Did you know that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, especially in the winter when we aren’t opening up the house for fresh air? The sources of pollution are gas cooking, cleaning chemicals, furniture, fabrics, flooring, paint and varnish which emit chemicals called VOCs. Other irritants can be dust, smoke and pet dander. These things can exacerbate asthma, contribute to heart disease, and even make it difficult to lose weight. There are also ways to help minimize harmful agents (bacteria, mold, mites) and help stop spreading sickness around the family.
Air filtration. Change your home’s air filter every quarter. They help filter dust and allergens out of the air and keep them out of the home. If the filter is laden with particles, it makes your AC work harder. Consider investing in a HEPA air purifier as well to help with the task-they will also remove mold spores and viruses. A humidifier can help keep your skin (especially the nasal passageways) from drying out and helps settle dust out of the air. You may want to skip the burning of scented candles and replace with essential oils dispersed by reed or sonic diffusers for creating that cozy home ambiance.
Plants. One of the most natural ways to freshen air is by plants, they provide oxygen! They also reduce air pollution by reducing nitrogen dioxide, a common pollutant. Some can also help with absorb electromagnetic radiation. The more plants one has, the greater the area they can help improve. You can triple dip by having a vertical garden of over 30 plants* that not only will provide oxygen and pollutant removal, it can provide a bounty of organic produce while it also
provides moisture to the air. Just picked food has the maximum nutrition and flavor, as well as offering the convenience and savings from having to grocery shop.
Go shoeless. If you knowingly stepped in mud or poo, you wouldn’t hesitate to take off your shoes before walking in the house. However, if you have visited a public restroom, you have walked in a lot of bacteria that attaches to shoes that we cannot see that can be just as bad. It is an intentional habit to take off your shoes at the door, and perhaps have your indoor shoes to do an exchange, but it will help keep the house cleaner. You may want to have that as your standard even for guests if you have a baby that is cruising the floor, and settle for taking them off most of the time otherwise. You may want to designate a landing place for your purse as well that is away from the kitchen. It too has shown to have a lot of unhealthy bacteria.
Wash your hands. People know the importance of washing one’s hands after using the bathroom. It’s a good habit to head to the sink when you get back home, and before you prepare food or get ready to eat. Also establish the habit of hand washing after taking out the trash.
Sanitize germ hotspots. Sanitize frequently touched items such as cellphones, doorknobs, faucet, remote, kitchen appliance handles, light switches, computer keyboard, and the bottom of purses. If you use a sponge to clean, they need to be frequently sterilized. Clean the sections of the refrigerator that stores uncooked or unwashed food. Do not toss dirty clothes in the washing machine to wait for the next load—they will absorb moisture and bacteria will flourish. Wash bedding in hot water at least every other week to kill bed mites, and towels and washcloths once a week.
A most effective habit: flush the toilet with the lid closed! If you ever wondered why infectious disease is easily spread in a household (or office), it is because of flushing the toilet without the lid closed. A study found that what is in the toilet is sprayed up in a fine mist covering surfaces as high as 10 feet up and 6 feet away with urine, viruses, fecal matter…—including contaminating toothbrushes if they are on the counter.
Our bodies are amazing how they are resilient and cope with a lot of pollution. It is wise to do what we can to prevent what stress we can. A healthier home is a greater place to relax and rejuvenate.
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Enter His gates with thanksgiving and God’s courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100: 4-5
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