Category: Healthy Body

Buying Organic - Is It Really Healthier?

Posted on December 14, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

Buying organic foods is healthier. Eating organic protects you from harmful chemicals like pesticides. But even though organic is healthier, it is not cheap! Here are some tips on when to go "green" and when to save your "green" and buy conventional foods.

Fruits and vegetables with a thin skin that is difficult to remove, or that you usually eat, should definitely be organic. These fruits and vegetables have high levels of pesticides even after washing. Produce with thicker skins has a better barrier to pesticides and when you throw the peel in the trash, the chemicals go with it. Make sure to scrub all fruits and vegetables before eating or peeling them because cutting them can bring any chemicals on the skin into the flesh.

Buy organic: apples, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, pears, nectarines, peppers, celery, potatoes, and carrots.

Buy conventional: avocados, eggplants, pineapples, bananas, corn, kiwi, mangoes, papaya, sweet peas, oranges, grapefruit, and squash.

Leafy greens are particularly susceptible to pests, so they are usually grown with high levels of pesticides. Since it is too difficult to scrub all of the chemicals off of every leaf of a head of lettuce, leafy greens should be organic. Other vegetables, like broccoli, either don't retain pesticides very well or don't need a lot to begin with, so it's OK to go conventional.

Buy organic: all lettuces and greens such as kale, collards, mustard, swiss chard, and spinach.

Buy conventional: broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, cauliflower, eggplant, melons, and sweet potatoes.

Milk: Although many of the hormones and antibiotics used in conventional milk production are washed out before we drink it, the process isn't perfect and some make it through. Organic milk also has higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep our hearts healthy.

Buy organic: milk, yogurt, cheese.

Fish: Since fish grow in the ocean, it is impossible to know if they contain pesticides, so the USDA has no guidelines for certifying organic seafood.

Buy conventional: fish, other seafood.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com. For more information on "Household Cleaning Products and Breast Cancer", please watch our video at www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Reduce Your Chances of Catching the Common Cold

Posted on November 12, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body, Uncategorized

About one billion colds hit Americans each year between the months of October through March.

Because the common cold can run you down for weeks, why not try these simple steps to reduce your chance of catching one:

Touch "less." Keep your hands off of germ-infested surfaces and off of your face as much as possible.

Direct contact with sick people is the number one way germs are transmitted. Eighty percent of colds are spread by direct contact.

Indirect contact, such as handling a doorknob which a sick person has touched, then spreading it to your face by touching your mouth, nose or eyes, is the other way germs are transmitted.

Regular Handwashing. Proper handwashing is especially important during the cold and flu season.

Wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 15 seconds. After washing, use a paper towel to shut off the faucet and open the bathroom door on the way out.

Stress "less." Stress can weaken the immune system. Leave stress behind and clear your mind, whether it is at work, school, or home, and incorporate some peace into your day. Whenever possible, sit back , relax, and take a few deep breaths to de-stress.

greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com. For more information on "Household Cleaning Products and Breast Cancer", please watch our video at www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Could You Be Allergic To Mold?

Posted on October 21, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body, Uncategorized

If you're allergy symptoms get worse in damp weather, you may be allergic to mold.

Mold allergies can flare all year long. Indoor mold can be a problem in winter months, because mold will grow in your house where there is enough moisture, like on basement walls, in crawl spaces, on damp carpet, or behind bathroom tile.

Mold is a fungus that breaks down plant or animal matter, like leaves, dirt, wood, and food. Mold is found indoors and outdoors. We are all exposed to mold spores. With mold allergies, mold spores can trigger reactions like allergic rhinitis or asthma. Molds can also produce volatile organic compounds, or VOC's, which is the musty odor that can irritate eyes, nose, and throat.

Coughing, wheezing, runny nose, or irritated eyes and throat are all signs of mold allergy. Mold allergies can also trigger an asthma attack, with symptoms like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. An allergist can diagnose mold allergy with a skin test or a blood test.

