Tag Archives: prevent

Jan11

How To Prevent Dust In Your Home

Posted on by
Standard
How To Prevent Dust In Your Home

Dust can find its way into any space, explaining why even with closed doors and windows, you may still find a thin layer on your surfaces. Dust generation in your home can negatively affect your family’s health and well-being. That is because dust contains harmful pollutants and allergens which can trigger allergic respiratory responses. According to research, the average home collects 40 pounds of dust annually, indicating how essential it is to know how your home generates dust and how to prevent it. Here are a few tips to help guide you:

Tiny openings and cracks:

Gaps around your windows, doors, vents, and your home’s foundation, can provide small openings for dust. Although these tiny openings may not be noticeable initially, they become conduits for significant amounts of dust to enter your home. That explains why people who travel away from home for long periods cover their essential items to protect them from dust. You can help reduce the dust that comes through these openings by weatherstripping and sealing gaps. After taking care of the cracks and tiny openings, consider alternatives like screen installation to limit indoor dust accumulation.

Air vents and HVAC systems:

Another way your home can become dusty is through the air vents and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These ventilation appliances interact with outdoor air to function, which sometimes leads to dust accumulating in the ducts of your HVAC system. This dust can remain afloat for longer hours and breathing it in increases the risk of respiratory problems, especially in children, aging adults, or persons with weakened immune systems. When your HVAC system is on, its air circulation function forces dust from the vents into your living space. Experts recommend cleaning your home’s air vents and HVAC system often. Doing this will enhance appliance performance and also improve indoor air quality.

Human and pet activities:

Daily activities in the home, like cooking, cleaning, and even walking around, can generate dust. Food particles released into the air while cooking may land on surfaces and accumulate into dust over time if not cleaned. If your windows have nets, these particles could also get trapped in them and, due to their oily nature, may eventually trap dust. Meanwhile, sweeping and vacuuming can stir up a significant amount of dust which can stay on surfaces for a long time. It is best to thoroughly clean exposed surfaces immediately after cooking to reduce the dust generated by these home activities. Sometimes, a multipurpose surface cleaner is best, especially because it can cut through grime.

If you have indoor pets that shed, they may also contribute to dust in your home. That is because their fur traps dust and dust mites when they’re outdoors and they inadvertently transfer it indoors. Dogs and cats, especially, shed wherever they go. It will help to brush their fur regularly to capture loose hair and dander straight from their bodies to prevent dust from getting trapped in their fur.

It’s important to take a multi-faceted approach to reduce dust in your home. Making a conscious effort to keep your home clean at all times will help create a home with better indoor air quality for all!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Advertisement
Jan10

Protect Your Home From Water Damage With These Tips

Posted on by
Standard
Protect Your Home From Water Damage With These Tips

Water damage is one of the most common forms of property damage and it can be incredibly costly to repair. In many cases, water damage can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. This post will discuss some tips that will help you protect your home from this usually avoidable damage:

Inspect your plumbing regularly:

Inspecting your plumbing regularly is one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage. This means checking that all faucets, shower heads, toilets, and other fixtures are in good working order. If you notice any leaks, replace the broken parts as soon as possible. You should also take a look underneath sinks and around plumbing fixtures for any signs of corrosion or blockage.

In addition to regular inspections, make sure that you are aware of potential signs of trouble with your plumbing system. For example, if a toilet is running continuously or a faucet is constantly dripping, this could be an indication of a larger issue. Pay attention to higher than normal water bills—it could mean that there is a leak in your pipes somewhere.

Check your water heater:

Another important step in protecting your home from water damage is to check on the condition of your water heater. Make sure that you inspect all parts of the unit, including its temperature and pressure relief valve, anode rod, and any seals or gaskets.

Invest in preventive maintenance:

In addition to regular inspections and checks, investing in preventive maintenance can help protect your home from water damage. This may include having professionals come to inspect and clean out drains, pipes, toilets and other fixtures. Additionally, you should consider installing sump pumps or battery-operated back-up pumps in areas where there is a high risk of flooding.

