We spend large amounts of time in our home environment, and a few simple steps can make sure it is as healthy as possible for ourselves and our families. Maxima Skelton, of family-run business The Healthy House, shares her top tips:
Mould
Although most of us associate mould with the nasty looking green stuff that grows on bread, it is commonly found in most homes, and can trigger off all kinds of reactions – commonly runny noses, watery eyes and sneezes, and in severe cases illness and depression. As we often don’t know it is there, a MouldCheck kit can be the solution. This simple to use kit rates your mould levels within a few days, enabling you to decide whether it is enough of a problem to take further action, such as following up with a Mould Solution kit.
Water purifiers
Sensitive or allergic people can react extremely badly to water, either the water they bathe in or drink. In particular, chlorine – which is added to water to control bacteria – can be a major irritant for conditions like eczema. Use of a simple product such as the Crystal Ball Bath Dechlorinator or a shower filter can make a big difference. Both items can help prevent flare-ups of eczema by removing vast amounts of chlorine from domestic bathing water.
Dust mites
Dust mites are in all our homes, and for many people are the cause of annoying conditions such as waking up with a runny noses; sneezes, or asthma. Relatively simple steps can help to reduce or even eliminate the problem. Using dust mite proof bedding is essential as it eliminates exposure to the dust mite while you are in bed. You could also consider a product like the Airfree, an air steriliser that is of great benefit to people who suffer from dust mite allergies, hay fever or mould allergies. Within fourteen to twenty one days the level of microorganisms and allergens will have been reduced by 85% and from then on are kept to a minimum.
Paints and varnishes
You may be thinking of redecorating for the New Year – in which case it is worth considering the paints and products that you use on your walls. Ecos paints and varnishes offer a completely unique range of decorative finishes. The range has been independently tested to reveal 0.0% VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).VOCs are a major contributor to low-level atmospheric pollution and the use of these compounds leads to global warming. In addition, the use of solvent-based paints is a major cause of Sick Building Syndrome, Danish Painter’s Syndrome, asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivities and the general flu-like symptoms reported by many people using conventional paints including Matt and Silk wall paints.
S.A.D
Most people are now familiar with Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the way it can result in fatigue, depression, food cravings and general anxiety. As there are many dark days ahead, a simple solution for the home could be the LitePod – a portable light box that can be used at home or at work. Lack of light causes an increase in the production of Melatonin (the hormone that makes us sleep at night), and a reduction of Serotonin, the lack of which causes depression. The exposure to bright light therapy reverses the process, and has the additional benefit of being drug free. By treating yourself daily with a light box the symptoms of S.A.D. can be alleviated and the gloom of winter reduced. Studies have also shown that bright light therapy can prove beneficial for pre-menstrual syndrome, jet lag, shift work disorientation, insomnia and with some cases of MS and ME.