Reduce indoor humidity by venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources. Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can help. If you don't have exhaust fans, crack open a window in the kitchen when you are cooking, or in the bathroom when you are bathing.

Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers inside your home. Change filters regularly. Use a dehumidifier to get rid of dampness in basements.

Wash mold off hard surfaces with soap and water, or use a mix of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to kill mold. When cleaning mold, always wear a filtered face mask so you won't inhale mold spores.

How do you get rid of mold? Share your comments with us!

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about your health. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.

To view Maid Brigade's video on "Household Products and Breast Cancer," please log on to www.youtube.com/watch.

Chemicals, the Environment, and Breast Cancer

Posted on October 12, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

What do cookware, deodorant, cosmetics, plastics and pesticides have in common?

They are all suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer. Janet Gray, professor and chariman of the department of psychology at Vassar College, together with experts from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, compiled a report on the environmental links to breast cancer.

According to Gray, a compilation of epidemiological studies, cell culture studies, and animal data show us that some of what women are exposed to every day may be increasing their risk of breast cancer.

Gray also says that the evidence is starting to mount indicating that exposure to low levels of many different chemicals does matter which can yield a result similar to a high-dose exposure to one chemical.

EWG has reported that 455 different chemicals were found in the blood and urine of 72 adults. Since these chemicals should not be in the body, are they doing harm to the body?

EWG reported that an average adult is exposed to 126 chemicals everyday in personal care products alone.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your children. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to maidbrigade.com and greencleancertified.com.

Chemicals, Cleaning Products, and Your Health

Posted on October 8, 2010 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks, Healthy Body

Did you know that indoor air can be more polluted than outside air?

Doctors have finally realized that common chemicals in cleaning products can adversely affect you and the air you breathe. Household cleaning products are among the most deadly substances encountered daily.

Synthesized chemicals appeared after World War II. These are found in carpet, oven, drain and floor cleaners, and in laundry detergents. These items are mostly petrochemical, petroleum-based, and are quite toxic to your body when breathing and swallowing. These cleaning products can cause damage to the heart, lungs, liver, brain and kidneys. They can also cause dizziness and irritation to the skin and eyes.

The EPA found that some homes have chemical levels that are 70 times higher than the outside air. Most automatic dishwasher and laundry detergents contain bleach, and when these are mixed with water they form vapors that pollute the air in the house.

A study conducted for more than 15 years concluded that women who worked at home had a 54 percent higher death rate from cancer than women who worked away from home. Toxic household cleaning products have been accused of causing an increase in cancer, ADD, Alzheimer's, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, asthma, lupus, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and other ailments.

Not many human studies have been done on most of the chemicals in cleaning products. It has been assumed by the industry that they are "safe until proven toxic,'" and that if a product is available on the store shelf, it is safe. However, many people found through painful experiences that this is not always true. Most toxic products are not required to list ingredients.

Changing your cleaning products to natural ones, such as vinegar, baking soda, borax, and hydrogen peroxide is ideal for people who wish to reduce their exposure to unhealthy and hazardous ingredients. Many natural cleaning products on the market are cheaper and better than the toxic ones.

Is a UV Wand Safer than Disinfectant Spray?

Posted on September 20, 2010 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks, Healthy Body

Who feels good about spraying small droplets of N-alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chlorides all over their home?

According to www.goodguide.com, which rates household products on their impact on health and the environment, these quaternary ammonium chlorides have been linked to asthma, as well as birth defects and fertility issues.

Still, it's surfaces like telephones, doorknobs and computer keyboards that harbor unsuspecting germs and help spread illnesses through an entire family.

James M. Steckelberg, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic says that, "the length of time that cold or flu germs can survive outside the body on an environmental surface, such as a doorknob, varies greatly. But the suspected range is from a few seconds to 48 hours, depending on the specific virus and the type of surface."

Flu viruses tend to live longer on surfaces than cold viruses do. It is generally believed that cold and flu viruses live longer on nonporous surfaces, such as plastic, metal, or wood, than they do on porous surfaces such as fabrics, skin, or paper.

