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QC06062013

2 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • JUNE 6, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Cleaning the right way to remove allergens When you’re done with spring cleaning, health you may assume you’ve eliminated any allergy triggers that were lurking in your home. But the truth is, if you don’t clean the right way, you might be making the problem worse. More than 40 million Americans suffer from allergy problems, and 25 million have asthma. If your cleaning routine doesn’t specifi cally focus on allergen control and removal, you may be only moving dust around, sending allergens and irritating cleaning chemicals into the air which can affect allergy and asthma symptoms. To maximize your cleaning efforts and reduce allergens, consider these simple tips from the asthma and allergy friendly Certifi cation Program, the healthy home initiative of the nonprofi t Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA): • Use a certifi ed vacuum that has a high effi ciency fi lter with tight seams and seals to prevent particles from leaking out while you vacuum. Also, choose a style that requires minimal exposure during canister emptying or bag changes. • Dusting improperly can actually increase airborne dust particles in your home. Use moist cloths or special dry dusters designed to trap and lock dust from hard surfaces. Use vacuum attachments to remove dust from soft and upholstered surfaces. • Certain cleaning products can also contribute to airborne irritants, especially if they contain harsh chemicals, strong odors or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose products that contain none of these irritants, but also beware of “green” labels, as some of these solutions may be made with natural allergenic ingredients, such as lem on, coconut or tea-tree oils. • Whether you have a cat or dog, pet dander is present in most U.S. homes. If it is possible, keep pets out of the bedroom. Your cleaning routine should include frequently washing linens in your bedroom, where cat or dog dander can settle. • Place certifi ed allergen barrier covers on your mattresses and pillows. Wash your bedding at least once a week in 130 degree or higher hot water to kill dust mites and their eggs. • Mold, a common allergy trigger, can grow anywhere in your home where moisture is present. Look for cleaning products that help kill and prevent mold from returning. Also, keep household humidity below 50 percent and fi x leaky pipes and cracks to reduce standing puddles of moisture where mold can prosper. • If children live in your home, look for certifi ed plush toys. Dust mites, mold and pet dander can accumulate on plush toys over time. Certifi ed toys can be placed in the freezer for 24 hours, then rinsed in cold water to remove dead mites. Dry completely. Do th is monthly.- • Lots of air passes through window areas, and airborne dust and allergens accumulate on all types of window treatments - which are rarely cleaned. In the family room and throughout the home, replace big, heavy linen drapes with more sensible window treatments such as wood blinds or fl at screens that are easy to wipe and keep clean. • If your home uses central air conditioning or heat, replace the fi lter in the machine regularly, typically every 30 to 90 days. Choose an HVAC fi lter that has been certifi ed to effectively capture fi ne airborne particles like pollen, dust and dander. Courtesy BPT Pouran A NAME YOU CAN TRUST & Company We Welcome Our Newest Stylists Raymond Over 20 year’s experience in China, Manhattan & Queens as a stylist specializing in men & women “I’m so happy to bring my skills to the nice people at Pouran” Pouran would like to invite you to Experience our newest team member With a Haircut or Styling receive a FREE Manicure Experience our Salon, Spa & Boutique Services 272-84 Grand Central Pkwy • Floral Park • PLENTY OF FREE PARKING • Between Little Neck Pkwy & Lakeville Road Salon: 718.423.8800 MedSpa: 718.225.4100 Boutique: 718.423.8989 • www.pouranandco.com


QC06062013
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