Know the signs of water damage:

It is important to be aware of the signs of water damage in order to quickly identify and address any issues. Look for discolored or warped walls, floors, and ceilings as well as any abnormal odors or musty smells in your home. If you notice mold growth on surfaces around your house, this could indicate that there is an underlying issue with your plumbing system.

Keep your roof in optimal condition:

Finally, one of the best ways to prevent water damage is to keep your roof in optimal condition. Inspect your roof regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracked or missing shingles and other signs of aging. Maake sure that your gutters are clear of debris so that they can properly channel away rainwater from your home’s foundation and siding. If you notice any signs of damage on your roof, it’s important to call a roof repair company as soon as possible to come and have a look.

By taking these steps to protect your home from water damage, you can help avoid costly repairs down the line. Although some of these tips may require a bit more effort than others, they are all essential components when it comes to safeguarding your property against unwanted damage.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov19

Preventative Tips To Help Your Oral Health

Posted on by
Standard
Preventative Tips To Help Your Oral Health

Oral health is something that many people should be focused on when it comes to their well-being. It can have a dramatic impact on how a person feels and looks. Our teeth will only last for so long, which is why it’s important to do everything possible to take care of them. With that in mind, here are some preventative tips that will help with oral health and hygiene:

Visit a dentist regularly:

Visiting a dentist regularly can help to prevent problems with oral health. Just like any health condition, if it goes undetected, it is more likely to get worse and impact the body further. A trip to the dentist should be something that’s happening at least once a year. Finding a local dentist is easy enough but it’s important that the dentist you visit is one that can be trusted by the person. Having someone mess around in your mouth isn’t something many want to be done by just anyone. It has to be a dentist they feel comfortable with.

Brush, floss, and mouthwash:

When it comes to maintaining the health of teeth, brushing isn’t enough. With brushing two or three times a day, it will keep the teeth relatively clean. However, when it comes to the rest of the mouth and in between teeth, floss and mouthwash are required. Floss is a great way of helping clear out any debris that’s been missed after brushing the teeth. When it comes to mouthwash, it essentially disinfects the mouth. From the gums and the tongue, both can carry a lot of bacteria that need to be removed.

Avoid too much sugar:

Sugar is something that can damage the teeth if you’re not careful. Try to avoid sugar where possible as this can seriously do some damage to the teeth over time. Too much sugar can indeed rot the teeth but more so, it removes the enamel that protects the teeth from harm. As well as being impactful on the teeth, too much sugar in a diet can cause some problems with those vital organs of yours, so avoid having too much sugar in general.

Be mindful of any immediate problems:

It’s important to be mindful of any immediate problems that can come from bad oral health and hygiene. Sometimes even with a good routine in place, there can be problems that crop up out of nowhere. It’s good practice to see a dentist immediately, rather than waiting for the annual appointment to come around.

Take caution with hard food:

Caution should be taken when it comes to consuming harder foods. Teeth are strong but they’re not indestructible to damage. Therefore, it’s important to take caution when it comes to food and make sure that no food is so tough that it causes damage to the teeth themselves.

Preventative tips such as these ones will help to ensure a person’s oral health remains in tip-top shape now and for the foreseeable future.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May10

When It’s Time To Take A “Mental Health Break” From Work

Posted on by
Standard
When It’s Time To Take A “Mental Health Break” From Work

Slogging away at your job for months on end can earn you a lot of money, but it can also lead to mental health problems. Over time, constant work grinds you down and, eventually, you feel like you can’t move forward with your life. You want to be happy and successful, but the demands of your job bring you down. It’s not easy.

According to research, around 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health disorder during the course of their working lives. Many others experience unpleasant, but undiagnosed psychological turmoil, including burnout. For that reason, the concept of a “mental health break” from work is becoming more popular. People are now using vacation time to simply stop all activity and practice being still – something that is lacking in the modern world.

