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7 Tips for Healthy Digestion

Tips for Healthy Digestion

Digestion problems are common but bothersome. Some can be caused by food intolerance, others by stress. Food and drink can also be at fault—advice from nutritionist Raphaël Gruman to avoid difficult digestion.

Whether one bloated, gurgles, or spends endless hours with the last meal on the stomach, lousy digestion takes a lot of energy, prevents concentration, and can become a real ordeal daily.

Below are 7 tips for healthy digestion:

Also read: Muscle Weakness: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Take the Time to Eat

It’s a bit of an unfortunate reflex when you’re too hungry: eat quickly to be satisfied promptly. When we take less than twenty minutes to eat, our brain – which has a lot of tasks to accomplish during meals – needs time to notice that we have eaten enough and send us the information to stop. By sending a dish in ten minutes, you risk overeating, which has the effect of relaxing the stomach, which will take a very long time to digest this excess.

Eat-In Peace

A 2013 study synthesized all the research on diet and entertainment. The conclusion? Being disturbed during a meal causes us not to remember the quantities ingested, and the brain disturbed by the external stimulus will not be able to send us the famous information of satiety. The result is imperfect digestion caused by too much food.

Choose Raw Vegetables or Fresh Vegetable Juices

Taking raw vegetables at the start of a meal provides enzymes that help digestion and fibers that facilitate transit. However, the fibers in raw vegetables are sometimes challenging and can irritate the intestines, causing gas. It is then preferable to take them in freshly extracted juice, more digestible because less fibrous.

Avoid Poorly Digestible Foods

The prize for indigestible food is unquestionably attributed to frying. Fries and donuts should be avoided, especially in the evening: the assimilation of fats and the stomach’s work will disturb sleep, digestion will be long and difficult.

Drink Water Instead Of Alcohol

The small glass of red or the evening aperitif is a puzzle for our body, which does not need it. It has to make do with a substance that takes a lot of work for the liver and doesn’t provide any nutrients in return. Drinking alcohol with meals will slow down digestion and give you the feeling of heaviness characteristic of difficult digestion.

Avoid Sparkling Water and Soft Drinks

Sparkling drinks are an unwanted source of gas by the stomach, the walls of which will stretch and swell the belly. Two solutions are available: belching or bloating. It’s up to everyone to choose their preference between one and the other, but sometimes we have the right to both at the same time!

To Eat Fruits

The place of fruits, in meals or outside, depends on the digestive sensitivity of each. The idea is to mix the fruit with other food, such as yogurt or cottage cheese. The sugar in the fruit will thus be assimilated more gradually by the body.

Also read: Advantages Of Vibration Therapy

Muscle Weakness: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

The term muscle weakness covers several realities. It ranges from simple muscle fatigue to actual loss of strength, whether transient or chronic. But in which cases can we be a victim of this type of symptoms? What treatments can be implemented? Focus on muscle weakness in this article.

Types of Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness is a temporary or lasting loss of strength in a muscle or group of muscles. Theoretically, all areas of the body can be victims of this muscle weakness. It affects both striated muscles (voluntary muscles such as the muscles of the limbs or neck) and specific smooth muscles (for example, the bladder muscles, which results in urinary incontinence).

However, to differentiate the types of muscle weakness, we distinguish:

Fatigability

In which the muscles react in a usual way but tire quickly (usually the recovery is also longer than average);

Muscle Fatigue

In which a feeling of exhaustion arises with the use of a muscle (or muscle group);

True

Muscle weakness which results in reduced muscle strength, regardless of activity, with the muscle not responding correctly from the start of exertion.

Causes

There are many causes of muscle weakness. Many of them are not directly related to muscle damage but only to a condition that leads to muscle fatigue.

In particular, we can find causes:

  • Inflammatory (in the case of the flu, for example, fever often causing severe fatigue and muscle weakness);
  • Rheumatological (fibromyalgia or osteoarthritis, for example);
  • Neurological (in the event of chronic fatigue syndrome – or myalgic encephalopathy – or following a stroke or in the context of multiple sclerosis, for example);
  • Neuromuscular in case of damage to the spinal cord or problems with the nerves or muscles;
  • Endocrine (for example, following childbirth or in case of hypothyroidism);
  • Infectious (mononucleosis or HIV, for example);
  • Iatrogenic, in particular, due to drugs such as corticosteroids, statins, or chemotherapy;
  • Genetic (Duchenne myopathy or muscular dystrophy, for example);
  • Emotional (for example, the legs which no longer support us following an emotional shock).

Symptoms Related To Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness can itself be a symptom of specific pathologies. Often, more than a noticeable loss of muscle strength, the person feels tired, exhausted.

It is not uncommon for [muscle weakness] to be accompanied by pain. The problem can sometimes lead to less mobilization of a part of the body, which will lose muscle strength and become weaker over time.

Depending on its origin, this [muscle weakness] may be temporary or irreversible.

What is the Diagnosis?

The diagnosis of [muscle weakness] will usually be made using an electromyogram. This examination makes it possible to record the electrical activity of nerves and muscles and observe their reaction and determine its origin, especially when it is neuromuscular.

However, additional examinations may be necessary. In some cases, blood tests, x-rays, or biopsies will help diagnose a muscle tumor such as rhabdomyosarcoma. It may even be interesting to perform a lumbar puncture, a computed tomography, an ultrasound, or even an MRI in some specific cases. Are you looking for quick access to an MRI scan? Book yourself.

Thus, it is necessary to consult your doctor in case of unexplained [muscle weakness]. Indeed, making a diagnosis is essential to rule out any severe causes and implement a treatment adapted to it.

Also read: What Are The Different Kinds Of Gum Diseases?

Some Tips For Food And Nutrition In Self-Quarantine

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Food And Nutrition In Self-Quarantine

As countries take more stringent measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, self-quarantine and temporary business closures can impact everyday feeding practices. Healthy people are asked to stay at home, as are those with symptoms of acute respiratory illnesses. In some countries, restaurants and take-out offerings are restricted, and some fresh produce is less easy to find.

Good nutrition is essential for health, especially when the immune system may have to fight back. Limited access to fresh food can compromise the possibilities of eating in a healthy and varied way. It can also lead to increased consumption of heavily processed foods, which tend to be high in fats, sugars, and salt. However, even with a limited range of ingredients, one can continue to eat healthily.

Also read: Top 5 Advantages of Treadmill

Some Tips And Examples Of Home Exercises

Make A Plan – Take Only What You Need

It is, therefore, essential to consider your own needs, as well as those of others. Assess what you already have at home and plan your rations. You may feel the urge to buy large amounts of food, but remember what is already in your pantry, as well as foods with a shorter shelf life, and eat them. It can help prevent food wastage and allow others to have access to the food they need.

