By Charlene Roth
Sedona News – As the place where families spend most of their time, home has the ability to shape health and wellbeing. Does your home promote a healthy lifestyle, or is it harboring invisible pollutants that make you sick? Is anyone in your family experiencing symptoms that may indicate an unhealthy environment? If so, use these tips from Sedona.biz to assess your home and make it a healthier place to live.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality is behind many sick building symptoms. Poor air quality comes from things we use inside our home as well as what we track in from outdoors.
Do it yourself:
- Don’t wear shoes indoors. Shoes track dirt, allergens, germs, and other pollutants indoors.
- Avoid air fresheners. Air fresheners and candles release volatile organic compounds, a leading contributor to indoor air pollution.
- Choose low-VOC products. VOCs are also found in paints, flooring, furnishings, and cleaning supplies. Careful purchasing reduces VOC exposure.
Hire a pro:
- Resolve water leaks. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and mildew. Inspect common culprits including pipe joints, aging appliances, and HVAC units, and clogged gutters to identify the source of water damage and hire pros to stop water intrusion.
- Embrace natural ventilation. Opening the windows is one of the best ways to refresh your home. Installing high-quality window screens and screen doors allows moisture, odors, and pollutants to escape without letting insects in.
Spend More Time Outdoors
Not only is outdoor air cleaner on average than indoor air, opening the windows is also a great reminder to go outside and get active!
Do it yourself:
- Create an outdoor living space. Comfortable outdoor furniture and lighting turn an empty backyard into an inviting place to hang out.
- Choose non-toxic pest and weed control. Non-toxic methods can be just as effective as pesticides and herbicides.
Hire a pro:
- Secure your backyard. Fences increase outdoor safety for kids and pets. Fence prices vary but typically range from $13 to $40 per foot. Contact local fencing companies to discuss your options and get quotes.
- Address sewer issues. Odors and wet, sunken patches make the backyard an unpleasant place to spend time. Unfortunately, they’re also signs of sewer line problems, meaning you’ll need to call a plumber.
Create a Healthy Kitchen
From what you eat and drink to the air you breathe, your home’s kitchen has a direct link to your family’s health and is a vital component of maintaining wellness in the home.
Do it yourself:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector. Place a carbon monoxide detector near the kitchen if you have gas appliances and never use a gas range for heating a home.
- Filter drinking water. Faucet-mounted and under-sink filters reduce contaminants in drinking water. If you have a fridge with a built-in water dispenser, change the filter regularly.
- Prevent pests problems. Put away food, wipe counters after use, and cover trash cans to keep pests at bay. Choose closed baits and traps when pest control projects are necessary.
Hire a pro:
- Upgrade appliances. Gas leaks are more likely in aging appliances. New appliances also enhance cooking so you enjoy preparing healthy home-cooked meals. Many appliance retailers offer delivery and installation for free or a low fee.
- Improve kitchen ventilation. Kitchens without ventilation trap contaminants. Ductless range hoods allow cleaner cooking in homes where installing ductwork isn’t an option and are much more affordable as well.
Your home has a bigger impact on your health than you realize. Now that you know how your home shapes your health, take steps to improve it. From reducing hidden pollutants to reinforcing healthy habits, you have the power to build your family’s health from the ground up!
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