Health Begins At Home

When we spend such a large chunk of our time at home, creating an environment that supports wellness is a worthwhile investment

- Stephanie Hope

SCARY FACT: POLLUTION LEVELS INSIDE OUR HOMES can be up to five times higher than those outdoors, thanks to a combination of household chemicals, cooking odours, mould and allergens all congregating together in one confined space. So at a time when we’re more health-conscious and eco-conscious than ever, it pays to give careful thought to the products that we use to build, furnish and clean our homes. Whether you suffer from allergies or asthma, or just want to limit your exposure to unnecessary chemicals, here are some simple and effective changes you can make today – your health will thank you for it!

deal with dust

Most of the dust in our homes comes from outside (dirt, pollen, smoke particles), while the rest is made up of indoor matter like carpet fluff, clothing fibres and pet hair. Dust mites are little critters invisible to the eye that feed on this dust. They can aggravate allergies, asthma and eczema. Get rid of the dust and you’ll get rid of the mites. Here’s how:

1 Wipe your feet You can prevent pollutants being tracked into your home by simply encouraging people to wipe their shoes on a doormat – place one at every entrance as a reminder – or go one better and ask them to remove their footwear before they enter.

2 Freshen up your bed If you think you have a dust mite problem, wash all your bedding in hot water and leave it to dry in the sun – you can drag your mattress and pillows out to air on a hot day, too. Vacuum your mattress thoroughly, then cover it with “a good-quality, washable mattress protector and correctly fitting sheets to keep it fresh and free of stains,” says John Cassisi, general manager of product for Snooze. As a guide, aim to wash your sheets weekly, replace old pillows every two years and buy a new mattress every seven to eight years.