Making your life a little NEAT-er with Spring Cleaning by Steve Bond, BScPhm,
YRPh, CDE, FASCP Yurek Pharmacy & Home Healthcare
Spring brings longer days, warmer weather and of course, spring cleaning. While dusting under
furniture, raking the yard and cleaning out closets may not seem like fun endeavours, spring cleaning offers an opportunity to improve our physical and mental health. If you feel better when your home is clean and tidy, you are not alone. In fact, researchers have linked clutter to feelings of anxiety and depression. There are many things in our lives that make us feel like we have no control. Interest rates, inflation, and trade wars are things that affect each of us and which individually, we cannot control. Spring cleaning is a great way to gain a sense of control — we cannot control the weather, but we can control how comfortable our home can be. This sense of control reduces stress and anxiety. There are many physical benefits to cleaning. Dust is a collection of dust mites, bacteria, pollen and skin cells. Using a microfibre cloth to dust surfaces, and vacuuming carpets and fabric furniture can help to reduce dust and hence allergies and infections. Pay attention to moist areas like the bathroom and
basement and remove any mold build-up as soon as possible. Opening windows is what I call a double-edged sword. The fresh air flow may reduce mold but also may let in pollen and dust. There is a term known as NEAT. It stands for Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis and it refers to the energy we use in our daily activities not related to purposeful exercise. It could involve walking the dog, cutting the grass, carrying the groceries, gardening or playing with the kids. NEAT is important because it can be a huge part of our daily energy burn. Spring cleaning, of course, provides a great opportunity for NEAT activities. While you may not hit the gym five days a week, you might be a person who loves to vacuum or, in my case, spend time in the garden. Any activity that is not sedentary (like sitting on the couch or lying in bed) can increase the energy we burn and help reduce weight and increase endurance. So enjoy spring and spring cleaning; try to incorporate NEAT activities into your day. And take care of yourselves and each other.
Thank you Elgin-Middlesex-London for your support! Here to Serve!
ROB FLACK MPP - Elgin-Middlesex-London
519-631-5995 • rob.flack@pc.ola.org • robflackmpp.ca
VE Day Celebration May 8th • 7pm Old St. Thomas Church 55 Walnut Street, St. Thomas Join us for a special evening of remembrance and reflection as we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Celebrate with us at the historic Old St. Thomas Church, where we will honour the sacrifices made by our veterans. This event is open to all.
APRIL 26 | 9AM - 1PM JOIN US FOR A REAL SWEET TIME HORTON FARMERS’ MARKET | 10 MANITOBA ST. ST. THOMAS HORTONFARMERSMARKET.CA
Hometown St. Thomas • April 2025 • Page 57
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