This week, I wanted to do a great throw-back to a previous More of Me to Love post, because of its relevance to this time of year in the northern hemisphere. So, check out Andrew Duffy’s post on getting a good clean!

Though it’s still hot in many parts of the country, school is either back in or about to be, and that means that fall is as good as here - well, almost. Getting in some good Autumn cleaning isn’t just a great way to move around for a little bit, but it has great health benefits as well.

Dust, bacteria and mold that can accumulate throughout your home are often innocuous.  However, left unattended, they can definitely diminish our quality of life.  The conditions under which each kind of deposit thrives and its various health implications differ, so let’s break it down.

Dust
Most often, dust particles are blocked by hairs that line the inside of our nostrils or are caught in our throats.  However, in high dust environments, many particles make their way into our lungs and can cause lung injury and inflammation, such as bronchitis.  Often times, dust can carry bacteria that leads to lung infections.

To defend against issues caused by too much dust in our lungs, our bodies sometimes build scar tissue known as fibrous tissue. Built rapidly and in large amounts, this formation can hinder normal lung function, a condition called fibrosis.

Bacteria
Clothes and dishes that haven’t been washed for over a week are epicenters of bacterial growth.  Showers are also great places for bacteria like staph to thrive.  Why?  Because bacteria love moist and warm environments.
 
Like dust, there are myriad complications that can arise from bacteria, but they depend on the specific bacteria in question.  Since bacteria move to our bodies when touched, and into them when we further touch our eyes, noses or mouths, it’s important to wash hands regularly and practice good housekeeping habits. In those ways, you can minimize dangerous bacterial growth in your living space.

Mold
Mold is a fungus that releases spores for growth.  Like bacteria, mold thrives in moist spots.  Oftentimes, these spots include the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink, the trash bin, the corner of the bathroom, or a basement with a leak.

In small quantities, people are rarely allergic.  However, even non-allergic people can be affected by large quantities of mold.  Symptoms may include itchy eyes, dermatitis, and even asthma attacks. 
Mold is easy to spot: like mold on a piece of bread, it usually manifests in small, dark conglomerations in moist places.  In homes, it usually appears in darker shades of green or black.

Treating the Problem

Despite all that doom and gloom, the good news is that you don’t have to do much to prevent these conditions - a half an hour a week of good house cleaning is all it really takes to minimize bacteria, mold and dust.

Dust:
1) Vacuum once every week or two
2) Dust all household surfaces with a wet towel, followed by the use of a dry towel - do this at least bi-monthly.
Traditional dusting brushes and sweeping can take care of some dust and dirt, but in most cases they just push it around.  Vacuuming puts dust mites, dirt and dust in a closed container.  Also, dusting with a wet towel (water or cleaning product) picks up much more dust than dusting dry does.  Following up with a dry towel will make sure the surface isn’t moist enough for mold or bacteria to grow.

Bacteria/Mold:
1) Scrub counters/tubs/showers and other areas exposed to consistent moisture once every two weeks with cleansing agents
2) Clean dishes within three days of use
3) Wash clothes after they are worn once
4) Clean your bed sheets once every two weeks.
With a little bit of elbow grease, these methods will eliminate growth potential for most bacteria and mold.  (Also: after more than a week, sponges can become breeding grounds for bacteria, so try using a brush when possible.)

If you think you have a mold problem in your home that you can’t control, seek the assistance of professional cleaners.  They can assess the issue and offer a healthy solution.  Further, if your cleaning habits aren’t quite what they should be and you’ve been feeling ill for more than a week, consider a visit to your doctor.  Usually, a quick check-up can identify and treat one of these conditions so that you can be healthier and happier once again.

Some ways to add a bonus round to your house cleaning fun!
When…
Vacuuming: attach light ankle weights to your wrists for a good arm and shoulder workout.
Doing Dishes: hand wash your dishes.  And, instead of putting them in the dish drain, dry them all off and put them away.
Folding Laundry: do it for speed!
Scrubbing counters/tubs: put a little bit more elbow grease into it.

If you hadn’t had a chance to check out the other More of Me to Love blogs yet, then definitely take the time to do so.

As a personal trainer who's always loved her body, Sue Bary was tired of being classified as 'mildly obese' and wanted to help others experience Enjoyable Body Movement without being subject to the usual verbiage of weight loss and dieting. Thus, she created enarji, a personal training practice steeped in the Health at Every Size approach and attitude. To learn more about Sue, click here. Because you are a special More of Me to Love member, Sue wants you to enjoy a FREE consultation through enarji's Virtual Health Coach services. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to schedule your free consultation today!