EDITORIAL: Practise good hygiene
THE re-emergence of red eyes seems to have affected many throughout the country. A few parents with children at a particular school noted that the school was forced to send home several students because this condition can be passed from person to person. While many are dealing with the added pressure of medical bills because of this ailment, which seems to be on the increase, Barbadians should take steps to improve their hygiene and keep their surroundings clean to help combat the dreaded red eyes and other related illnesses.
It seems that some Barbadians have refused to take action and clean their messes and have not grasped the gravity of dirty and contaminated surfaces. Furthermore, due to the increased population, the growth in housing and new communities, coupled with the challenge faced by the poorly equipped SSA in responding to these developments, the refuse situation in this country is taking a turn for the worse. There is no doubt, however, that Barbadians can do better with regard to the way they clean up around their homes and sanitise their surroundings.
There are also too many instances of people neglecting to enforce the most basic safety standards when dealing with personal hygiene daily and this can lead to contamination of food, or any object that we come into contact and this leads to sickness within the unsuspecting public. This can be seen in homes as well as at our workplaces during everyday interactions with others. Cleanliness begins in the home. Therefore, how we operate at home determines how we affect others outside the home.
Once a person has to leave the house, whether for school, work or leisure, they must always bear in mind that whether they walk, drive or catch public transportation, dangerous germs are spread through contact with the unknown public. Some people across the island, in many cases, simply do not consider or understand the necessity of clean environments and some employers have not taken adequate steps to outline the dangers of poor hygiene in the workplace. Owners and employers islandwide should include and drill good hygiene into their employees as soon as they become members of staff. Furthermore, employers should ensure that facilities are provided for the washing of hands next to the dressing rooms and that they are sanitised at least once a day.
It is distressing when one enters any of these establishments and witnesses the bad habits that are often allowed to continue without any visible attempts to improve the situation. Sometimes, critical advice from some employers, employees or even outsiders is frowned upon and ignored, much to the detriment of those who enter these places. The onus is therefore on everyone to protect themselves where necessary.
Finally, good hygiene must be taught and practised from infant level to adults. Simple actions such as bathing every day and washing your hands before and after you eat, as well as after playtime are necessary in the prevention of some diseases. Daily we come into contact with others, therefore we should not leave the health of the public to chance. Barbadians should do whatever is necessary to ensure that the guidelines for proper hygiene are practised at all times. Always remember that the health of our people contributes to the wealth of our country.