18. Keeping you and your family healthy

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533 The following are some very important things that you should know to keep you and your family healthy.

534 A certain kind of mosquito and some kinds of freshwater snails carry diseases that can make you very sick.

535 If the plants or weeds in your ponds and pens or on the banks become too thick, snails and mosquitoes can live and grow very easily.

Figure 271

536 From time to time, clean out the plants in your ponds and pens and cut the weeds and grass on the banks. Do not let the weeds and grass on the banks hang into the water so that your fish will not eat the mosquitoes and the snails.

537 Never use one of your ponds or pens as a toilet, or you and your family may become sick.

Figure 272

Figure 273

538 If you have a latrine, use it. However, a latrine should be at least 10 metres away from any of your ponds or pens and from your water supply.

539 If you have to relieve yourself while you are working near your ponds or pens, near the stream that supplies your water or near your supply or inlet ditches, first walk at least 10 metres away.

Figure 274

Figure 275

540 Never relieve yourself on or near your compost pile. Use your latrine, or relieve yourself at least 10 metres away.

541 If you are careful about all of these things, it will help to keep you and your family from getting sick.

Figure 276

Summary
YOU HAVE LEARNED HOW TO AVOID SOME DISEASES FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Control snails and mosquitoes in your ponds and pens:

• keep the banks clean, cutting the grass regularly
• remove weeds, especially those growing above water level

Keep ponds clean from human wastes:

• never use ponds or pens as a toilet
• walk at least 10 m away to relieve yourself
• place latrine at least 10 m away from any water or compost pile
• teach this to all your family and neighbours

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