The Importance of Spring Cleaning Your Utility Room Don’t Forget to Clean the Heart of Your Home
• Family homes (three or more occupants) with no pets or allergies: 3 to 6 months. • Family homes with at least one pet or minor allergies: 2 to 3 months. • Family homes with multiple pets or allergies: 1 to 2 months. In addition to changing the air filter, it’s important to schedule a routine inspection of your home’s HVAC system. This includes an inspection of the appliances themselves and any connecting ducts. Dust, dander and mold can accumulate in the ducts and spread throughout the home, which can lead to health issues including respiratory problems. A routine inspection will identify potential problems in your HVAC system. On top of that, you can get these systems professionally cleaned and maintained. These are simple steps that will keep your home’s air systems running smoothly for years to come. Plus, you’ll be ready for the summer months ahead!
The start of spring brings everyone’s favorite seasonal chore — spring cleaning! As you dust, vacuum, organize and declutter, don’t forget about the one room that often gets neglected. This year, give special attention to the utility closet. The utility closet houses your furnace, boiler, water heater, A/C junction and other similar large appliances. Homeowners often forget about these appliances because they are out of sight and out of mind and this can cost a lot in the long run. Like all the other rooms in your home, this space needs to be kept clean. Dust, for instance, can be hard on HVAC systems. Over time, it accumulates in the HVAC intake and clogs the air filter, reducing its effectiveness and efficiency. This results in a short lifespan for your system, higher power bills and a poorly heated or cooled home. How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter? • Homes with minimal foot traffic (single or double occupancy) and no pets or allergies: 6 to 12 months.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eating Habits LOST YOUR APPETITE?
Share a Meal — Social interaction is just as important as proper nutrition, and who doesn’t enjoy breaking bread with a friend or family member?
Food plays a vital role in our overall health. Our bodies need valuable nutrients, but eating right can be a challenge
when our appetites start to work against us. Changes in our bodies as we age, a new lifestyle or social situation, chronic disease and certain medications can lead to a loss in appetite. But just because you don’t feel hungry, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to be eating. In fact, research from the National Institutes of Health suggests that “because older adults’ abilities to
Add Some Variety — We don’t just mean different foods. You can experiment with textures, colors and temperatures to create an interesting dining experience. Talk to Your Doctor — Is there a physical issue affecting your appetite? Would changing your medication help? Have your teeth become sensitive or are you having problems chewing? Work with your doctor to determine how you can make eating enjoyable again.
absorb and utilize many nutrients become less efficient, their nutrient requirements […] actually increase.” Here are a few ways to keep up healthy eating habits even as your appetite changes.
Enhance Food Flavors — Don’t just rely on salt and sugar. Try reaching for lemon juice, olive oil or exotic herbs and spices to liven up your palate. How about some ginger and turmeric, anyone?
Maintaining healthy eating habits is important throughout our lives. Make sure any loss of appetite doesn’t negatively impact your health and well-being.
2 www.OctoberKitchen.com
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