New Year Resolution

Improving health and losing weight is the number one resolution each year but did you know that your health is more than what is on you plate or how many times you hit the gym? What about creating a healthy home?

What is a Healthy Home?

According to the National Center of Healthy Housing, a healthy home is “designed, constructed, and maintained in a manner that is conductive to good occupant health.”  and today more and more scientific evidence is emerging linking the health and condition of the home to asthma, lead poising, injuries, and even cancer.

Healthy Homes are:

1. Dry

Prevent water from entering your home through roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and poor drainage. Moisture in homes has been linked to a wide range of health problems,including respiratory problems, lead poisoning,  accidental injury, and asthma due to favorable environment for mites, rodents, molds, and roaches.

2. Clean

Control the source of dust and contaminants by creating smooth and cleanable surfaces,  reducing clutter, and using effective cleaning methods. Clean homes help reduce pest infestations and exposure to contaminants.

3. Pest Free

All pests look for food, water and shelter so it is very important to seal cracks and openings throughout the home.  In addition,  store food in pest-resistant containers and if needed, use sticky-traps and baits in closed containers.

4. Safe

Properly label and store poisons out of the reach of children.  In addition, secure loose rugs, keep play areas free from hard or sharp surfaces, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and keep fire extinguishers on hand.

5. Contaminate Free

Reduce lead-related hazards in pre-1978 homes by fixing deteriorated paint and keeping floors and window areas clean.  It is also important to test your home for radon and install a radon removal system if levels above the EPA action-level are detected.

6. Ventilated

Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens and use whole house ventilation for supplying fresh air to reduce the concentration of contaminants in the home.

7. Maintained

Inspect, clean and repair your home routinely and take care of minor repairs and problems before they become large ones.

8. Thermally Controlled

Make sure your home is well insulated and install a programmable Thermostat. Homeowners are at risk for various health problems related to prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold when their homes do not maintain adequate temperatures.

Resolutions are tough!  Set a healthy home resolutions and maybe this year you can improve your health as well as protect the health of those around you. Here’s to an amazing new year! Put those donuts down and get started today! 😊