There are good physical health reasons for doing this, too. Stress, for instance, can accelerate the aging process and put people at higher risk of diseases. It can also affect a person’s financial and emotional well being by impacting their ability to earn money and relate to their partner or family.

In this post, we take a look at some of the signs that it is time you took a much needed mental health break from work:

You Can’t Focus Anymore:

If you want to be successful in your role, you need to focus on your work intensely. Not being able to do so makes you less competitive and can even result in your peers forming negative opinions of you. Making too many mistakes could cost you a promotion. Because of this, it’s worth remembering that just showing up isn’t always the best strategy. Sometimes, you need to take time off work to restore your mental health so that you can do your best work.

You Feel Anxious All The Time:

Feeling occasionally anxious is perfectly normal, but if it becomes a regular part of your daily life, it suggests that something has gone wrong. Feeling panicky or on edge constantly usually means that your nervous system is hyperactive, possibly because of job pressures.

Sites like https://greendolphincbd.com/gummies/ recommend that people take a two pronged approach. First, they should take time to relax and unplug from work. And then, second, they should use compounds that bring the body back to balance. The combination of these two factors is essential in any mental health break.

Your Face And Body Are Suffering:

Intermittent stress is natural and won’t harm your body. However, if you feel stressed constantly, it will eventually take its toll. For instance, if you are chronically stressed, you may notice that you have more heart palpitations. You may also observe how your face looks puffy or tired in the morning or you have dark circles under your eyes.

You Don’t Care For Yourself Anymore:

break2

Unsplash Image

Lastly, lack of self care is another sign of extreme stress, according to https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2019-01-30/when-to-take-a-mental-health-break. You’re so focused on the things you think you need to do that you ignore the need to shower, eat well, or exercise. Ultimately, your physical health starts to fail. If you experience this, you should take a break sooner rather than later.

During the grind of your career, take the time to listen to your body and what it needs. If you are experiencing any of the above, it might be time for a break.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Mar10

Small Things That Are Unsafe In Your Home

Posted on by
Standard
Small Things That Are Unsafe In Your Home

Most of us like to think of our homes as being our safe space. But, the reality is that many of our homes are not quite as safe as we believe them to be. Every day, millions of us are putting ourselves and our families at risk by doing lots of little things that make our homes more dangerous. Check out these small ways that you could be making your home more unsafe:

Not cleaning the lint trap regularly:

If you have a dryer at home, then you need to clean the lint traps after every use. If you fail to do this, not only will your dryer not work as efficiently, but you could be putting your home at risk of fire, bacteria, and even carbon monoxide poisoning, all of which can happen when the dryer vent is blocked by lint.

Not repairing your roof:

If your roof is old or damaged, then it could pose a very real safety risk. It will be more likely to let in water which causes mold and dampness. Tiles could also fall off and hit you on the head! If your roof is damaged, you really do need to call in a company like Bison Roofing to repair it as soon as possible. Leaving it in a poor state is not worth the risk.

Not getting your A/C serviced regularly:

If you don’t get your A/C serviced regularly and it develops a fault, it could be a serious fire risk. Thousands of fires are caused by faulty A/C units every year so this is a very real threat.

Hiding your extension cords with a rug:

If you have a lot of extension cords, it is fair to say that they can be unsightly. It can be tempting to cover them over with a pretty rug to keep them out of sight but that is a really bad idea. Not only is your family more likely to trip over the cords when they are hidden, but there is a chance that they could set fire to the rug and that would not be good news!

unsafe1^^^ Pixabay Image

Plugging extension cords together:

While we’re on the subject of extension cords, it is also worth saying that you should never plug two extensions cords together. It can be tempting to plug one into another when you have an appliance that doesn’t quite reach a wall socket, but this is a major fire risk so it’s a definite no no.