Have A Food Consumption Strategy – Prioritize Fresh Produce

Use fresh ingredients and those with a shorter shelf life first. If fresh produce, mostly lower-fat fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, remains available, prioritize these products over non-perishable items. Likewise, frozen fruits and vegetables can be used for a more extended period and often have a similar nutritional profile to fresh foods. To avoid wasted food, consider freezing leftovers for another meal.

Prepare Homemade Meals

In everyday daily life, many people do not often have time to prepare homemade meals. Now, long periods at home can provide the opportunity to make those recipes you didn’t have time to make. There are a lot of healthy and delicious recipes that can be found online. Take advantage of the wealth of information available for free and experiment with the ingredients you can get. But keep in mind the principles of healthy eating offered in these tips.

Limit Your Salt Intake

Fresh foods can become scarce, which may require greater reliance on canned, frozen, or processed foods as these foods are high in salt. The WHO recommends consuming less than 5g of salt per day.

Limit Your Sugar Intake

According to WHO recommendations, ideally, less than 5% of adults’ total energy intake should come from free sugars (about six teaspoons). If you are craving something sweet, always prioritize fresh fruit. Frozen fruit, canned fruit in their juice rather than syrup, and dried fruit with no added sugar are also good options.

Also read: 8 Tips for Smoother Skin

Gift Idea: How To Find The Perfect Gift?

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Find The Perfect Gift? 

Christmases, birthdays, holidays every year there are many occasions, and every year, you are in the same complicated situation: finding a gift idea for your loved ones. A search that looks simple but can quickly turn into an obstacle course! No worries, we’ll help you see things more clearly to find your gifts. On your marks, get set, find!

Ask Yourself The Right Questions (How To Find Perfect Gift)

Before choosing a gift for a loved one, you will have to ask yourself a few questions: who is the gift for? Your mom, your other half, a friend, your stepmother, a gift for a man? Next, what’s your budget? You probably won’t want to pay the same price depending on the person and the occasion.

Then take a look at the tastes of that person. Does she like jewelry, gastronomy, good wine, video games?

And finally, take an interest in his personality. Is this someone who is reasonably conventional, who will be delighted by a “classic” gift, or rather a more original spirit, who loves skills that are out of the ordinary? It should already put you on the trail.

Also read: Bad Breath – Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

The Monthly Box, The Best Gift Idea?

For several years now, monthly boxes have invaded our landscape, and it is becoming more and more common to offer them to loved ones. What if this was the ideal solution?

The boxes seem to have all the advantages: the prices are incredibly variable and meet all budgets, it is an original and personalized gift, easy and quick to buy, and they allow you to please every month until the next time.

In short, the monthly box is the perfect find for all your loved ones and all occasions! Discover our selection of gift ideas right away!

Beauty Box

It is the best-known category of monthly boxes and the oldest.

A new pair of eyelashes is a great gift that would go together with the beauty box, check Paris Lash Academy for that.

These boxes are trendy with women who like to dress up and discover new beauty products. Every month, they receive a selection of cosmetics adapted to their needs. Something to please girlfriends or mothers, for example, on Valentine’s Day or for Mother’s Day!

The Jewelry Box

Another category more intended for women, the jewelry box is an excellent idea for all those who like to change jewelry according to the occasion.
The necklaces, bracelets, and diamond eternity band sent each month are also of excellent quality, for a price generally well below the jewel’s actual value. An ideal box for a wedding anniversary or an anniversary!

The Geek Box

If the gift recipient is a fan of video games and comics, you must turn to box geek.

These unusual and fun boxes contain real treasures for lovers of the genre: figurines, decoration, t-shirts, retro gaming an original gift for a birthday or Christmas.

The Children’s Box

Giving a gift to a child can sometimes be even more difficult than for an adult. However, there is no shortage of boxes for children, and they appreciate even more than we do to receive a package just for them every month. Creative hobbies, books, clothes, board games, there is something for everyone!

The Tea Box

Very popular for several years, tea boxes have been a hit on the Internet. It must be said that this is the ideal gift idea if you know someone who does not go a day without brewing a sachet. Also, she will be able to buy her favorite teas from the online store—an original idea for Christmas, a time when you like to drink your cup warm.

The Gastronomy Box

This box should speak to all lovers of good food! The gastronomy box is an original gift idea for those who appreciate cooking and unfamiliar flavors.

The Book Box

If you are looking for a gift for a bookworm, the book box should appeal to him. A gift for all occasions, this box contains a monthly book corresponding to the recipient’s tastes. An ideal gift for those who love to discover new authors!

The Animal Box

What if the recipient of your gift was your pet? If you feel like spoiling your four-legged friend, know that there are boxes reserved for them. Each month your cat or dog will receive a package full of toys, treats, and practical accessories. At least that’s an original gift idea!

Also read: How To Choose Your Wedding Dress?

What To Do In A Dental Emergency?

Dental Emergency

If you read this article, there is a good chance that you or a loved one is facing a dental emergency. If this is the case, please know that we are sympathetic and that you have our full support in this painful ordeal. However, since actions are better than a long speech and our support will not be of much use to you, we have decided to explain everything you need to know to best manage this dental emergency and be quickly taken care of.

What Is A Dental Emergency?

Having a toothache is anything but pleasant, and if we are all a little afraid of going to the dentist, we should not hesitate to do it when it is an emergency. You still have to know what constitutes a real dental emergency. It’s nothing like going to the dentist for aesthetic purposes such as improving your smile much as you would go to nail salons for a manicure. Let’s go for a little first-year dentist course. Are you ready?

There Are Generally Five Types Of Dental Emergencies:

  • Pulpitis, which is more often called “toothache.” It is an inflammation of the dental pulp (blood vessels, nerves, etc.), resulting from different factors (untreated decay, high pressure, etc.). It must be taken care of urgently because it risks transforming into necrosis. That is, it can destroy your dental pulp and leave the field open for bacteria to attack the bone. An entire program
  • Periodontal disease can win you a game of Scrabble, but it’s primarily an infection of the periodontium (the tissues that support your teeth). Loose teeth are usually the best way to spot it.
  • Complications following tooth extraction (such as wisdom teeth) are also dental emergencies. Moderate bleeding is expected in the hours following such operations. However, if they persist or get stronger, you should not hesitate to contact your dentist.
  • Infections following implant placement are also dental emergencies. Caused by poor dental hygiene, they are very painful and can damage your teeth.
  • Finally, broken or loose teeth are dental emergencies since you must consult a dentist as soon as possible to hope to reimplant or re-weld your teeth. For this type of emergency, pain is usually sufficient to motivate the patient to consult.

