Having a safe, healthy home for your family is essential to their physical health and emotional well being. Keeping your home clean and free from toxins, testing for radon, and childproofing are all great ways to keep your family safe.
Creating a healthy home environment will differ for each home, as each one may have its own issues and risks that need to be addressed. However, there are general guidelines that can be applied to all homes.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can be caused by a variety of factors. Many of these are related to poor ventilation (lack of outside air). Some health effects may show up shortly after exposure, while others may not appear until years later.
The primary source of pollutants in residential buildings is human activities and products. Common contaminants include environmental tobacco smoke, formaldehyde from pressed wood products; phthalate plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride/vinyl flooring, cabinetry, and toys; and cleaning, cosmetic, and personal care products. Ventilation problems, high temperature and humidity, and the presence of pesticides also affect indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality can have serious health consequences for building occupants, especially children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions. Illnesses associated with indoor pollution can range from respiratory complaints to more severe illnesses.
- Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
Rest and relaxation are critical to good health, as they allow the body to recover from the day’s work. When you make your home a relaxing atmosphere, everyone will be more prepared to fully recharge at night and feel energized for the next day.
Start by identifying your ideal aesthetic for relaxation. Then create a dedicated space that’s designed for this purpose. This might be a sunroom, office, or bedroom. It could also be a tinkering room or garage if that’s what your family members like to do.
Use dim lighting in this space to promote a calm atmosphere. You can even install skylights to let in natural light, which will provide a relaxing glow. Surround yourself with sentimental objects that bring peace and comfort, such as photos of your loved ones or beautiful scenery.
- Eliminate Allergens
Allergens can cause a wide range of symptoms, from watery eyes and itchy nose to chest tightness and trouble breathing. Creating a safe and healthy home includes eliminating allergens, which may be triggered by a variety of environmental factors, including pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
During high-pollen seasons, close windows and use a doormat to keep outdoor allergens from entering the house. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter traps allergy causing particles and prevents them from floating back into the air. Bathe pets often to reduce dander and wash their bedding regularly. Try natural remedies, such as butterbur extract Ze 339, to help reduce allergy symptoms. These supplements are non-toxic and do not interfere with medications. They are available over the counter. They can be taken daily and are safe for all ages.
- Prevent Accidents and Injuries
While every home will be different, there are some common steps that can be taken to create a healthy environment. These steps will include natural products, avoiding toxins, eliminating pests and maintaining a proper climate in the home.
Workplace injuries are a serious problem that can lead to lost productivity and costly downtime for business. They also affect workers’ physical health and can lead to pain, suffering and even death.
Taking the right preventive measures can help reduce the risks of workplace injuries. Whether you’re working from home or in the office, there are several simple things you can do to keep yourself and your colleagues safe. For example, keeping floors clear of clutter and preventing slips are both simple steps that can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
- Prevent Fires
Having a fire in your home is every homeowner’s worst nightmare, and it’s often completely preventable. The number one cause of house fires is unattended cooking. It takes just minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become fully engulfed in flames.
Smoke alarms on each floor of your home, outside bedrooms and on every sleeping area plus a family fire escape plan that is practiced twice a year can save lives.
Clutter also contributes to fire hazards, so regularly dust and vacuum and keep counters and floors clear of flammable materials. Ensure your pets are safe by keeping them away from cords they could chew on, and make sure fireplace embers and wood piles are completely extinguished before leaving or going to sleep. Be sure you have the correct understanding of homeowners insurance vs home warranty in case there is an accident. You want to keep your family healthy and safe and to be sure you are protecting your assets too.