Never washing your pillows:

If you don’t wash your pillows very often or if you do not wash them at all, then you could be exposing yourself and your family to a whole host of bacteria, fungus, and allergens. If you’re sick a lot and you don’t wash your pillows very often, there could well be a link.

Not covering your pool:

If you have kids and you leave your pool uncovered, even if just for a short amount of time, there is a risk that they could fall in and get into trouble. If you can’t keep it covered, then installing a fence is a good way to keep the kids out and prevent any potential disasters from happening. The safety of your family is what really matters.

As you can see, there are lots of little things that we do every day without thinking, which could potentially harm us or our family. The good thing is, now that you know what you could be doing wrong, you can stop doing it!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec23

Don’t Wait To Fix These Home Problems

Posted on by
Standard
Don’t Wait To Fix These Home Problems

There are some problems in the home that are things you can hold off on like installing new flooring, replacing old furniture, and the like. While remodeling is fun, it’s something that you can postpone until a more appropriate time or a bigger budget. However, there are some problems that can happen in your home that shouldn’t wait to be fixed, like these examples:

Pest Issues:

Problems with pests both inside and out should always be tended to immediately because quick action will prevent the problem from getting worse. And, holding off can cause the situation to spiral out of control rapidly from a health and safety perspective for you and your family. If you’re having an issue with bugs, mice, or other critters call in a local expert to help deal with the infestation in the most humane way possible.

Leaks:

Similarly to pest problems, a leak in the roof or a pipe is something that can get out of hand quickly. It is a money drainer considering the heat, cold, or water that the house is losing, not to mention the cost of fixing the water damaged areas. Unless you are handy, this is also something that should be dealt with by local experts for a fast and effective way to fix the problem.

Appliance Repair:

Appliances are something that we all take for granted until they stop working. We never truly know how lucky we are for a dishwasher or a washer and dryer until you’re spending evenings washing dishes by hand or at the laundromat. It is important to schedule timely dishwasher repair services before it disrupts life routine. If any of your appliances appear to be on the fritz, schedule a repair appointment today to continue on with convenience and safety.

Windows & Doors:

If your windows or doors leave your home feeling drafty, it’s time to look at an upgrade. Can you imagine your savings in heating and air conditioning once these fixtures are more secure? It can also help prevent illness from the weather being let in. Not only will it keep the cold and warmth inside more effectively, but it will also double as a way to boost your home security, making it a win/win situation.

If you are having any issues with the problems above, it’s important to get on top of them before they cause even more headache. And, as always, if you are unsure of anything, then leave it to the professionals!

Dec12

6 Tips To Prevent Illness When Moving

Posted on by
Standard
6 Tips To Prevent Illness When Moving

People often get sick during the moving process. One of the reasons for this is that moving can be very stressful, and you’d be involved in many activities that could make you sick. However, with exposure to adequate information to guide you on what to do, you can drastically reduce your chances of falling sick when moving. This article will be sharing some practical tips you can use to avoid getting sick when moving out of your home:

1) Wash your hands thoroughly:

When using soap and water to wash your hands, do so for at least twenty seconds. Get a pocket sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and running water. Don’t touch unnecessary surfaces, and remember not to touch your face and mouth before you clean your hands to avoid the transfer of germs

2) Don’t touch your face:

This was mentioned in the first tip and is worth mentioning again. For your good, don’t touch your face and the faces of other people. You could help spread infections, and you could put yourself at the risk of getting sick.

3) Sanitize everything you come in contact with:

This includes door handles, seat belts, seats, and steering wheels. It may seem a little extra, but there’s no such thing as ‘extra’ when it comes to keeping yourself and other people in the environment safe. To sanitize, you can make use of disinfectant spray and wipes.

4) Have proper ventilation:

You don’t want to be in an enclosed space with other people, such as the hired movers. This would increase your chances of getting any airborne disease. You could adequately ventilate and aerate your room by opening a few windows.

