Tag: health tips

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Blog, Health Facts, Health Tips healthyperson

5 Surprising Health Facts

When it comes to health, we’re told “facts” that seem to change every year. For example, remember when all fats were considered bad for dieters?

A few years later and there are now “good” and “bad” fats. This being said, there are a number of facts that have remained the same and stood the test of time.

These facts, however, are also the ones that tend to be unknown and forgotten about. So, what are a few of these surprisingly accurate facts? Let’s find out!

Sitting behind a desk can increase your chances of mortality by up to 50%.

Office work is a popular form of work in the modern world. However, office workers, according to the University of Sydney, should be aware that those who sit for more than 10 hours per day have a higher chance of dying than those who sit for 4 or less hours.

That’s right – your relatively safe office job might not actually be that safe in the long run.

To combat this statistic, you can make small changes such as investing in a stand up work desk, taking the stairs,  walking to work if it is close by, and/or taking a relaxing stroll on your breaks.

Smelling an apple can prevent claustrophobia.

An apple a day is known to keep the doctor away – but can it do more? The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation has conducted research and found that, apparently, smelling a green apple can reduce claustrophobia related stress.

In addition, taking a big sniff of a green apple may also be able to prevent headaches and migraines.

Women are more likely to suffer from a medical broken heart.

We’ve all felt like we may die of a broken heart. However, broken heart syndrome – a condition where the adrenaline released to combat shock (usually from stress) causes spontaneous heart failure- is 9 times more likely to affect women.

 Coffee can battle depression.

More often than not, we’re told that coffee is bad for us – if this isn’t the case, we may be told to closely monitor our coffee intake. Although, a recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health has found that there may be a connection between coffee and reduced depression episodes.

This number was specific to women, with those who drink 4 cups of coffee per day or more, having an increased immunity (up to 20%) to depression.

Previously, another study found that women who drank only 2 cups per day were less likely to commit suicide.

We often hear about how caffeine is bad for us; however, a study from the Harvard School of Public Health has found that, for women, drinking four or more cups of caffeinated coffee a day could reduce the risk of depression by 20 per cent.

Exercise can ease fatigue.

When you’re tired, one of the best things you can do is exercise. Various studies have found that exercising, while increasing the oxygen and blood flows within the body, works to wake up the tired and achy muscles.

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Health Tips healthyperson

10 Important Duct Cleaning Questions

What exactly is “duct cleaning”?

Air ducts, like everything else in a home or commercial building, become dirty. They can be contaminated with dust, dirt, and biological matter that can spread through the area. Generally, the term duct cleaning is referring to the clearing and removal of these materials.

When should ducts be cleaned?

HVAC manufacturers and suppliers often provide instructions as to when their specific ducts should be cleaned. This is called a cleaning schedule and will depend on factors such as the climate, air contaminants, cost, filtration, and building occupants.

Are there any standards for duct cleaning?

In the United States, there are no official regulations or standards relating to duct cleaning. There are, however, generally ground rules in most places of employment. Duct cleaning is usually a matter of common sense.

Do duct cleaners use disinfectant when cleaning?

They shouldn’t. Most duct cleaning companies avoid the use of chemicals in the duct system, as chemical matter inside of the ductwork can become a health concern.

How do I know if my duct cleaning was effective?

You’ll know if your duct cleaning was effective by doing a visual inspection of the ducts. If you can see and debris or dust, the clean was not thorough enough. You can perform your own inspection with the use of a mirror and flashlight, but a professional duct cleaner will be able to tell you for sure, as he or she can access the hard-to-see parts of your HVAC system.

What criteria should I use to choose a cleaning company?

To choose the best air duct cleaning company, choose a company that meets the following criteria.

  • Been in business long enough to have adequate experience
  • Has good references
  • Will show you proof of licensing
  • Is knowledgeable about your specific home type

Does HVAC cleaning reduce my energy bill?

In a roundabout way, yes. A clean HVAC system will run more efficiently, which can ultimately mean the difference between a high energy bill and one that falls on the lower end of the price scale. You can think of it like a car- a car that has regular oil changes uses less gas than one that is allowed to build up and deteriorate. The same goes for HVAC systems.

How long does HVAC cleaning take?

For cleaning a standard size home, 2 technicians are usually hired. It typically take 2-2.5 hours but can take longer depending on the size of the home.

What are the methods used for air duct cleaning?

There are three main methods that are used: air sweeping, vacuuming, and rotary brushing.

How can I prepare my home for duct cleaning

On the end of the homeowner, there isn’t much that needs to be done. The technicians may need access to the basement, attic, or other rooms of the home. They may also request for pets to be put in another room or outside.