You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but the gas is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America. Radon created by the naturally occurring uranium that you would find in soil or water, normally associated with mountains, particularly areas with hot or “radium” springs. Radon could be making you sick – […]
Family Home: Evaluate the Seasons of Life at Thanksgiving and Christmas
In situations where aging is complicated by a diagnosis, adult children often find it’s time to look to the safety and comfort of the family home. Here, Rick Bayless shares what to consider when needs change. November is the season for family gatherings, celebrations, and expressions of gratitude. We reconnect with loved ones, share stories […]
The $39 Mold Assessment: Too Good to Be True? Here’s what to ask.
In WNC, one regional “clean up” service currently advertises that they’ll come to your house and conduct a comprehensive inspection for mold and water damage. They’ll look at your crawl space, soil barrier condition, moisture readings, signs of standing water, plumbing leaks, sources of moisture or leaks. Then, they’ll hand over a summary of findings […]
Runoff Got You Over a Rain Barrel? Consider Your Home’s Water Ecology
Everyone needs a rain barrel. Don’t they? Some folks would have us think so. But during periods of frequent, heavy rain and thunderstorms, people don’t think about watering their gardens. The big blue containers fill to the top and overflow right next to the home’s foundation. Not good. Water ecology is one of the most […]
A Cautionary Tale of Jim, the DIY Homeowner Who Vented a Crawl Space
When it comes to maintaining a healthy home, homeowners can do about 50 percent, or half, of those needed project themselves. That’s good news for the handy types among us. Tools and materials are a do-it-yourselfer’s idea of fun. Add a bit of common sense, make a plan, top with a sense of adventure, and […]
Whether Chronic or Acute, Mold Issues May Not Be Black or White
As a homeowner, acute problems are top of mind: a leaky roof, the broken window, your flooding basement, or the presence of mold. Quiet, chronic problems sneak up on homeowners. We’re often distracted by bigger, more obvious challenges, right? Naturally, we don’t consider ongoing situations with the same urgency we give acute problems. But with […]
Are You a Victim of Household Clutter?
Clutter sneaks into our homes in unexpected ways. We drop in at a neighbor’s yard sale and take home a couple of items. We see a perfectly good shelf sitting on the side of the road and pick it up. A beautiful weekend leads to exploring junk stores along the Blue Ridge Parkway; we simply […]
Wise Health Care Consumers Know that Disease and Injury Prevention Begins at Home
A couple of days back, one of my clients sent me a link to a “Healthier at Home” publication of the American Institute of Preventative Medicine. As February is national “Wise Health Care Consumer” month, the title caught my eye. Finally, I thought. Home healthiness has found its way into the world of preventative medicine. […]
Is Your Heat Escaping Into the Attic?
As a homeowner, you try to be conscious of your utility bills and energy usage. During especially cold or hot months, you want to make sure that the heated or cooled air you are paying for is staying in your home, and, specifically, in your living areas. How can you quickly determine if you are losing precious […]
Need a Last Minute Gift Idea? Create a Travel Readiness Kit
This week boasts the longest nights and shortest days of the year. If you’re running out of time and need a last minute gift idea, I might recommend creating a personalized travel readiness kit for friends and family members who will find themselves on the road this holiday season. Start with a container. A milk […]