5) Mask up:

Masks have been proven to be effective in reducing the spread of diseases. If you want to avoid getting sick, you could wear a mask. If you feel too uncomfortable or hot with the mask on, you can go to a secluded area and take your mask off for a few seconds before putting it back on. You can also maintain a distance of about six feet from other people you’d be working with.

6) Boost your immune system:

Your immune system is like your shield against disease-causing organisms. If you want to win the fight, you have to strengthen your defenses. What better way to improve your defenses than to eat healthily? Eating healthier food sources and incorporating supplements and vitamins into your diet would help. Also, get adequate sleep and drink water regularly.

Moving can be a lot of work, but if you don’t want to get so stressed, you can hire a moving company to do all of the work while you supervise. Use all of the tips mentioned in this article to reduce your chances of getting sick. Happy moving!

Oct29

Keeping An Eye On Your Child’s Health This Winter

Posted on by
Standard
Keeping An Eye On Your Child’s Health This Winter

Kids have a habit of picking up every little thing that is going around. It doesn’t matter if it is a cold or the latest dance fad. As parents, we want to make sure that our kids stay healthy so we need to keep an eye on them. Here are some ways to monitor your child’s health this winter:

Know what help is available:

Kids can have accidents and they can get sick at a moments notice so it is important to know what medical assistance is around you. Medicare On Video is a great way to understand what help you can get in the event of yourself or your kids needing help. Local hospitals are often signposted so that anyone can find them, not just the locals. And don’t forget, if you have any doubts, Google can be your friend.

Alert other parents:

It isn’t nice when our kids get sick but if they do, it is important to let the parents around us know so that they can prepare. Their kids might get lucky and skip the bug that is going around but it is always best to warn others if your kids have taken ill. If their kids became ill, you would want to know so that you can prepare. It isn’t a pleasant phone call or message to make but it is better than allowing viruses to run rampage through their group of friends. This is really useful if they are very young or have an issue with their immune system.

Fresh air:

One of the main reasons that the common cold and flues manage to do so well in the winter is because the ventilation in our schools are terrible in the winter. Every cough lets germs float in the air, and without open windows, they stay in the room. If you can, get your kids outside during the weekend and let their lungs breathe in some fresh air. Being in the fresh air helps to boost your immune system and helps to promote a healthy immune response in the body.

Fresh food:

Kids get most of their nutrition through the food that they eat so make sure that they are getting plenty of healthy options. Of course, you can always add multi-vitamins if you think that will help. One of the best ways to ensure that they are getting the most out of their diet is with a wide selection of fruit throughout the day. They might not be keen on broccoli but they might love a bunch of grapes, instead.

Hopefully, you can get through this winter without any major issues and that your children continue to thrive under your watchful eye. Being sick is no fun at any time of the year but especially during the holiday season!

Featured Image By: Jupi Lu from Pixabay

May20

How To Discourage Rodent Pests In Your Home

Posted on by
Standard
How To Discourage Rodent Pests In Your Home

Prevention is always better than the cure. Once rodents like mice or rats have moved into your home, it can be very difficult to get rid of them. Instead, if you can, try to discourage them from moving in in the first place. Preventing rodents from coming in is a better option for many reasons, especially if you’re worried about finding humane traps or want to avoid using poisons. Learn more about why rat poison shouldn’t be used here. And learn more about preventative tips here:

Use Caulk And Steel Wool To Seal Up The House:

The best way to prevent mice or rats from moving in is to make sure that there is nowhere for them to get in. Mice can get into very small gaps. In fact, they can squeeze through a hole about the size of a dime. Even if a hole doesn’t start out large enough for them to get in, rodents will just gnaw at the opening to make it bigger until they get through it. Rats in particular can chew through just about anything.

Luckily, they can’t chew through caulk and steel wool. Pay particularly close attention to where any pipes enter the building and along your basement foundations, as this is often where gaps form. Make sure you replace any weather stripping and screen any vents and the openings of the chimney.

