The Healthy Habits for Healthy Homes (H⁴) program, developed by the New Brunswick Lung Association, includes the resources you need to deliver an effective behaviour change program to a group. Pilot tested in a variety of group settings, including high school, community college, and university, and new Canadians classes, H⁴ can be customized and tailored to your audience’s interests to maximize engagement. Simple, effective tips to reduce exposure to toxics in our environment while also saving money, are appealing to participants and provided in both a Powerpoint presentation and printable pamphlets.

The optional “homework” assignment takes the message further by encouraging participants to engage additional people in their networks to commit to a simple action, and holds them accountable as the participant follows up with them after a number of weeks.

Many factors contribute to our overall health and maintaining our health is a lifelong endeavour. Controlling our exposure to harmful chemicals, toxins and other environmental hazards can be challenging, especially for those who are unaware of the potential for risk. We are exposed to environmental hazards daily, often without knowing. The signs and symptoms of exposure can vary from person to person and some may take years of exposure to impact our overall health.  

With these resources and tools, it is our hope to bring awareness to the issues we face when it comes to maintaining overall health and decrease exposure to environmental toxins in our everyday lives. Activities we do everyday in our homes can have a major impact on our exposure to environmental toxins and hazards. 

Simple modifications in six key aspects of our daily lives can help improve our overall health and decrease our potential for exposure.