Published Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:04 AM
Updated Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:05 AM

 

Judy’s Fitness Corner

Make allergies a thing of the past


I have had a lot of interest from readers to request for additional information on how to allergy-proof your life.  These simple steps and some minimal investments can help reduce your symptoms significantly and help you to feel better.   

Bed and bedding.  

Your reaction to dust mites can be reduced by encasing pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust-mite-proof covers.  For the best effect, wash the bedding at least once a week in water heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove, wash or cover your comforters.  Remember that you spend at least one-third of your life in the bedroom so you should invest a lot more money or time to allergy-proof this room.

Windows.

Close windows and rely on air conditioning during pollen season especially in the morning when the pollen count is the highest. Clean mold and condensation from window frames and sills.

Flooring.

Replacing carpeting with hardwood or linoleum flooring or washable area rugs. If that is not possible, then use low-pile instead of high-pile carpeting and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Curtains and blinds.

Use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric. Dust horizontal blinds weekly with a disposable or washable dusting cloth.

Furnishings.

Choose furniture made of leather, wood, metal or plastic. Avoid upholstered furniture.

Clutter.

Remove anything that collects dust. Store books, toys, games and stuffed animals in plastic bins with lids.

Pets.

If you have a pet you can’t part with, try to keep it out of your bedroom.   Bathing pets at least twice a week may reduce the amount of allergen they shed.  Wiping down their paws and coats with diaper wipes to reduce some of the debris they bring in from outdoors.  And grooming your pet outdoors is also advisable.

Air filtration.  

Use an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter can make a difference in the air quality.  Make sure the unit can handle the square-footage of your living space and that you replace or clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Plants.

Find a new home for potted plants or spread aquarium gravel over the dirt to help contain mold and mildew.

Stove.

In the kitchen, install and use an exhaust fan to vent cooking fumes outside.

Sink.  

Wash dishes daily. Scrub the sink and faucets afterwards to remove mold and food debris.

Refrigerator.

Wipe up excessive moisture to avoid mold growth. Regularly empty and clean dripping pan and clean or replace moldy rubber seals.

Cabinets and counters.

Clean cabinets and countertops with detergent and water. Store all food in sealed containers.

Food waste.

Discard your place food waste outside daily.

Ventilation.

For the restrooms, use an exhaust fan to reduce lingering moisture.

Floors.

Wash your bathroom mats weekly.

Walls.

Replace wallpaper with tile or paint walls with mold-resistant enamel paint.

Tub.

Towel-dry the tub and enclosure after use. Scrub mold from tub and faucets. Clean or replace moldy shower curtains and bathmats.

Toilet and sink.

Scrub mold from plumbing fixtures.

Air quality.

Use a dehumidifier to reduce dampness, and clean it once a week.

In general hot, humid houses are breeding grounds for dust mites and mold. Maintain temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity at 30 percent to 50 percent.  

Control cockroaches, mice and pests with inexpensive traps from the hardware store. If that's not effective, hire a professional exterminator. If you detect mold on any surfaces, clean it with a solution of 5 percent chlorine bleach and wear a protective mask when cleaning.  And last but not least, don't allow smoking anywhere inside your house.

Contact Judy at lapan.j@gmail.com and 843-764-4717.