Featured Article

Duct Cleaning FAQ

By | December 4, 2018

Air duct cleaning isn’t a como household chore. In fact, it’s often forgotten about, and because of this, very few people know much about the process or why it’s important. If you’re interested in learning about the process, or considering cleaning the ducts in your home, it can be handy to know the answers to common duct cleaning questions.

What does “duct cleaning” entail?

Duct cleaning is the removal of dirt and debris from ductwork inside of businesses, factories, and residences. When ducts are cleaned, not only are the ducts themselves cleaned out, but other components such as the cooling coil and drain pan can be cleaned as well. Duct cleaning can remove more than dirt- it also removes mould and mildew.

Are there standards or official guidelines for duct cleaning?

As of right now, there are no official guidelines to help you determine when your air ducts should be cleaned. There are no set standards at which your ducts should be cleaned to, either. Duct cleaning is a matter of personal opinion and common sense.

Is it safe to be inside of buildings while the ducts are cleaned?

If you hire a professional to clean your air ducts, employees and family members who may be inside of the building will need to be sent away until the cleaning has commenced. Generally, duct cleaning is done at night when businesses are closed, but in residential areas, it’s done during the day and will require pets and people to evacuate as a preventative measure. Staying inside during duct cleaning can cause allergy flare ups and other minor illnesses if the dirt and debris is stirred up.

What duct cleaning company should I hire in Las Vegas?

There are a number of duct cleaning companies in Las Vegas, however, some are better than others.  Spotless Ducts is a Las Vegas air duct cleaning company you can trust to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Their employees are friendly and knowledgeable, equipped with practical duct cleaning skills.

How long does it take to clean a residential air duct system?

The time it takes to clean an HVAC systems depends on a number of factors including the size of the home, the extent of the filth in the system, and how many cleaners are working on cleaning the system. To get the best estimate of how long cleaning your ducts will take, get a quote from at least 2 contractors.

When do antimicrobial chemicals need to be used during duct cleaning?

Antimicrobial chemicals are used when fungi, viruses, or bacteria are present within the duct system. The system is cleaned before the chemicals are applied so that the chemicals can be more effective.

Does regular cleaning have any financial benefits?

Yes. A regularly cleaned air duct system will save you money in the long run. A system that is well maintained and frequently cleaned rum more efficiently, have a lower chance of breaking down, and have a longer life span.  

Air Purification: 6 Great Ways To Breathe Cleaner Air

By | February 1, 2020

With all the worry about the pollution of outdoor air, it’s a wonder that we don’t put more focus on the air inside of our homes.

Why would you, you ask? It’s been found that, surprisingly, the air inside of the average home is 2 to 5 times more polluted than that of the air in large cities. So, how can you ensure that your family breathes clean, refreshing air?

Here are a few great ways.

Lighting beeswax candles.

Most traditional candles contain ingredients like benzene, soot, and toluene into the air. Beeswax candles, however, are all natural and actually work to purify the air.

Not to mention that they burn much more slowly and need less replacing, and they’re also available in very light scents that won’t irritate the nose.

They’re great for use in homes that have residents who suffer from asthma, as they remove dust and allergens from the air inside of the home.

Caring for plants.

You’ve probably been told that plants are good to have in the home – and this they are. They’re excellent at removing pollutants from the air.

Indoor Plant

For the best results, an indoor plant should be situated within every 100 square foot of home. However, even just one or two plants will have more benefit than none!

Investing in a salt lamp.

Salt lamps are both beautiful and useful. Although they’re commonly used for meditation and relaxation, it turns out that they’re also capable of providing air purification.

Salt lamps pull moisture out of the air; this moisture is what contains allergens, pollutants, and toxins. Once the allergens have been captured, the salt lamp neutralizes them.

Salt lamps are great for use at night because despite their light glow, they don’t disrupt the body’s sleep patterns of hormones so they can effectively work while you catch up on beauty sleep.

Switch to natural cleaners.

It’s probably not the first thing you think of when you’re greeted by the pleasing smell of lemon scented Pledge, but household cleaners can contain a shocking number of air pollutants.

Not only can they irritate your skin if it touches them, but they can also linger in the air and cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and indoor air pollution.

Consider switching to all natural, organic cleaners or make your own using household ingredients.

Utilize the outdoor air.

Although the air outside undoubtedly contains some pollutants, it’s generally cleaner than the air indoors. This being said, a free way to refresh your home’s air is by opening the windows.

To avoid the heat, do this at night or during a light rain shower when the air smells of rain. If bugs are your concern, install screens on your doors and windows.

This being said, pay attention to the time of year that you do this. If your area is prone to wildfires every summer, maybe try to not open the window when the smoke is clouding the sky and whatnot.

7 Ways to Improve Your Morning

By | October 3, 2018

Most people don’t wake up feeling particularly chipper in the morning- if you’re one of those people, you know how hard it can be to start the day off with a smile. If you’re tired of waking up grouchy and cynical, you’re in luck. There are ways to kick your morning off and set your day up for success- here are a few of the best ways to improve your morning.

Sleep with the blinds partially open.

If you sleep with the blinds partially open, you’ll be greeted with the gradual lightening of the outside world as the sun comes up. This reduces the shock to your system when you go from waking up in a dark room to turning your bedroom light on. It also allows you to soak in some sunlight as you slumber.

Allow yourself extra time to wake up.

Before you go to bed, set your alarm to go off 15 or 20 minutes before you need to be awake. Although this sounds painful, it can be incredibly beneficial. It gives you time to wake up scroll through your phone, check text messages, and read your emails before having to get out of bed.

Stretch.

Nothing feels better than a much-needed stretch, and when do you need a stretch more than a after you’ve been asleep for 8 hours? Sit up in bed and focus on stretching each body part. Start with your feet and move up to your neck, giving each body part a few seconds to stretch out and wake up.

Make your bed.

As strange as it sounds, making your bed when you get out of it and before you leave the house for work or school, can improve your self esteem. It can make you feel accomplished and start your day off with productivity, not to mention that a crisp bed is always pleasant to get into the next night!

Have a hearty breakfast.

Good food is key to almost everything. Having a hearty, wholesome breakfast sets you up to have plenty of energy throughout the day and will also ensure that you don’t start to suffer from the unpleasant side effects of not eating- nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If you feel like treating yourself, indulge in your favorite greasy breakfast- just don’t make it a habit!

Plan ahead.

To cut down on morning stress, plan your morning the night before. Lay out your clothes, prepare for breakfast, tidy up the kitchen table or eating space, and get your essential items together so they can be grabbed quickly and without much thought.

Brush your teeth.

Your teeth are the first things that people notice when you greet them, have a conversation, or smile! Keep them clean and brush them when you wake up. Brushing your teeth each morning will get rid of any unpleasant tastes or smells and keep your teeth looking healthy. Use your favorite toothpaste and take some time to indulge in basic self-care.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: 7 Ways To Fight the Cold Feelings

By | September 26, 2018

It’s normal for the cold winter weather to turn people into home-bodies, but for many people who live in climates that are subject to harsh winters, the blues are much more severe and damaging. These severe negative feelings have a name: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder that forms as a reaction to the lack of sunlight in the winter months. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the effects.

Open the curtains.

Regular exposure to sunlight- no matter how meger it may seem- is a great way to battle SAD. Open your curtains and rearrange your furniture so that your couch or favorite chair is in front of the window. If you have particularly bad SAD, you may also want to consider installing skylights.

Make a routine.

When you’re feeling depressed as a result of SAD, you’re probably on autopilot and have little motivation to do anything out of your normal routine. This is why it’s important to make a routine and stick to it. This will get you up and being productive, as well as ensure that your basic needs (bathing, eating etc) are met despite how much you’d rather be tucked away in bed.

Reach out.

When you’re feeling blue, reaching out to people in your life can be one of the best remedies. Not only does connecting keep you busy, but it’s also great for your personal relationships. Connecting doesn’t have to mean going to a huge party- it can be as simple as a coffee in your living room with a close friend.

Light therapy.

Many SAD sufferers use lamps that send out UV rays which mimic the sun’s light. If you choose this route, it’s recommended to use your UV lamp for at least 30 minutes each day, preferably in the morning. The goal of this treatment is to essentially trick the body into thinking that spring has arrived.

Hit the gym.

Working out -whether it be at home or at a gym- releases feel good hormones into your body. These hormones work to improve your mood, increase motivation, and can help you win the battle against SAD. Working out should be used in combination with some of the other methods mentioned, as working out alone doesn’t cause the release of enough hormones to cure the effects of the disorder.

Take a supplement.

When you’re struck with SAD, your system is lacking vitamin D. You can purchase vitamin D supplements from any health food store or drugstore. They come in a variety of forms including pills and liquids for those who have a tough time swallowing pills.

Eat a balanced diet.

To fight SAD, your body needs fuel. Fuel comes in the form of healthy, wholesome food. Fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and nuts and seeds are all great options to add into your diet when dealing with SAD. These foods do more than just fuel your body- they also provide it with the nutrients to keep your brain healthy, ultimately working against this mood disorder.

The Benefits of A Paleo Lifestyle

By | September 19, 2018

The Paleo diet is a diet that reverts us back to our roots- that is, has us follow a diet similar to that of our ancestors. The diet has us filling our tummies with wholesome foods such as in-season fruit, vegetables, grass fed meat, as well as naturally grown wheat. But what benefits does this way of life have? Here are a few of the most important benefits of the Paleo diet.

Reduces inflammation.

The things that we eat often contribute to stomach aches and upset, as they irritate our stomachs and bowls. By eating a Paleo diet, we eliminate sugar, dairy, gluten, and alcohol- all foods that can cause inflammation of our organs and result in pain and discomfort.

Restful sleep.

Using a holistic approach to total-body health, the Paleo diet promotes restful sleep. If your body is fueled with the proper foods, your mind is sharper, clearer, and more likely to relax at bedtime, allowing you to fall asleep quickly and wake up feeling refreshed.

No counting calories.

The Paleo diet recognizes that each person is an individual and that everyone’s body requires a different number of calories, which is why the diet eliminates the need for calorie counting altogether. The only rule of the diet (other than the types of foods you can consume) is that you eat until you’re full and satisfied.

Eliminates toxins.

The Paleo diet cuts out a lot of toxin-rich foods. Since the diet is so rich in toxin-fighting nutrients, it also aids your body in ridding itself of any toxins that you may become exposed to. This detoxification helps strengthen the immune system and promotes whole-body healing from within.

Eco-friendly.

Since the Paleo diet eliminates most products that use plastic packaging and containers, by following the diet you’re lso saving the planet. The purchase of bulk products such as nuts, fruits, and seeds, you’re effectively cutting the amount of waste you create in half.

Keeps you satisfied longer.

If you’ve ever eaten a burger from McDonald’s, you know that within an hour or two after a eating, you’re starting to feel hungry again. The Paleo diet encourages you to eat when you are hungry and eat as much as you need to feel full, but it also keeps you full longer because it fills your stomach with wholesome, natural foods that take longer to digest but digest easily and absorb more efficiently.

A healthy brain.

One of the most popular forms of healthy fats (Omega-3) on the Paleo diet comes from cold water fish like salmon. Salmon are chalked full of healthy fats that are good for brain health. Other sources of healthy fats to choose from include free-grazing meat and eggs.

Animal welfare.

A Paleo diet means that you consume meat that has been grass-fed and is free of growth hormones and chemicals. By boycotting chemically-induced meat, you’re helping dozens of animals live a happy, natural lifestyle that doesn’t include chemical injections, small cages, or harmful hormones.

“Harm to health”, scratch and win like smoke

By | August 6, 2018

Scratch & Win like cigarette smoke , “harms your health”. To say it is the decree Dignity just approved in the House and now waiting for the passage to the Senate. Studied as one of the measures studied by the government for the fight against cardiac disease, the new rule was introduced in the dl through article 9-bis.

The article provides that the coupons of instant lotteries contain warnings related to the risks associated with gambling. The messages, according to the decree, must be printed on both sides in order to cover at least 20% of the surface, with the words ” This game harms your health “. Article 9-bis is not limited to Scratch & Win: the application of warning formulas on the risk of dependence on the practice of games with cash winnings will also concern the so-called entertainment devices, namely slot machines and videolottery, as well as the areas and premises where they are installed.

PROTESTS OF TABACCAI – “With the approval of the decree Dignity, the government has shown to have a vision of the public game that more distant from reality could not be.I wonder how legal bans on the game can defeat the play, when instead who is really slave of the game has his own accomplice in the illegal channel “. These are the words of the national president of the Italian tabaccai federation, Giovanni Risso, who, following the approval of the House of dignity, has brought together the national junta to take stock of the situation and define the consequent measures.

“It is absolutely unreasonable – says Risso – to cover the Scratch and Win with alarmist writings, as is already the case with cigarettes, because it is clear to everyone that scratching a ticket every now and then certainly does not harm your health! that the purchase of only one Scratch card can lead to ludopathy, it is not so, because if a Scratch Card is harmful to health, so are a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. on the bottles? “.

“We are in the hunt for witches: the legal public game – Risso continues – has been exchanged by this government with illegal gambling, the one that reap victims.There are not that prohibitionist measures to pave the way for the crime that tomorrow it will take advantage of the absurd prohibitions posed by this provision “.

“The road to Prohibition undertaken – concludes the national president of Fit – will have no positive effect on public health, but rather will create unstoppable damage to the economy of the country, is that what the government wants?”.

Sport is good for health, that’s why doing physical activity

By | August 6, 2018

Playing sports is good for health, yet modern society makes it less and less. According to ISTAT data, in Italy 38% of people aged 3 and over stated that they do not practice sport or other forms of physical activity in everyday life.

On the one hand, as highlighted by the Ministry of Health, this is due to the development of automation, even in domestic work, and the social depreciation of manual labor, on the other the dominance of motorized transport, the reduction of space and safety for pedestrians and cyclists, aerial free play of children, parenting models and the weight attributed to motor activity in the school curriculum.

Yet the lack of physical activity has an exponential effect on people’s health.

The human body needs movement , regular physical activity helps to reduce the risk of diseases and has positive effects on the mental health of the person.

There are now several scientific studies that confirm the benefits of sport on health :

  • improves glucose tolerance and reduces the risk of getting type 2 diabetes
  • prevents hypercholesterolemia and hypertension and reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • decreases the risk of developing heart disease and various cancers, such as colon and breast cancer
  • reduces the risk of premature death , especially that caused by heart attack and other heart disease
  • prevents and reduces osteoporosis and the risk of fractures, but also musculoskeletal disorders (for example back pain)
  • reduces the symptoms of anxiety , stress and depression
  • prevents , especially among children and young people, risky behaviors such as the use of tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets and violent behavior and promotes psychological well-being through the development of self-esteem, autonomy and ease of anxiety management and stressful situations
  • it produces energy expenditure and decreases the risk of obesity

WHY AVOID THE SEDENTARIES

A sedentary lifestyle is the worst enemy for health, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. According to the World Health Organization, physical activity refers to ” any effort exerted by the musculoskeletal system which results in a consumption of energy higher than that in conditions of rest “. 
A wide-ranging definition that includes, in addition to sports activities, even simple daily movement. You do not need to be an athlete .

Enough daily activity , even minimal, to break the sedentary lifestyle and have benefits.

To get to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day is sufficient:

  • move around by bike or on foot to go to work or shop, then avoiding the car for every move
  • a walk in the park
  • prefer stairs to the elevator
  • devote himself to domestic work
  • think of small but useful escamotage, how to get off at the bus stop first if you travel by bus

With the practice of regular physical activity the heart becomes more robust and resistant to fatigue. Aerobic activity increases the body’s oxygen demand and the workload of the heart and lungs, making circulation more efficient. A trained heart pumps more blood without additional energy expenditure: 10 heartbeats less per minute means 5,256,000 beats per year saved.

SPORT AND DISABILITY, BETWEEN THERAPY AND REHABILITATION

Physical activity is an important deterrent to avoid important diseases, to keep fit and in good health. Sport also gains importance even in cases of physical disability . The resumption of the movement and the post-traumatic rehabilitation activities are fundamental to recovering autonomy and returning to a quality of life that is compatible with one’s condition.

Sport as a rehabilitation activity. As a stimulus “to do”, “to socialize”, “to acquire security”.

There are many sports disciplines that can be practiced today even in situations of disability. From wheelchair basketball to sitting volley, from sailing to skiing up to the yybikebike. The aids, on the one hand, which help to adapt the equipment, the therapeutic pathways, on the other, which are proposed in rehabilitation centers as a structured activity.

The sport in the early rehabilitative phase plays a very important role on the one hand, it is one more motivation to return to everyday life, on the other hand, it helps to develop residual motor skills.

Measurable results , with positive feedback on the ability of the sport to stimulate movements and the right determination to make, in some cases difficult (or with longer times) obtainable with traditional exercises in the gym, have been recorded in various centers that experience sport in structured paths.

Sport in the rehabilitation phase is based on the playful method that is very motivating on some patients, to the point that there are cases of people who, just during a sport, managed to make movements that seemed impossible to them. Not all patients can be offered a sports discipline, each case is in itself, it must be evaluated according to the clinical conditions, the history of the patient, the needs and real possibilities of adaptation.

Today we talk a lot about sports therapy , but we must not fall into clichés. The activity is rehabilitative, motor and cognitive does not form the paralympic athlete, but helps the patient to manage his mobility in the best way. The patient tries in a protected environment, with facilities that gradually reduce, then moves outside, slowly head that you can play that discipline every day, even at home.

Socialization is another fundamental element of sport therapy. The group itself is motivating. Activating a path that includes sport therapy, in fact, is a complex program, which must involve more professionals: the physiotherapist; the occupational therapist; the doctor; the psychologist.