Prune Shrubbery Away From The House:

Shrubbery and any branches that reach the house are an open invitation to mice and other pests to come on in. Cut off their route inside by cutting back any shrubbery that gets too close to the house. Make sure that things like stacks of firewood are kept at least twenty feet from the house. Mice love to nest in these piles and could be encouraged inside if the logs are against the house.

Take Away Their Food Supply:

When the weather turns cold, mice will look for warmth and something to eat. A kitchen that is messy and full of crumbs and open packets is a mouse’s dream. Keep your kitchen shelves, cabinets, and countertops clean. Store any unsealed food in airtight containers to limit access. If you have a pet, make sure you don’t leave out food in a bowl all day long, as this will potentially attract rodents looking for something to eat. Mice also eat paper and cardboard, so keep on top of getting the recycling out of the kitchen.

Seal The Bin:

Mice are attracted to trash cans. To make your bin mouse-proof, choose a bin with an airtight lid and keep it closed. You can use rubber cords to secure a loose lid.

Try Essential Oils:

Homemade remedies are not usually very effective for getting rid of rodents, but you can try them to discourage them. Some people think that the smell of peppermint and clove oil repels mice. Soak some cotton balls in these essential oils and shove them into areas that commonly attract mice, like cabinets, drawers, and entry points. It can’t hurt to try.

Better protect your family and home from pests with these preventative tips!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jul16

How To More Adequately Prevent Property Damage

Posted on by
Standard
How To More Adequately Prevent Property Damage

When you become a homeowner for the first time, you’ll feel a sense of true achievement. You should, because it is. That being said, now you open yourself up to many more responsibilities than you would when renting. It’s now your duty to care for the maintenance tasks of the property, and to do so with a sense of urgency to prevent them getting out of hand.

Issues will come your way, and they, more than likely, will have an effect on your property. It’s not about completely avoiding them outright, rather it’s more about learning what to do when these challenges do appear. For instance, nothing you can do will prevent a harsh blizzard from coming in during the winter, provided you live in an area where that happens. Yet you can apply a few preventative measures to stop the damage from becoming unnecessarily significant.

So, how can you more adequately prevent property damage? What efforts will ensure or even guarantee this outcome? We’ll explore that together, below:

Preparing For The Seasons:

The seasons can come hard and fast depending on where you live. For some, the intensity of summer requires real forethought, while for others, the intensity of winter can feel like entering another world entirely. In this latter example, purchasing a de-icer, ensuring that your pipes are routinely worked to avoid them freezing over or purchasing large quantities of grit for your sloped driveway can be important. AC repair and ventilation adjustments can also help in the midst of summer. Prepare for the upcoming seasons and keep yourself safe and comfortable all year round.

Preventing Leaks:

Preventing leaks in your property is also very important, and, unfortunately, failing to do so will ultimately result in one. That sounds like an obvious statement, but you’d be amazed at just how many avenues leaks can find to provide you with a lovely, unwanted amount of property damage. Avoiding water damage in your home includes ensuring your roofing insulation is well applied, caring for your pipes, appropriately plumbing, and investing in shielding your home from the elements. With these efforts combined, you’re sure to come to the best possible solution.

Important DIY Skill Sets:

DIY skill sets can help you avoid contributing to property damage yourself. You’d be surprised at how commonly bodged jobs can cause issues from shoddy wiring to bad plumbing, and even shelves that haven’t been secured as strongly as they should have been. If you can take the time to learn and research before you begin and visit the hardware store to ensure you have the correct tools (such as using a level instead of simply going by eye), you’ll be in a better place. You can visit DIY forums to ask questions and pre-plan your approach to begin with. And in the case of some examples, like electrical work, it’s simply best to call in the professionals.

With this advice, we hope you can more adequately prevent property damage each day to keep your home strong and in tact all year.

Featured Image By: Pexels