This is where the natural germ-fighting properties of a UV light come in handy. A UV sterilizing wand kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses when you simply wave it over soft or hard surfaces.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.

Are Your Products Really Organic?

Posted on July 27, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body, Uncategorized

The Organic Consumers Association has been working to clean up the "organic" cosmetics industry since 2004. Unlike organic foods, many health and beauty products are falsely labeled as "organic."

The word organic is not properly regulated on personal care products like toothpaste, shampoo and lotion unless the product is certified by the USDA National Organic Program.

Due to this lax regulation, many personal care products have the word organic on their product label, but unless they are USDA certified, the main cleansing ingredients and preservatives are usually made with synthetic and petrochemical compounds.

The Organic Consumers Association recommends consumers look for the USDA organic seal on personal care products that claim to be organic. Although there are multiple "organic" standards all around the world, each with its own varying criteria, the USDA Organic Standards are the "gold standard" for personal care products.

If you are looking to purchase a product that is totally organic, look for the USDA organic seal. If it doesn't have the seal, read the ingredient label to find out how many ingredients are truly organic and how many are synthetic.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living, please log on to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.

Soothe Sinus Pain Naturally

Posted on May 12, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

Each year chronic sinusitis affects between 30 and 40 million people in the United States. As spring approaches there will be many sufferers seeking relief.

When you suffer from sinusitis, the undrained mucus in the sinuses causes pain and pressure and creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can make you more susceptible to viruses and infection.

Here are some practical tips you can try at home if sinuses become congested:

Clean Nasal Passages:

Rinse with salt water twice a day to clear out irritating mucus and kill bacteria. Get a bulb syringe or a neti pot (a spouted pot designed for flushing sinuses). Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt with 1 cup warm water and let the solution stream through one nostril and flow out the other. Studies show this is the number one recommendation for serious sinus relief.

Full Steam Ahead:

Moist, warm therapy can increase blood supply to an area, which in turn can help clear infections. Take a warm shower, or, inhale steam rising from a pot of heated water by leaning over the pot with a towel draped over your head. Breathe the steam for 15 minutes.

Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your nose, cheekbones and eyes. This will take the edge off of the pain and promote sinus drainage.

Humidify:

Dryness irritates sinuses, so humidify the air. Use a saline nasal spray too.

Stay Away From Mucus Boosters:

Milk and wheat are big mucus boosters, so avoid them when sinusitis hits. Avoid inflammatory foods and eat fresh fruits, vegetables and plant protein. Drink lots of water to thin mucus. Steamy soups (like chicken noodle soup) may also provide relief.

Avoid Potential Allergy Triggers:

Avoid common allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander and mold. Certain chemicals can also set off sneezing, coughing, and asthma attacks. Install a HEPA filter to clean the air in your bedroom. A humidifier can help reduce congestion, but clean it regularly or mold and bacteria buildup can do you more harm than good. Avoid smoke, chemical fumes and alcohol because they all swell sinus membranes.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Service wants to know how you prevent sinus infections. Share your tips with us!

For more information on healthy green living, please go to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.

Maid Brigade cares about you and the environment.

Breathe Easier!

Posted on May 3, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body, Uncategorized

We usually think of air pollution as something outside, but the truth is, the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside. The air inside your home may be polluted by lead (found in house dust), formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon, and even volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners. Some pollutants, like dust mites, mold and pet dander, are tracked into the home by pets, shoes, furniture, and even other people.

People with asthma, children, and even the elderly can be sensitive to indoor pollutants, and after repeated exposure, other effects on health may appear years later.

Indoor allergens and irritants have become more important in recent decades because we are spending more time indoors. Since most homes are airtight, these irritants cannot easily escape.

Ways to improve indoor air quality:

1. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This will reduce concentrations of lead, as well as allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites in your home.

2. Mop it up. Using microfiber mops and dust cloths will capture dust. Skip the soaps and cleaners and just use plain water. Microfiber cloths don't require any cleaning solutions.

3. Use a mat. Put a large floor mat at every door. People track all sorts of things on their shoes. A door mat will reduce the amouont of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants from getting into your home.

4. Keep a healthy humidity level. Dust mites and mold love moisture. A dehumidifier and/or an air conditioner will help reduce moisture in indoor air and effectively control allergens. For allergy sufferers, an air conditioner also reduces indoor pollen count.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services wants to know what do you do to improve indoor air quality in your home? Share your ideas with us!

For more information on green living, log onto www.greencleancertified.com.

Allergy Relief

Posted on April 28, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

Sometimes cleaning can be a problem for those suffering from allergies. All triggers, such as dust mites, pet allergens, and mold spores, must be kept under control, but how do you minimize them without making allergy symptoms worse?

According to a study from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 62 percent of patients reported having allergy symptoms caused by indoor allergens.

There are certain things you can do to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals and still end up with a healthy green clean home.

What cleaning products worsen allergy symptoms?

Avoid products that have strong odors, such as ammonia, and also products that produce particulates, including air fresheners. Aerosol spray cleaners are other items to avoid. Not only can they trigger allergy symptoms, but a recent study also found that weekly use of cleaning sprays was linked with increases in asthma, asthma medication use, and wheezing. More frequent use of these cleaners was also associated with greater risk.

What cleaning products should allergy sufferers use?

Use products that have minimal odors. Use dust cloths (microfiber cloths) and mops that pick up and retain the dust instead of those that push it back into the air. Vacuums with HEPA filters are good choices for removing allergens.

Bedding, curtains, and kids' stuffed animals should be washed regularly with hot water to keep allergen accumulation low.

What about natural green cleaning products?

Look for products that have the Green Seal of Approval. These products are approved by Green Seal, an organization that tests products to make sure they work and are also good for the environment.

Making your own green cleaning products is another healthy and cheaper option. Make your own glass cleaner by mixing a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a quart of water. Make your own furniture polish by combining a teaspoon of lemon juice with a pint of mineral or vegetable oil. Deodorize carpets by sprinkling baking soda on them, wait 15 minutes, and vacuum. Cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, or white peppercorns are great air fresheners for your home.

Maid Brigade Cleaning Service would like to know how you keep allergen accumulation low in your home. Share your ideas and tips with us on how to spring clean this allergy season!

For more information, please go to www.greencleancertified.com.

What Harmful Chemicals Are You Cleaning With?

Posted on April 2, 2010 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks, Healthy Body

Most people go to great lengths to keep their home smelling fresh and looking clean, but did you ever wonder what you are actually cleaning your home with?

For years, consumers kept their houses clean to ward off disease and infection by using a wide variety of cleaning products and disinfectants. Today, the cleaner is frequently more dangerous than the things we are trying to clean up. The conventional cleaning supplies lurking under your sink may contain a potent mix of chemicals that aren't even listed on the product itself. Most of the time, people have no idea what they are spraying around the house.

Senator Al Franken and Congressman Steve Israel introduced the Household Product Labeling Act (H.R. 3057) which would require household cleaning products to carry labels that list all of their ingredients. Moms and Dads have the right to know whether harmful chemicals are present in their kitchen cupboards, and this bill is just a commonsense measure to help parents keep their kids safe and healthy.

Current law requires product labels to list immediately hazardous ingredients, but there is no labeling requirement for ingredients that may cause harm over time, which means what you use to wash cribs, pacifiers, floors and surfaces with may not be as healthy and clean as you think.

To learn more about the Household Product Labeling Act, please go to Maid Brigade's Green Clean Certified website at www.greencleancertified.com. Let us know how you feel about this bill.

Maid Brigade cares about the health of your family. For tips and ways to green clean your home without using toxic chemicals, please read more tips at https://maidbrigade.com/green-house-cleaning/e-guide-green-cleaning/.