We call them “germs.” How must they see us? Perhaps, as hitchhikers, they see us as a ride, a way to get from here to there. Or maybe, like us, they don’t know we’re there. Found in the grimy, sticky, damp, sweaty deposits that abound on a multitude of surfaces, we come in contact with […]
Are you kicking up the dust way too much this spring?
We’ve been cooped-up in our cozy cubbies all season. Sure, this winter wasn’t a “bear” when it comes to the cold, but with each sunny springtime day we begin to exhibit post-hibernation behavior: We begin to dig; but we’re not digging for grubs and roots. We’re digging into boxes and stored away papers. Digging in […]
When Mice Look At Your Home, What Do They See? Get The Mouse Control Checklist
When mice look at your home, what do they see? When you fail to consider what makes your home attractive to a mouse, it’s like putting out the welcome mat. “Come on over to our house,” they hear. “Make yourselves at home.” If you build it, they will come. Bringing with them the dirty, smelly […]
The Humble Dust Mite: a Small but Mighty Challenger to Summer Healthiness
In Western North Carolina, humidity is up. If you’re also experiencing ongoing summertime allergies or chronic rhinitis (runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing or coughing), you may want to consider whether it’s possible the humble dust mite has a big impact on your health. You can lead a dust mite to water, but you can’t make […]
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 […]
Fungi Fun
In 4th grade little Ricky Bayless sat at his desk, feet not quite touching the floor. I opened my Science book and studied the black and white pages about the Kingdoms of life forms. I learned that a living thing was either a plant or an animal; Very black and white indeed. I raised my […]
Spring Allergies May Suggest It’s Time to Take Care of Mold
The warm, damp weather of spring lies only days ahead. For many western North Carolinians, the lingering flu-like symptoms of seasonal allergies won’t be far behind. But did you know spring allergies may have little to do with flowering trees and plants? Instead, the allergen responsible may be mold. As we live in a deciduous […]
Dust Bunnies or Dust Bears?
This winter was “a bear”! We’ve been cooped-up in our cozy cubbies all season. Now each sunny day feels more like springtime and we begin to exhibit post-hibernation behavior. We begin to dig. But we’re not digging for grubs and roots. We dig into boxes and store away papers. We dig in the closet for clothes that […]