In all these cases, without exception, you must go to a dentist as soon as possible. Whether it is to stop unbearable pain or to save your teeth (broken or loose tooth), emergency care is imperative.

Treating A Dental Emergency At Your Dentist

When you are faced with a dental emergency, your first instinct is often to call your referring dentist. It’s a good reflex. Your family dentist knows your history, which makes your care more accessible. Better, you trust him and are more reassured in his presence. If he answers you and can take you urgently, that’s great. You are off the hook! Otherwise, if he does not respond or refuses to take care of you for lack of time, things get complicated.

In addition, dentists know how to protect their patients from infections and cross-contamination. One of their ways to protect their patients is by wearing disposable nitrile gloves. Most dental offices choose from Primo’s nitrile glove selection with their wide range of colors which can help dentists to easily know if there are punctures and ensure protection for both the patient and dentist from chemicals and solvents.

Know that dentists have obligations towards their patients and must, in particular, “assist a patient in distress.” This “distress” refers to the dental emergencies that we detailed earlier in this article. Legally, your dentist must therefore take care of you when you face one of these emergencies. However, in an emergency, you don’t have time to recite homework for your dentist. If he refuses to take care of you, you need to hurry and find another way to treat your dental emergency as quickly as possible.

How To Prevent Dental Emergencies

Still, prevention is better than cure. Experiencing a dental emergency can be traumatic, and you wouldn’t want to feel the intense pain and the stress of handling this situation financially. Thus, here are some tips on how to prevent dental emergencies.

  1. Schedule biannual checkups with your dentist. It’s essential to visit your dentist’s office every six months as routine checkups help your dentist see if there are troublesome areas that will cause more serious problems. That way, preventive measures will be performed, and your oral health will be monitored.
  2. Maintain oral hygiene at home. Dental emergency prevention always starts at home, so make sure that you brush your teeth, at least, twice a day using a soft-brushed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. Flossing, at least, once a day is also important to remove the plaque that was missed by your toothbrush.
  3. Watch what you eat. The bacteria naturally present in your mouth use sugar to produce acid by-products. Therefore, once you consume starchy, refined carbohydrates and sugary treats, the acidity level increases in your mouth, causing tooth decay. To prevent this from happening, consume a balanced diet consisting of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.

Four Breathing Exercises to Instantly Calm Stress

Breathing Exercises

Are you regularly prone to stressful strokes, and despite all your attempts, you can’t get rid of them? Try working your breathing with these instant calming exercises. understand the impact that stress and anxiety have on our physical and mental health.

No matter how much you try dozens of soothing herbal teas, you are always just as stressed. Perhaps you are not working enough on your breathing, which is essential in the event of a knot in the stomach. It is first essential to adopt a good posture daily: lowered shoulders, straight back, and aligned pelvis. Then practice some of the following exercises to lower the tension and relieve that stress that is harming you.

Alternate Breathing

Alternate breathing, or “nâdî shodhana pranayama” in Sanskrit, involves purifying our inner energies by learning to breathe through both nostrils. The benefits are multiple: better health, more stable nervous balance, regenerative sleep, and reduced tension. As a bonus, work allows you to get to know yourself better and to gain concentration.

Exercise

The exercise starts by plugging the left nostril with the ring finger and exhaling from the right nostril. Inhale from the same nostril, stop it with your thumb, and then exhale from the left. Repeat by inhaling from the left nostril, plug it with the ring finger, and then exhale from the right. And so on, for a minute. Finish the exercise by exhaling slowly through both nostrils.

Cardiac Coherence

It is a relaxation method that consists of controlling your heartbeat to regulate your brain better. It allows us to obtain a stable emotional state by acting instantly on our tensions and permanently reducing our anxiety. This technique allows you to refocus on yourself, reduce stress, and increase your intellectual capacities.

Exercise

Adopt the “365” method, taken from the bestseller Heart Coherence 365, published by Dr. David O’Hare. Three times a day, take a five-minute break to practice the exercise. With your back straight, sit in a chair. Now, breathe through your stomach six times per minute. Then do this same exercise five times in a row until you reach five minutes. Several applications and videos on YouTube also exist to personalize your exercises and monitor your heart rate.

Abdominal Breathing

Breathing is not only done through the nostrils but also the stomach. Long forgotten, this part of the body can indeed radically change the way you do things and provide life-saving benefits. By practicing “abdominal breathing,” you will increase your respiratory amplitude by more than 70% (against 30% for chest breathing). This mechanism, natural in babies and favored by many opera singers, allows you to oxygenate your brain better, improve your physical performance (better evacuation of toxins), and improve your well-being. General by reducing stress.

Exercise

At the office or home, sit in your chair and place your hands on your stomach. The objective is to feel the comings and goings of the latter. Breathe in for three seconds through your nose, gently inflating your stomach, block the air for three seconds. Breathe out slowly through your mouth, letting the stomach become flat again. The right pace? Three times a day or more, if you feel the need to relax.

Breathing with Projection

Visualization, combined with breathing, is a formidably effective method. The goal is to imagine half- or wholly closed eyes, beneficial elements of our environment, and breathing exercises. We can mentally imagine a pleasant object, memory, but also a pleasant sensation such as sunbathing. The main thing is to absorb yourself in yourself in positive thinking.

Exercise

Standing with your arms at your sides and eyes closed, breathe in for several seconds as you visualize joyous events or facts in your life. Then, breathe out through your mouth, diffusing this feeling of well-being to the whole body, and removing negative tensions. For optimal well-being repeat three times in a row. The exercise can be done every morning, but also in the evening if necessary.

The 10 Most Expensive Watches in the World

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Most Expensive Watches in the World

Watches are real jewels. And it must be said that some models cost much more than diamond necklaces. Discover, through this top 10, the most expensive watches in the world.

The hallucination of Graff Diamonds

In the first place is the Hallucination watch by Graff Diamonds. One hundred ten carats of colored diamonds carved into an actual work of art. What would its price be? $55 million.

The fascination of Graff Diamonds

Still from Graff Diamonds, the Fascination watch brings together 152.96-carat diamonds, topped with a 38.13-carat D. Flawless diamond. It is sold for $ 40 million.

201 Carats of Chopard

Thirdly, they were sold at $ 25 million, the 201 carats Chopard is made of 3 colored heart-shaped diamonds, surrounded by white and yellow diamonds for a very artistic result.

Henry Graves Supercomplication by Patek Philippe

As its name suggests, this signature from Patek Philippe is distinguished by its complications, 24 horological complications. This pocket jewelry was sold at Sotheby’s in 2014 for $ 24.3 million.

Jacob & Co billionaire

Following, this Jacob & Co watch is an impressive composition, with a white gold body adorned with 260-carat diamonds. Its selling price is $ 18.8 million.

Kallania by Vacheron Constantin

Subsequently, this work by Vacheron Constantin pays tribute to the Kallista watch, which blew out its 30th candle in 2009. In white gold, it is adorned with 186 diamonds weighing 170 carats in total.

Snow White Princess Diamond Watch by Mouawad

Very feminine, this princess watch was also made in gold and is set with 223 diamonds of 106,393 carats in total. It’s price is $ 6.8 million.

Ref 1527 from Patek Philippe

In addition to its Supercomplication, Patek Philippe returns to the rankings in eighth place with Ref 1527. An 18-karat rose gold watch that retails for $ 5,708,885.

Big Bang 5 million Hublot

Consequently, it is an exceptional watch made with 1,282 diamonds weighing 140 carats in total. This jewel is rumored to have been a gift from singer Beyoncé for her husband, Jay-Z. Its price is $ 5 million.

Ref 130 from Patek Philippe

At the end of this top 10, but far from being the cheapest in the world, is the Patek Philippe Ref 130. A watch manufactured in 1927 which especially stands out for its scarce button. It sells for $ 4,987,383.

The Treatment Of Your Spa

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Table of Contents

Introduction

A spa is meant to be a sanctuary of relaxation and wellness. However, maintaining clean, balanced, and safe spa water is essential for enjoying these benefits. Without proper water treatment, your spa becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms—turning your wellness investment into a health hazard.

The good news: spa water treatment is straightforward once you understand the basics. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining pristine spa water: why treatment is essential, which products to use, how to test water quality, and how to establish a maintenance routine that keeps your spa safe and inviting year-round.

Why Treat Spa Water? Understanding the Importance

Spa water treatment isn’t optional—it’s essential. Here’s why proper treatment matters.

The Health Risks of Untreated Spa Water

When spa water is left untreated, dangerous organisms thrive:

Bacteria:

  • Legionella pneumophila (causes Legionnaires’ disease—severe pneumonia)

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (causes hot tub folliculitis and ear infections)

  • E. coli and other pathogenic bacteria

  • Staphylococcus aureus (causes skin infections)

Viruses:

  • Norovirus (highly contagious gastrointestinal illness)

  • Hepatitis A

  • Adenovirus (causes respiratory infections)

Fungi:

  • Candida species (causes yeast infections)

  • Dermatophytes (causes athlete’s foot and ringworm)

Algae:

  • Green algae (clouds water, provides breeding ground for bacteria)

  • Black algae (very difficult to eliminate once established)

Parasites:

  • Cryptosporidium (causes severe diarrhea, resistant to chlorine)

Why Spa Water is Particularly Vulnerable

Spas are particularly vulnerable to contamination because:

  • Hot water accelerates bacterial growth: Bacteria thrive at warm temperatures (77–104°F is ideal for many pathogens)

  • High bather load: Multiple people introduce contaminants simultaneously

  • Bather hygiene variations: Not everyone showers before entering

  • Body fluids and oils: Sweat, urine, cosmetics, sunscreen all contaminate water

  • Small water volume: Unlike pools, spas have limited water to dilute contaminants

  • Intense water circulation: Contaminants are rapidly distributed throughout spa

What Proper Treatment Accomplishes

Regular spa water treatment:

  • Kills harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites)

  • Prevents algae growth (maintains water clarity)

  • Maintains chemical balance (pH, alkalinity, sanitizer levels)

  • Reduces odors and irritation (properly balanced water doesn’t smell or burn eyes/skin)

  • Extends equipment life (balanced water prevents corrosion and scaling)

  • Protects bather health (prevents infections and illnesses)

  • Maintains water clarity (pleasant aesthetic experience)

The Four Pillars of Spa Water Treatment

Proper spa water treatment involves four essential components working together:

1. Filtration: The Foundation

Mechanical filtration removes:

  • Dirt and debris

  • Dead skin cells

  • Hair and fibers

  • Algae particles

  • Other suspended solids

Filtration system components:

  • Pump (circulates water through filter)

  • Filter media (cartridge, sand, or diatomaceous earth)

  • Skimmer basket (removes surface debris)

Filtration frequency:

  • Run filter 4–8 hours daily minimum

  • Run longer in heavy use (24 hours ideal for some systems)

  • Clean cartridge every 2 weeks or when pressure gauge indicates

  • Replace cartridge every 12–18 months

Without proper filtration:

  • Chemical treatment becomes ineffective (debris blocks chemicals from reaching water)

  • Water becomes cloudy

  • Equipment wears faster

  • Chemicals need frequent replenishment

2. Sanitization: Killing Microorganisms

Sanitizers destroy harmful microorganisms. Common sanitizers include:

  • Chlorine

  • Bromine

  • Active oxygen

  • PHMB

  • Ozone

(Details below)

3. pH and Alkalinity Balance: Optimizing Treatment Effectiveness

pH (acidity/alkalinity):

  • Ideal range: 7.2–7.8

  • Too low (below 7.2): Corrosive, irritating, chlorine ineffective

  • Too high (above 7.8): Scaling, cloudy water, chlorine ineffective

Alkalinity (buffer system):

  • Ideal range: 80–120 ppm

  • Too low: pH swings (unstable)

  • Too high: Scaling, cloudy water

Why balance matters:

  • Sanitizers work optimally only at correct pH

  • Unbalanced water causes scale buildup (on equipment, spa surfaces)

  • Unbalanced water irritates skin, eyes, mucous membranes

  • Unbalanced water corrodes equipment

4. Regular Testing: Monitoring System

Test spa water regularly:

  • Weekly minimum for used spas

  • Twice weekly for frequently used spas

  • Daily if experiencing issues

What to test:

  • Sanitizer level (chlorine, bromine, etc.)

  • pH

  • Alkalinity

  • Calcium hardness (if applicable)

Spa Treatment Product Options: Detailed Comparison

Different sanitizers have different advantages and disadvantages. Choose based on your priorities, budget, and spa type.

Chlorine: The Traditional Standard

How it works:
Chlorine kills microorganisms by breaking down their cell walls and disrupting their metabolism.

Forms available:

  • Tablets (trichlor): Easy to use, placed in skimmer or floating dispenser

  • Powder (calcium hypochlorite): Fast-acting, dissolves quickly

  • Liquid (sodium hypochlorite): Immediate action, good for shock treatment

Advantages:

  • Most affordable: ~$20 per 5 kg of tablets

  • Widely available: Easy to find at any pool/spa supplier

  • Effective: Kills all types of microorganisms, algae, and viruses

  • Proven track record: Decades of reliable use

  • Fast-acting: Quickly eliminates contaminants

  • Measurable: Easy to test chlorine levels

Disadvantages:

  • Temperature sensitive: Loses effectiveness in hot water

  • pH sensitive: Effectiveness reduced if pH is high

  • Chemical smell: Strong chlorine odor (indicates chlorine gas release)

  • Skin/eye irritation: Can irritate sensitive individuals

  • Incompatible with some spas: Damages inflatable spa materials

  • Stabilizer required: Stabilized chlorine (dichlor) recommended for spas

Best for:

  • Budget-conscious spa owners

  • Smaller spas with moderate use

  • Those prioritizing affordability

Cost: ~$20 per 5 kg of tablets; typically need 1–2 tablets every 1–2 days depending on usage

Compatibility:

  • Can be combined with active oxygen for shock treatment

  • Cannot be combined with bromine

  • Cannot be combined with PHMB

Bromine: The Premium Alternative

How it works:
Bromine kills microorganisms similarly to chlorine but remains effective across a wider range of conditions.

Forms available:

  • Tablets: Most common form

  • Powder: Less common for spas

Advantages:

  • Temperature stable: Remains effective in hot water (65–104°F range)

  • pH stable: Works well across pH range (6.8–8.0)

  • UV stable: Not affected by sunlight

  • No irritating odor: Doesn’t produce strong chlorine smell

  • Gentle on skin/eyes: Less irritating than chlorine

  • Gentler on equipment: Reduces corrosion

  • Longer-lasting: More stable, requires fewer additions

  • Effective against algae: Kills all microorganism types

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive: ~$65 per 5 kg of tablets (3x chlorine cost)

  • Slower dissolving: Takes longer to reach full effectiveness

  • Incompatibilities: Cannot combine with chlorine or most acidic products

  • Harder to test: Some test kits don’t measure bromine accurately

  • Persistence: Can build up if not monitored

Best for:

  • Spas with heavy use

  • Those prioritizing comfort over cost

  • Owners with sensitive skin

  • Larger spas (economies of scale)

Cost: ~$65 per 5 kg of tablets; typically need 1–3 tablets per week depending on usage

Compatibility:

  • Can combine with active oxygen (oxygen reactivates bromine)

  • Cannot combine with chlorine

  • Cannot combine with PHMB

  • Cannot combine with other acidic products

Active Oxygen: The Natural Option

How it works:
Active oxygen (hydrogen peroxide-based) kills microorganisms through oxidation. Unlike chlorine and bromine, it doesn’t create new chemical compounds but simply reverts to water and oxygen.

Forms available:

  • Tablets or powder: Usually powdered form

  • Liquid: Less common

Advantages:

  • Natural: Safe, environmentally friendly

  • Non-irritating: No chemical smell or skin irritation

  • No residual chemicals: Reverts to water and oxygen

  • Combine with bromine: Reactivates bromine for extended effectiveness

  • Biodegradable: No lasting environmental impact

  • Gentle on equipment: Minimal corrosion

  • Cost-effective: Moderate pricing (~$20–$25 per 20 tablets)

Disadvantages:

  • Weak on its own: Must combine with persistent sanitizer (chlorine or bromine)

  • Temperature sensitive: Effectiveness reduces with heat (need more in hot spas)

  • Limited shelf life: Degrades over time once package opened

  • Not for shock alone: Requires persistent product for backup disinfection

  • Slower acting: Doesn’t immediately kill all contaminants like chlorine

Best for:

  • Environmentally conscious spa owners

  • Those seeking mild, non-irritating treatment

  • Spas combined with bromine system

  • Smaller spas with light use

Cost: ~$20–$25 per 20 tablets; typically need 1–2 tablets every 2–3 days (in combination with bromine or chlorine)

Usage approach:

  • Weekly: Add persistent sanitizer (chlorine or bromine)

  • As needed: Add active oxygen for oxidation

  • Shock treatment: Use active oxygen with chlorine for intensive cleaning

Compatibility:

  • Can combine with chlorine (especially for shock treatment)

  • Can combine with bromine (oxygen reactivates bromine)

  • Cannot combine with PHMB

PHMB: The Stable Option

What it is:
PHMB (Polyhexamethylene Biguanide) is a synthetic biocide that kills microorganisms without the characteristics of traditional halogens.

Forms available:

  • Liquid: Standard form

Advantages:

  • Temperature stable: Works effectively across full spa temperature range

  • pH stable: Works across wide pH range

  • Non-irritating: Doesn’t irritate skin, eyes, or mucous membranes

  • No chemical smell: No strong odors

  • Persistent: Stays in water longer than chlorine or bromine

  • Gentle on equipment: Minimal corrosion

  • Affordable: ~$10–$20 per liter

Disadvantages:

  • Doesn’t kill algae: Must use separate algaecide

  • Multiple incompatibilities: Cannot combine with chlorine, bromine, copper, or bronze

  • Harder to test: Limited test kit availability

  • Slower acting: Not as fast as chlorine

  • Specialty product: Less widely available than chlorine/bromine

  • Buildup risk: Can accumulate if overused

Best for:

  • Those seeking non-halogen treatment

  • Spas with specific incompatibility concerns

  • Owners prioritizing long-lasting stability

  • Residential spas with light-to-moderate use

Cost: ~$10–$20 per liter; typically need 1–2 liters for initial treatment and smaller amounts for maintenance

Compatibility:

  • Cannot combine with chlorine, bromine, copper, or bronze

  • Must use separate algaecide for algae prevention

  • Requires compatible test kit

Ozone: The High-Tech System

How it works:
An ozonator produces ozone gas (O₃)—a powerful oxidizer that kills microorganisms. Ozone reverts to oxygen (O₂) after use.

Installation requirements:

  • Ozonator unit must be installed in spa system

  • Requires continuous filtration for ozonator to work

  • Integrates with spa’s circulation system

Advantages:

  • Highly effective: Ozone is a powerful oxidizer

  • Reduces chemical use: Ozone does heavy lifting; minimal sanitizers needed

  • No chemical smell: Eliminates chlorine/bromine odors

  • Reduces irritation: Less chemical irritation from fewer sanitizers

  • No chemical residue: Ozone reverts to oxygen (no persistent chemicals)

  • Environmentally friendly: No lasting chemical byproducts

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive initial investment: ~$50–$200 for ozonator unit

  • Not standalone: Must still use persistent sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, or PHMB)

  • Installation required: May need professional installation

  • Ongoing maintenance: Ozonator has lifespan; requires eventual replacement (~5–10 years)

  • Electricity requirement: Ozonator runs continuously

  • Learning curve: More complex system to understand and manage

Best for:

  • Large spas with heavy use

  • Those prioritizing comfort and water quality

  • Budget-flexible spa owners

  • Long-term spa owners

Cost: $50–$200 for unit; plus electricity and occasional replacement ($50–$100 every 5–10 years)

How it works with other products:

  • Still requires persistent sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, or PHMB)

  • Ozone reduces amount of sanitizer needed (30–50% reduction typical)

  • Best combined with minimal chlorine or bromine

Comparison Table: Sanitizer Options

Product Cost Effectiveness Ease of Use Irritation Temperature Sensitive Best For
Chlorine $ Excellent Easy High Yes Budget-conscious, light use
Bromine $$$ Excellent Easy Low No Heavy use, comfort priority
Active Oxygen $$ Good (with backup) Easy None Yes Natural, light use
PHMB $$ Good Moderate None No Non-halogen preference
Ozone $$$$ (initial) Excellent Moderate Very Low No Large spas, comfort/quality

Testing Spa Water: Essential Monitoring

Regular water testing is critical to spa health. You cannot maintain proper chemistry without testing.

What to Test

Essential tests (weekly minimum):

Sanitizer level:

  • Chlorine: 1–3 ppm (parts per million)

  • Bromine: 2–4 ppm

  • PHMB: 30–50 ppm

  • Active oxygen: 2–4 ppm (when used with persistent sanitizer)

pH:

  • Ideal: 7.2–7.8

  • Test at least weekly

Alkalinity:

  • Ideal: 80–120 ppm

  • Test weekly

Optional but helpful:

Calcium hardness:

  • Ideal: 150–250 ppm

  • Test monthly

Cyanuric acid (stabilizer):

  • Ideal: 25–50 ppm (if using stabilized chlorine)

  • Test monthly

Testing Methods

Test strips:

  • Cost: $10–$20 per bottle (50–100 strips)

  • Ease: Very easy (dip strip, read color)

  • Accuracy: Moderate (~80% accurate)

  • Best for: Quick weekly checks

Liquid test kit:

  • Cost: $25–$50 per kit

  • Ease: Moderate (requires mixing reagents, timing reactions)

  • Accuracy: High (~95% accurate)

  • Best for: Precise monitoring, professional results

Digital testers:

  • Cost: $100–$300

  • Ease: Very easy (push button, digital readout)

  • Accuracy: High (~95% accurate)

  • Best for: Frequent testing, convenience

Professional testing:

  • Cost: $0–$30 per test

  • Ease: Very easy (bring sample to supplier)

  • Accuracy: Very high (lab testing)

  • Best for: Troubleshooting issues, monthly verification

Testing Schedule

Weekly (minimum):

  • Sanitizer level

  • pH

  • Alkalinity

Every 2 weeks:

  • Calcium hardness

Monthly:

  • Professional lab test (verification)

As needed:

  • Any time water appears cloudy, discolored, or has odor

  • Any time you add chemicals

  • After heavy use periods

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Daily Tasks

  • Visual inspection: Check water clarity, color, smell

  • Skimmer cleaning: Remove surface debris

Weekly Tasks (at minimum)

  • Test water chemistry (sanitizer, pH, alkalinity)

  • Clean filter basket (skimmer and pump)

  • Add sanitizer (as needed based on tests)

Bi-Weekly Tasks

  • Test calcium hardness

  • Brush spa surfaces (prevent algae growth)

  • Clean filter cartridge (if pressure high)

Monthly Tasks

  • Professional water test (verification)

  • Deep clean filter (backwash or rinse)

  • Test cyanuric acid level (if using stabilized chlorine)

Seasonal Tasks

Summer (or high-use period):

  • Increase testing frequency (twice weekly)

  • Increase sanitizer doses

  • Clean filter more frequently

  • Monitor for algae growth

Winter (or low-use period):

  • May reduce testing frequency (keep weekly minimum)

  • Reduce sanitizer slightly if needed

  • Still run filter regularly

Spring (opening):

  • Drain and refill spa

  • Clean all surfaces

  • Test equipment function

  • Balance water before use

Fall (closing):

  • Drain spa completely

  • Clean thoroughly

  • Store cover

  • Prepare for off-season

Shock Treatment: Intensive Water Cleaning

Occasionally, spas need shock treatment—a high-dose disinfection.

When to Shock

  • After heavy use: Parties, multiple guests

  • Visible algae: Green or cloudy water

  • Strong chlorine smell: Indicates chlorine byproducts

  • Monthly maintenance: Even with proper treatment

  • After testing shows low sanitizer: Despite regular dosing

How to Shock

With chlorine:

  • Use powder or liquid chlorine

  • Dose: 5–10x normal amount (follow product instructions)

  • Apply in evening

  • Run filter overnight

  • Test in morning; swim when sanitizer normal

With active oxygen:

  • Use with chlorine (oxygen + chlorine combination)

  • Oxygen oxidizes contaminants; chlorine kills microorganisms

  • Follow product dosing instructions

  • Very effective for intense cleaning

Timeline:

  • Apply shock treatment in evening

  • Run filter continuously overnight

  • Test water in morning

  • Usually safe to use next day

Preventing Common Water Problems

Cloudy Water

Causes:

  • Insufficient filtration

  • Low chlorine/sanitizer

  • High pH or alkalinity

  • Dead algae or debris

  • Calcium scaling

Solutions:

  • Run filter longer (8–24 hours)

  • Add sanitizer if low

  • Test and balance pH/alkalinity

  • Shock treatment if algae suspected

  • Replace filter if dirty

Green Water

Cause: Algae bloom

Solutions:

  • Shock treatment immediately

  • Add algaecide if not using chlorine/bromine

  • Brush surfaces daily

  • Run filter continuously for 24+ hours

  • May require multiple treatments

Brown/Black Water

Cause: Severe algae or organic debris

Solutions:

  • Drain and refill spa (in severe cases)

  • Or intensive shock treatment + continuous filtration

  • Clean all surfaces thoroughly

  • Replace filter

Strong Chemical Smell

Cause: Chlorine byproducts (chloramines)

Solutions:

  • Shock treatment with chlorine

  • Reduce chlorine slightly (may be overdosed)

  • Increase aeration

  • Test pH (adjust if needed)

Equipment Corrosion

Cause: Low pH (acidic water)

Solutions:

  • Test and raise pH immediately

  • Reduce chlorine (using stabilized chlorine)

  • Use alkalinity increaser to buffer pH

  • Consider switching to bromine (more pH stable)

Scaling or Crusty Buildup

Cause: High pH, high alkalinity, or high calcium hardness

Solutions:

  • Test and lower pH/alkalinity

  • Reduce calcium hardness if too high

  • Use descaling products

  • Prevent by maintaining proper balance

Frequently Asked Questions About Spa Water Treatment

Q1: How often should I change spa water?

A: Depends on usage and maintenance:

Well-maintained spa:

  • Every 3–4 months (drain and refill)

  • Heavy use might require every 6–8 weeks

  • Light use might last 4–6 months

Why drain periodically:

  • Accumulated dissolved solids build up over time

  • Minerals and salts concentrate

  • Cannot be filtered or chemically removed

  • Fresh water prevents scaling and corrosion

Signs water needs changing:

  • Chemistry impossible to balance

  • Persistent cloudy appearance

  • Visible scale buildup

  • Water smells despite proper treatment

Q2: Can I use pool chlorine in my spa?

A: Generally not recommended.

Why pool chlorine isn’t ideal:

  • Different stabilization (pool uses cyanuric acid; spas use different formulations)

  • Not formulated for spa conditions (pH sensitivity, heat)

  • May cause pH swings in spas

  • Can damage spa equipment

Exception:

  • Calcium hypochlorite (pool powder) can be used in spas cautiously

  • Always use spa-specific chlorine when available

Q3: Can I combine chlorine and bromine?

A: Absolutely not.

Why they’re incompatible:

  • Creates harmful chemical reactions

  • Reduces effectiveness of both

  • Can damage equipment

  • Creates unpleasant odors

Important rule:

  • Choose one system and stick with it

  • If switching, drain spa completely and refill before changing systems

Q4: Is ozone better than chlorine?

A: Both have advantages; choice depends on priorities:

Ozone advantages:

  • More powerful oxidizer

  • Reduces need for chemicals

  • No chemical smell or irritation

  • Better for sensitive individuals

Chlorine advantages:

  • Much less expensive

  • No equipment installation required

  • Easier to use and test

  • Proven track record

Reality:

  • Ozone is “better” in comfort but costs significantly more

  • Chlorine is “better” value but less comfortable

  • Both work effectively when properly maintained

Q5: How often should I test my spa water?

A: Minimum: weekly

Recommended:

  • Twice weekly for heavy use

  • Once weekly for normal use

  • Three times weekly during problem-solving

Cannot skip testing:

  • Water chemistry changes constantly

  • Testing is the only way to know actual levels

  • Improper chemistry leads to problems

  • Regular testing prevents costly issues

Q6: What’s the best product for my spa?

A: Depends on your priorities:

If budget is priority: Chlorine ($20–$25 per week)

If comfort is priority: Bromine ($40–$60 per week) or Ozone ($50–$200 initial + small sanitizer)

If natural/environmental concern: Active oxygen with bromine

If no irritation is priority: Bromine, PHMB, or Ozone

If minimal maintenance is priority: Ozone (though initially expensive)

General recommendation: Start with chlorine if budget-conscious; upgrade to bromine if comfort concerns become important.

Q7: Why is my spa water cloudy despite proper chemistry?

A: Several possibilities:

  • Filter too dirty: Cartridge needs cleaning/replacement

  • Insufficient filtration time: Run filter longer (8–24 hours)

  • Calcium buildup: Water is too hard

  • Dead algae: Algae died but debris suspended

  • Biofilm: Invisible slime coating surfaces

Solutions:

  • Clean/replace filter cartridge

  • Run filter 24 hours

  • Test calcium hardness

  • Shock treatment if algae suspected

  • Brush surfaces thoroughly

Q8: Is it safe to use my spa immediately after chemical treatment?

A: Depends on treatment type:

Chlorine:

  • Wait until chlorine level reaches normal (below 5 ppm)

  • Usually 4–8 hours after normal dosing

  • After shock treatment: 12–24 hours

Bromine:

  • Wait until bromine below 4 ppm

  • Usually 4–8 hours after normal dosing

  • After shock treatment: 12–24 hours

Ozone:

  • Safe immediately (ozone converts to oxygen)

  • No waiting period necessary

Rule: If in doubt, wait overnight or until sanitizer returns to normal.

Q9: Can I treat my spa less frequently to save money?

A: Short-term yes, but not recommended:

What happens:

  • Water chemistry becomes unbalanced

  • Microorganisms thrive

  • Problems develop (algae, cloudy water, equipment damage)

  • Fixing problems costs more than prevention

Cost reality:

  • Preventative treatment: $10–$30/week

  • Shock treatment and equipment repair: $100–$1,000+

  • Prevention is always cheaper than treatment

Better budget strategy:

  • Use less expensive sanitizer (chlorine vs bromine)

  • Test less frequently (weekly vs daily, if minimal use)

  • Maintain consistent small doses rather than sporadic large ones

Q10: What should I do if my spa has an algae bloom?

A: Act immediately—algae spreads rapidly:

Step 1: Stop using spa

  • Algae can cause infections

  • Spa is not safe until treated

Step 2: Test water

  • Determine sanitizer and pH levels

Step 3: Shock treatment

  • Use appropriate shock (chlorine + oxygen best)

  • Dose heavily (follow product instructions)

Step 4: Continuous filtration

  • Run filter 24 hours to remove dead algae

Step 5: Brush surfaces

  • Brush spa surfaces daily for 2–3 days

  • Prevents regrowth

Step 6: Monitor and retreat if needed

  • Some algae requires multiple treatments

  • Test daily; retreat if algae returns

Prevention going forward:

  • Weekly testing prevents algae (catches early growth)

  • Proper sanitizer levels prevent algae from starting

  • Regular shock treatment prevents buildup

Final Thoughts: Maintaining Pristine Spa Water

Spa water treatment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The key is establishing a consistent routine and sticking with it.

