5 Indicators of an Unhealthy House and What to Do About It

No Gravatar

We are all familiar with the proverb, “Home is where the heart is.” Our home is our escape and our safe space. It is our shelter and warmth. And while it’s easy to see where we can make our living spaces more comfortable and beautiful for ourselves – painting the exterior, redecorating a bathroom, installing new cabinetry – we must remember to maintain the health of our homes, too.

Our bodies are sustained with healthy food, exercise and self-care. Our cars are taken in regularly for oil changes and tire rotations. We make sure our kids take their vitamins and our pets get their teeth cleaned. However, can you remember the last time you had your home checked for asbestos?

This and other preventive measures are often overlooked, potentially impacting the health and safety of our families. Fortunately, it is easy to address indicators of an unhealthy home by taking a few steps to alleviate possible risks. Here are five potential dangers that may be present in your home and corresponding ways to fix these issues:

Dirty air ducts

Dirty ducts occur from a build up of pollen, dust, pet dander, and other allergens. When left untreated, the accumulated allergens are blown out through the air conditioning or furnace, often leading to respiratory problems. They can also restrict your heating and cooling systems, leading to increased energy costs. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having your ductwork inspected and cleaned every three to five years.

Excessive indoor moisture

Uncontrolled humidity levels can result in significant mold problems. Not only can this negatively impact your respiratory system in several ways, it can also cause skin irritations. To minimize the humidity, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourages checking your levels frequently to ensure they do not go above 50%. The CDC provides a comprehensive FAQ section with additional solutions to reduce mold exposure.

Radon

Professionals suggest you test your house for radon at least twice a year. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. No houses are immune from the risk of radon. You can easily purchase radon test kits online or in home improvement stores. Further information can be found on the EPA website.

Plumbing leaks

Over a trillion gallons of water are wasted annually in the US as a result of household leaks. Whether or not your water bill has increased, it is recommended you check your water meter every few months to make sure nothing is out of order. If you do not know how to do so, there are countless resources online that will walk you through the procedure. Untreated leaks can lead to mold spores that cause an array of health problems. Additionally, continue to flush sediment from your water heater and water softener to keep both in working condition.

Pest infestation

If you see an increase in dead bugs in your home, or pest droppings, it is best to address the problem immediately. Not only can pests cause electrical issues, but their presence can also potentially cause asthma, West Nile, and hantavirus. At the first sign of infestation, go to your local grocery or hardware store to find pest control products that will easily solve your problem.

Remember, home maintenance is not just a one-and-done task. Routine maintenance is key to a healthy home. This can be burden to some homeowners who are already swamped with other to-do’s. If that’s the case, consider enrolling in a home protection plan that will streamline maintenance for you. In the event health hazards do exist inside the home, these issues can be repaired or replaced by a licensed professional while you get on with your life.

Keeping your yourself and your family healthy is important. Precaution is the best way to avoid costly problems resulting from poor home maintenance. Be alert, be safe, and be vigilant. You and your home deserve it.

Guest Contributer: Paige A. Mitchell. Paige is a freelance writer and reviewer.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

8 Self-Care Activities to Help You Beat Stress

No GravatarGuestPost

Sometimes we get so busy doing things and solving problems that we forget about our own well-being. But if we would stop every now and then and be present in the moment, perhaps stress wouldn’t have the upper hand in our lives. If we would take the time to relax and feel free to say no to people, perhaps we would even be in a better place to help others. If you need to take steps in bettering your mental health and reducing stress, here are 8 self-care activities that can help:

1. Sleep

Sleep is often the first thing that is compromised when our daily lives get too busy. But since it is how we process the day and regenerate for the next, getting adequate sleep is paramount for our mental and physical health. To promote more restful slumber, make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep. That means dark shades and a quality mattress that’s comfortable and fits your needs as a sleeper.

2. Hang out with your dog

Spending time with your canine companion brings everyday joy and can positively impact your mental health. It involves love and affection, gives you opportunities for exercise, and requires you to provide structure for your dog (which validates you as needed and important). All these reasons and more are why quality time with your dog can play such a major role in alleviating stress, anxiety and depression.

3. Go for a nature walk

Going for a walk on a beautiful day can help you slow down and bring life back into perspective. Being in nature and breathing fresh air is good for the soul and the mind, and you can add an exploratory element by making it a photo walk. Check out this list for 100 interesting things to look for on a nature walk.

4. Break a sweat

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Not only are endorphins released when you sweat during a workout, but it can also significantly reduce your stress and build your self-esteem. If you find an exercise routine you thoroughly enjoy, you’ll be more likely to make it stick.

5. Rearrange your furniture

Rearranging the furniture is a great way to give your home a free makeover. It also gives you the opportunity to clean all that dirt and debris that has accumulated over time, which makes for a healthier home. What’s more, the change can make you feel revitalized and positively impact your mood. A little rearranging and reorganizing can go a long way!

6. Cut out for a matinee

Sometimes when work or other life obligations get dull or overwhelming, it helps to get away and do something enjoyable. Seeing if a friend wants to join you for a matinee is a good way to get quality time and catch up. It can also be beneficial to go to the movies (or do anything really) by yourself, as it provides time to self-reflect and re-evaluate your life.

7. Join a book club

If you love reading and are open to trying a new social activity, book clubs can be a great idea. Not only will you have the chance to engage with books in a new way, but you’ll also discover books you would never read on your own. Furthermore, book clubs offer you a chance to meet interesting new people.

 8. Take an art class

 Another fun social activity is taking an art class. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned artist interested in expanding your style, there’s probably a great class offered at your local community college or craft store. Besides the social aspect, art classes can provide an outlet for expressing and working through your feelings. Also, both the atmosphere of the class itself and the skills you acquire can help you relax and de-stress.

Stress abounds in all our lives, but we can take steps to manage it through self-care. Remember to slow down every now and then and take the time to do something new and/or relaxing. Not only will you be happier, but you’ll also be fostering your mental health and overall wellbeing.

Guest Contributer: Brad is a self-care advocate and created selfcaring.info to share his knowledge with others.

Photo Credit: Unsplash








Bali…Hi!

No Gravatar 

This is the beach in front of the eco-resort, Alor Divers, where I will be staying during my underwater photography workshop.

What do you do when, after 24+ years in business, your clients have all but disappeared? You take a long hard look at where you have been, where you are and where you hope to go. In my case, up until now I have defined myself by what I do. I am a graphic designer. But with no work to do, is that who I still am? At what point do I throw in the towel and re-invent myself? Hard questions. The answers, even harder.

It’s hard not to take this all very personally. But, rather than continue to drown in a sea of self-doubt, I have decided to shake things up a bit, get out of my comfort zone and plan an exotic, bucket-list worthy trip, where at best, I will come back with a clear direction and plan, and at worst, I will have experienced a new adventure, hopefully have met some interesting people and learned something new along the way.

So, I’ve booked a trip to the other side of the world. Specifically to a small island off of another small island in Indonesia called Alor, where I will be taking an underwater photography workshop for 10 days. To get there, I must fly to Bali and then take another domestic flight to Alor. I can’t stop in Bali without spending some time there, can I? There will be one day at the beginning where I will spend in Sanur, a beach town not far from the airport, and then at the back end of the trip I will spend 4 nights in Ubud, the town made famous by the book (and movie) Eat, Pray Love. After 10 days of diving I think I will be ready to pamper myself a bit with yoga classes, massages and some sightseeing. And, of course, take some amazing above water photographs!

I’m hoping to improve my underwater photography and get some inspiration for new life possibilities. I leave in mid-October. Who knows, I might even get some work before I go!