Four Budget Friendly Ways to Healthy Living at Home

You might not think much about it, but having a "healthy" home really affects the overall health of your family. Making sure that you have proper ventilation and good windows are two steps you can take to keep your family healthy. With winter approaching, you want to be extra vigilant about that. Don't worry, all it takes are some simple, low cost steps and you're good to go.

Ventilation

Is your home covered in dust and allergens? It's time to take out that vacuum and clean up! Dust, pet dander and other allergens can cause respiratory issues in people and is so easy to prevent. Make sure you vacuum at least once a week if possible. Dusting is another thing you can do. Just get an old cloth and clean. No need to buy one of those expensive dusters. And, never, ever smoke in your house. Not only does cigarette smoke linger, second hand smoke kills.

Dirt and Grime

Do you wear shoes in your house? I hope not! A study done by the University of Arizona showed that shoes contain more bacteria than animal's paws. These bacteria can cause infections in your lungs, eyes and stomachs. Think about it. You wear your shoes all day long, walking all over the place. Who knows what sort of bacteria and dirt you are stepping on? Then you bring those same bacteria into your house, a place that is supposed to be your sanctuary. I take my shoes off at the door. It's a simple and free way to prevent spreading disease to the household. You should also wipe your shoes down with Lysol or a similar disinfectant.

Water

Are you drinking out of your tap water? Most places in the United States has decent tap water, but you should still filter it. You can find Brita water pitchers and filters at the store for around $30 to start. Amazon has a pitcher for $13.70 and replacement filters cost $17.07 for a pack of three. This beats buying bottled water every time you're at the store. And, it's better for the environment.

Pets

39% of the U.S. population own at least one dog, while 33% own at least one cat. Sure, having pets around bring extra happiness into our lives, but are they also bringing germs and diseases? Make sure you keep your pet clean with regular baths along with flea and tick prevention. A couple weeks ago, I wrote about where you can find cheap pet supplies which included places to buy Advantage II and other pet medications. I would suggest keeping your pets indoors as much as possible which works fine for a cat. For dogs that go outside for walks, it's probably a good idea to wipe off their paws when they re-enter the house. Small steps like this are easy ways to keep your pet and house germ-free.

What are some budget-friendly ways you keep your home healthy?