Join the Clean Air Club

When we moved to Atlanta, we knew we'd get hit by heat and humidity. We didn't know we would get hit by allergies from all of the pollen in the air. I have never seen so much pollen. At times it literally looks like it is raining!

My kids who have never had allergy problems are starting to complain about itchy eyes and sneezing.

What's a busy mom to do? Keep them indoors all summer? Not likely.

Years ago I read that there are actually higher levels of pollutants indoors than outdoors. That's why it's good to open up your windows and let the fresh air in at least once a week. That's why I air out our house even in the winter months when it's cold and the family has to bundle up.

Another strategy for keeping indoor air fresh is to change your air filter frequently. I must admit that we are not great at maintaining things like that, but with the recent issues with pollen and allergies, we're getting more diligent about making sure we stay on top of it…which means at the start of every season or every three months.

Recognizing that this may be the last thing on the mind of a busy Mom, 3M, the makers of Filtrete filters, offers the Clean Air Club. Moms can receive seasonal e-newsletters featuring special offers, filter change reminders, better home living tips and more. Plus, the first 50 people to sign up each week will receive a free bamboo plant – a natural air purifier.

Dr. Neil Schachter, M.D., past president of the American Lung Association of the City of New York, suggests a "home health check-up" to help make your home a healthier place to live. He recommends avoiding cleaning products that contain ammonia or chlorine, and limiting your pet's access to certain areas of the home, including the bedroom. A high performance air filter, such as a Filtrete filter, may also help improve indoor air quality. Listen to these tips and more on Dr. Schachter's podcast.

While you're there, play the Filtrete Clean Air Fact or Fiction to test your knowledge of indoor air quality. You could win a home inspection from Steve Ramos, featured home inspector on HGTV's House Detective. Thanks to Mom Central for bringing this new site to my attention!

1 Comment May 18, 2009

http://ismsbyali.blogspot.com Ali

Hey sister,
Feel your pain, AZ is bad for allergies and air as well. Here’s a little trick I learned so that I (and we) don’t have to take drugs all the time! Shower every morning AND every night so you don’t take allergens to bed with you (stuff sticks to your hair like crazy and then gets into your pillow, where you then breathe it all night). And here’s a little gem, it sounds gross, but just give it a try – after your morning shower, use a q-tip to coat the inside of your nose with a thin layer of Vaseline (NOT Neosporin or antibiotic ointment). Pollen, dust an who knows what else will stick to the Vaseline instead of getting sucked into your body. You may need to reapply a couple of times/day. You’ll be surprised.
Miss you!