38 THE QUEENS COURIER • WELLNESS • NOVEMBER 16, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
wellness
Home cleaning routines for allergy relief
Many people turn to nasal sprays and
antihistamines to combat seasonal nasal
allergies or hay fever, but keeping the
home clean to combat allergens, pollen
and dust mite debris is just as important
in the fi ght against allergies.
Vacuum often, and with
the right fi lters and bags
One key to minimizing allergens at
home is to vacuum at least twice per
week. Start by using attachments to clean
surfaces up high, working down to the
fl oor. Make sure to vacuum curtains and
upholstery as well as hard surfaces, and
pay extra attention to entryways and areas
around windows.
It’s also important to select vacuum
accessories that have been designed specifi
cally to capture allergens. Arm &
Hammer Premium Allergen vacuum bags
are specially designed of synthetic material
to capture even more allergens, dust
and pet hair from the home’s surfaces. In
addition, the brand’s HEPA fi lters trap
particles 75 times smaller than a human
hair, including 99.97 percent of dust mite
debris, animal dander, molds and pollen.
Frequently replacing vacuum bags
and fi lters will keep vacuums running
smoothly to keep a clean home happening.
New bags are needed every one
to two months, and fi lters should be
replaced every three to six months. Don’t
be fooled by washable fi lters as they too
should be replaced - aft er one or two
washes they may become less eff ective at
capturing dust and allergens.
Wash bedding with hot water
Vacuuming high and low can help with
surfaces, but bedding also should be a
focus when attempting to allergen-proof
the home. Sheets, blankets and comforters
all attract dust mites in even the cleanest
environments. Wash bedding once a
week in hot water to keep allergens at bay.
It’s also smart to consider protective covers
for mattresses and pillows to stop dust
mites from getting in too deep.
Keep air dry
Too much moisture in the air can help
dust mites thrive, and may also lead to
mold. Using a dehumidifi er, especially
in humid climates or summer months,
can help control the spread of mold and
dust mites.
Minimize indoor plants
While plants can be a great way to
build ambiance in the home, some indoor
plants can amplify allergy symptoms by
releasing spores and other allergens into
the air. For those with a green thumb who
can’t live without plants at home, make
sure to research the plants that are least
likely to increase pollen or mold exposure
indoors.
Keep the outdoors out
While it is hard to control exposure to
pollen and other triggers when outside,
those with allergies can avoid bringing
pollen into the house with them. Keep
shoes and jackets limited to the entryway
or mudroom, and shower and wash
hair before bedtime to stop the spread
of pollen.
Th ere is a range of Arm & Hammer
bag and fi lter styles made to fi t nearly
all brands and models of vacuum cleaners,
sold at Wal-Mart stores and www.
walmart.com.
Courtesy BPT
Use your Medicare benefi ts to help fi ght lung cancer
More men and women in the United States
die from lung cancer than any other type of
cancer. More than 220,000 people are diagnosed
with lung cancer every year.
Th e best way to lower your chances of developing
lung cancer is to quit smoking and stop
using tobacco products.
If you use tobacco, Medicare Part B covers
up to 8 face-to-face smoking and tobacco use
cessation counseling visits in a 12-month period
and a lung cancer screening once per year.
You pay nothing for these services if your doctor
accepts assignment. Watch our video to
learn more about how Medicare can help you
quit.
Want to learn more about how smoking
aff ects your health or to fi nd tips and resources
to help you quit? Visit Smokefree.gov, or call
the National Network of Tobacco Cessation
Quitline at 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-
8669).
November is Lung Cancer Awareness
Month. Breathe easier knowing Medicare is
here to help keep you healthy.
From the Medicare blog, blog.medicare.gov.