Healthier Home for my Family – The ABCs of a Healthier Home
Healthier Home for my Family
After being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 31, I’m doing what I can to make a healthier home for me and my family. Who knows how I really got cancer. There could have been a number of things, or it could have been the fact I have a gene mutation. I tested positive for the BRCA1 (187delAG) gene mutation. That gene deals with suppressing tumors and since there is a mutation, tumors are not destroyed or prevented as they would be in someone without the gene mutation.
Anyway, since I don’t know the cause, the only thing I can do now is try to live a healthy life.
I have been trying to clean more thoroughly, but with less chemicals. A while back I wrote a post titled Vinegar – the only household cleaner you’ll ever need.
I try to use vinegar a lot or use “green” cleaning supplies. Also, for healthy cleaning alternatives check out another previous post Cleaning Products You Can Make At Home.
So it doesn’t get too overwhelming I clean a little bit each week. Usually, Thursdays are my designated days to do a light cleaning. I straighten things up and then vacuum and mop. If I”m really feeling energetic I might tackle some other things as well.
Check out the Filtrete home page as well. Filtrete offers all kinds of filters for air, water, and more.
Have allergies?
Healthier Home for my Family – The ABCs of a Healthier Home
Since most people with allergies develop them during childhood, Dr. Alanna Levine, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), shares the ABC’s to help maintain a healthier home environment for children:
- A is for Avoid: Whenever possible, avoid irritants that often trigger allergies, such as products made of feathers or down. Use hypoallergenic pillows on your child’s bed, and limit exposure to perfume, talcum powder, hair spray, air fresheners, fabric softeners or other strong odors or sprays. Strong fragrances and odors may aggravate allergy symptoms.
- B is for Balance: Maintain a consistent balance in the home to help minimize allergens. Keep the windows shut and use central air conditioning during high pollen seasons to help protect children from pollen particles that trees, grasses and weeds release into the air. These particles can harbor in the eyes, nose, and airways, causing allergy symptoms to flair for those allergic to pollen. Also, give children washable, non-allergenic stuffed toys when possible, and be sure to wash the ones played with the most on a weekly basis, in hot water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
- C is for Change: Change items that are easy to neglect but are important for maintaining a healthier home, such as leaky faucets, pipes and other high moisture areas that are common places for mold growth. Don’t neglect their air in the home either. Change your filter every three months, and use a high-performance filter, such as a Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter from 3M.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate
