Over 133 million Americans live with chronic disease or illness, equivalent to more than 40% of the population. Worryingly, this figure is expected to rise to around 157 million people by 2020. As most people spend at least half their day at home, what impact does their home have on their health? After all, toxins, pesticides, gases, mites, and molds are everywhere. The more you’re exposed to them, the greater risk of worsening your existing condition or developing additional health problems.

Remove and prevent mold

Mold and damp conditions may irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Regularly check your home for damp spots. You can easily remove small amounts of mold with water and detergent. For large areas of mold hire a professional to do the removal. Once you’ve removed the mold, you then need to focus on preventing it from coming back. Repair any water leaks quickly and clean up after floods immediately, ensuring the area is dry within 48 hours. Always use exhaust fans when cooking and showering and make sure the clothes dryer, stove, and fans all vent to the outdoors.

Humidity levels

One of the key ways to ensure a healthy and comfortable home is keeping the humidity levels in check. You should always aim to keep humidity low, about 30% in cold weather and 50% in the summer. While some humidity is needed, too much or too little can be a problem. When the humidity gets too low, it can cause dry skin, lips, and hair. It also dries out the membranes in your nose and throat, making them sore and more susceptible to cold-related illnesses. However, when humidity is high, it disrupts the body’s ability to cool itself, with the risk of heatstroke. People with asthma or heart conditions are particularly vulnerable when the humidity gets too high which can cause allergic reactions.

The temperature in your home

A house that’s too hot can become a dangerous home. This is particularly significant if you have existing medical conditions like breathing difficulties, kidney or heart problems or hypertension. It’s also relevant if you live with a mental illness such as depression. Prepare for the heat by checking local weather forecasts for heat alerts. If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works before the hot weather starts. Always aim to keep your home cool. It’s good to have an air conditioner with a thermostat and set it between 72°F and 79°F.

Importance of cleanliness

If someone is affected by illness, their home must always be clean. When we are ill or even just as we get older, we are less resilient and more vulnerable to bacteria, infections and diseases. Living in a home with dirty carpets, upholstery or bedding, and where there’s damp, can worsen allergies and asthma. So too can dust mites, pet dander and mold, which often lurks in our homes. Kitchens that are not adequately cleaned and sanitized can also cause gastrointestinal illnesses which can become acute in people with existing health problems.

A healthy, safe and accessible home is of paramount importance, especially for people living with an existing health condition. Everyone can have a healthy home. Get started today.