GOV.UK, or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202.

You can also find out more from GOV.UK about benefits and financial support if you're on a low income.

Unhealthy homes increase the risk of: respiratory illness, poor infant weight gain, poor diet, emotional and mental health problems, physical injury and poisoning, domestic fires,

Healthy Homes Checklist - Doncaster Council

NHS South Yorkshire has partnered with a Barnsley housing provider to improve the living conditions and health of children with asthma.

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