With the recent outbreak of cholera in my country, Nigeria, it is important for individuals to improve their hygiene to stay healthy and safe.
One way people can protect themselves is through proper disposal of waste. Emphasis should be on proper disposal because wastes are breeding grounds for flies. When these flies perch on food and food items and are then consumed, it can result in health problems such as cholera. Hence, proper waste management and disposal are important.
For me, I bury decomposable waste such as rotten food items in the soil to avoid attracting flies. Non-decomposable items such as nylons are gathered in a trash bag, which I leave in a trash bucket with a lid until the disposal truck takes them away. This way, I maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Today, I went about my usual cleaning activity. I went to a nearby street to clear some trash I had seen earlier when returning from school. While packing the dirt, a concerned neighbor suggested I use gloves next time instead of handling the trash with bare hands. I had thought about getting gloves but kept forgetting, so I made a mental note to remember to get some on my way to school tomorrow. The neighbor also suggested that since I had no gloves at the moment, I could use small and clean nylons to cover my hands while packing dirt to avoid debris getting into my nails, which can sometimes be hard to clean. As much as I was trying to clean the environment, I should prioritize my safety first, and one way to do that is by wearing gloves. This was a great lesson learned. Below are some pictures from my cleaning activity today.