The simple formula:

  1. Filter regularly: Run filter 4–8 hours daily minimum

  2. Test weekly: Know your water chemistry

  3. Treat consistently: Add sanitizer as needed based on tests

  4. Balance carefully: Maintain pH and alkalinity in ideal ranges

  5. Clean thoroughly: Brush surfaces, clean filter, skim debris

  6. Monitor closely: Catch problems early before they escalate

Expected outcomes:

  • Crystal-clear water

  • No chemical smell or irritation

  • No algae or cloudiness

  • Healthy, safe spa experience

  • Equipment lasting longer

  • Lower long-term costs

Start today:

  1. Choose your sanitizer system (chlorine easiest to start with)

  2. Get a test kit or test strips

  3. Establish weekly testing routine

  4. Add chemicals as needed based on tests

  5. Enjoy your spa knowing it’s clean and safe

Your spa is an investment in your health and relaxation. Maintain it properly, and it will provide years of enjoyment.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Healthy

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Tips for Keeping Your Home Healthy

A good number of us spend half of our lives inside our houses, and without knowing it, we create a strong connection between our health and the house. As a result, we should strive to create a healthy and safe environment within our homes for comfortable living.
This guide contains a few tips on how you can keep your home healthy.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Healthy

Here are a few simple and smart tips you can use to create a healthy living environment within your home.

Keep It Dry

Have you ever lived in a house with a leaking roof or pipes? How was your experience? Well, if you’ve never found yourself in such a situation, count yourself lucky.

Generally, a leaking house, whether from the roof, interior plumbing pipes or poor drainage, predisposes your home to damp and mouldy conditions. If you are living in Arizona and you are looking for plumbers, you can contact some plumber in Phoenix. Mould and damp conditions create a health hazard by irritating your eyes, ears, nose and throat. Additionally, such conditions cause sneezing, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. All these health hazards can be avoided by keeping your home dry. Here’s how to do it:
• Repair any leaks.
• Use exhaust fans when taking a shower or cooking.
• Ensure your clothes and other fabrics are completely dry before storing them.
• Using a humidifier, keep humidity low in your home whenever necessary.
• Remove basement clutter, and decongest each room to avoid mould from building up.

Always Keep It Clean

One of the most significant ways of creating a healthy home is by keeping it clean. You should control dust and other contaminants in your home by thoroughly cleaning all interior and exterior areas. Clear any unnecessary outdoor plants growing around your home, dispose of any garbage, declutter your basement and clean and disinfect all surfaces.

Use ideal cleaners and detergents to clean your kitchen, bedrooms, pavements, bathrooms, lounge and any other room within your home.

Fully Ventilate your Home

Letting in fresh and clean air is undeniably one of the most fundamental steps in creating a healthy home. To give your home a touch of fresh air, you need to keep it well ventilated.

Proper ventilation keeps away smoke and other toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and radon. Here is how you can ensure your home is fully ventilated.
• Install ventilation in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room.
• Frequently open your doors and windows when the prevailing weather is permitting.
• Maintain your ventilation system and furnace by having a qualified technician inspect them regularly.
• Clean and change your filters as recommended.

Ensure your Home is Safe

Another life-saving tip is making your home safe for you and other members of your family. Keeping your home safe ultimately reduces exposure to health hazards.

Here is what you can do to keep it safe:

• Store chemicals and other poisonous substances such as pesticides out of reach of children.
• Ensure any stored chemicals are properly labelled to avoid any mix-up.
• Keep children playing areas free from hard and sharp objects.
• Keep fire extinguishers at hand.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors and ensure they are working efficiently at all time.

Keep It Pest-Free

Pests and bugs can be a nuisance in our homes. Some, such as mice and cockroaches, may pick E. coli and Salmonella bacteria as they rummage through the garbage, thus exposing your family to infections.

You can keep your home pest-free by:

• Keeping your house dust and contaminants free through regular dusting and cleaning.
• Sealing any openings and cracks within your home.
• Draining any clogged pipes and water paths to destroy pests’ breeding grounds.
• Store your foodstuffs in pest-resistant containers.
• Use human-friendly pesticides.
• Fumigate your home regularly.

In some cases, it may be extremely difficult to permanently eliminate pests and bugs, even after adopting these tips. In such an instance, you may need help from professionals. If you find yourself in such a situation, feel free to contact Excel Pest Services. They offer professional pest removal and disinfection services that will give your home a fresh feel.

Properly Maintain your Home

Maintaining your home involves conducting regular inspections to ensure everything is in order. Inspecting alone isn’t enough; you should make an effort to take care of any problems and repairs before they develop into serious issues that may interfere with your family’s health. If the repairs are beyond what you can handle, seek help from experts.

Conclusion

We all have different preferences when it comes to taking care of our homes, but one thing that remains constant is keeping them healthy. A healthy home is a comfortable haven to live in, and it basically contributes to the general well-being of your entire family.

Are Pregnant Women More At Risk By From Covid-19?

Since the start of the pandemic, fears about the risk for pregnant women of developing severe forms of Covid-19 was regularly raising. Scientists are also wondering about the risk of mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and the impact on fetal development.

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However, the limited data available makes their task more difficult. In fact, as during the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV epidemics, only a small number of pregnant women infected with the virus have been document in the scientific literature. There is no confirmation of the possibility of mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy (vertical transmission) about these two other coronaviruses.

The Covid-19 Risk

In the case of Covid-19, suspicions of vertical transmission during pregnancy have been reported quite early. Especially in China, where the case of an infant testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 around 36 hours after birth has. However, after childbirth, the virus’s transmission could not exclude following close contact between mother and child. As a study publish in Lancet Infectious Diseases specifies, this transmission mode could not be confirmed in many other similar cases. Either, because no trace of the virus was found in the: placenta, the cord umbilical, amniotic fluid, or breast milk in women and infants test.

A case study published in July in Nature Communications sheds further light on the subject. It was describing the first case of transmission of Covid-19 from a pregnant woman to her child via the placenta. The researchers looked at the clinical case of a 23-year-old mother with Covid-19, whose baby also showed signs of the disease from birth. They took blood samples and amniotic fluid from the umbilical cord. Blood samples and PCR tests on the infant to look for the virus’s presence. Therefore, this study provides new arguments on the possibility of transmission during pregnancy, which should validate on a larger sample of patients. Thus, the scientific community remains cautious, believing that while mother-to-child transmission is possible during pregnancy, it is infrequent.

Also, the documented cases of pregnant women infected with SARS-Cov-2 mainly concern patients in their third trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, it would be interesting to identify and study women infected earlier in pregnancy to assess the consequences for the mother and fetus’s health.

No More Complications during Pregnancy

Another concern: are pregnant women sick with Covid-19 at greater risk of complications?

Here again, the data are fragmentary. Studies carried out on a small sample of patients point to a higher risk of complications for the fetus. Particularly miscarriages, premature births, and intrauterine growth retardation. Symptoms reported in these women varied from one study to another. But some studies have reported acute respiratory syndromes, kidney problems, pneumonia, and sepsis occurring more frequently in this population.

Some researchers in pregnant women have also reported ventilation during the SARS-CoV epidemic.

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