Kettering Health | Strive | Spring 2022

6 ketteringhealth.org Wellness SWEEP It’s time for spring cleaning! A long list of chores may seem daunting, but the health benefits—both physical and mental—of this annual tradition make it well worth the effort. Air out the allergens Thoroughly cleaning your home will help keep you and your family healthier. Dirt, dust, mold, pet dander, and other allergens can build up during the winter months, when keeping windows and doors closed reduces air circulation. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to air it all out. Jonathan Stofer, MD, MPH, a primary care provider with Kettering Health, recommends cleaning often-forgotten areas, like baseboards, behind the refrigerator and furniture, and underneath sinks. “The goal is to get rid of organisms that could spread illness,” he says. Dr. Stofer suggests washing or replacing bedding, especially if you have pets: “Fabric surfaces hold allergens that can cause acne and other skin conditions.” Burn some calories Spring cleaning is a healthy way to get moving. Activities like scrubbing floors, moving boxes, and doing yard work are all forms of low-intensity exercise. THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPRING CLEANING

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