Tips for a healthier home

Tips for a healthier home

Keeping your home healthy is an ongoing process

Sometimes we ignore the smaller issues that then become the bigger issues that cause us pain when we get sick or have to pay for extensive remedial work to alleviate further issues.

Climate Change is a very real problem even though there are many out there who think it will go away by ignoring it.

Floods, earthquakes, firestorms – they are happening more frequently around the world, and since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic started we certainly don’t need anymore challenging events.

10 tips to keep a home environment healthy

  1. Keep your home dry and reduce the chances of any health related issues
  2. Insulation in the walls, ceiling and floor space is important – there are many schemes where Government will help. Read more here
  3. Windows – insulate through double layer curtains, or double glaze (if you can afford) There are many products that reduce heat loss through glazing these days Read more here
  4. Make sure you have good moisture extraction in kitchens and bathrooms. A simple test to see if an extraction fan has a good suction is to hold an A4 piece of paper to it and if it can hold it easily then it seems okay. Keep pot lids on to reduce moisture evaporating into the air while cooking.
  5. Vent your clothes  drier to the outside. A dryer can evaporate anywhere from 2.5 litres of moisture into the air per load.
  6. Let the sun shine in by trimming back trees and vegetation close to your windows, and clean out your gutters so water is not trapped by excess leaves and debris.
  7. Ventilate your home for at least 30 minutes each day. It takes less energy to heat up cold dry air than to heat up warm damp air.
  8. Install a Ground Vapour Barrier. If you have more than 50 % of exposed soil underneath your house, you can install a ground vapour barrier. For every 1m2 of exposed soil, 400ml of moisture is evaporated in a 24 hr period. 100m2 of exposed soil can evaporate 40L of moisture per day into the air. Read more here 
  9. Monitor the air quality in your home. A Hygrometer measures the moisture content in the air relative to its absolute maximum capacity at a given temperature. Read more here  
  10. Make sure no water is pooled at your foundation and collecting in your crawl space- It can lead to structural and health issues if left neglected.  A good storm water system is required for that extra run off and pooling. Examples here

“Nothing is impossible- the word itself says “I’m possible!”

©2021 e-propertymatters.com|women-in-realestate.com|gentlelifehacks.com|Author|KC

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Mokopuna

A drawing by Maddie ( age 11)

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7 Cancer Myths

7 Cancer Myths

Cancer and common myths

Cancer is something we are programmed to fear.

Cancer statistics in the United States alone make quite alarming reading

Yet the World Health Organisation reported that in 2019 the top 10 causes of death accounted for 55% of the 55.4 million deaths worldwide.

The top global causes of death, in order of total number of lives lost, were associated with three main categories:

Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neonatal conditions.

Read more here

Although, as of August 2021, there have been over 4 million deaths from Covid-19 reported to WHO, so when reading statistics, it is important to remember that it is not an exact science.

7  Cancer Myths

1. Do most people die from cancer?

Cancer survival rates are the highest in modern medicine today with early stages having 90 % cure rates – read more here

2. If you cut out sugar, will it cure cancer ?

Cancer cells don’t just crave sugar and they usually grow quickly, multiplying at a fast rate, which takes a lot of energy.

This means they need lots of glucose and lots of other nutrients too, such as amino acids and fats, so it’s not just sugar they crave.

By cutting down on sugar though, it is definitley worth while, as there are many other health risks associated with too much sugar – read more here

3. Can Super foods stop cancer?

You can certainly help yourself by eating a balanced healthy and nutrient rich diet of cancer fighting foods – read more here

4. If you have no family history of cancer does it mean you are not at risk?

Only a small percentage of cancers are passed from parents to children. Genetic mutations are usually caused by environmental factors and lifestyle choices and they are known as the most common causes of cancer.

5. Do smart phones cause cancer?

The research is inconclusive it seems, so read more here

6. Does all Chemotherapy make your hair fall out?

Not all chemotherapy makes your hair fall out.

Chemotherapy for bowel cancer is one where you don’t loose your hair.

Newer therapies are being developed all of the time to help manage the different side effects of chemotherapy.

7. Cancer can be detected in blood tests?

 The tests are usually tumour markers. Samples are collected for cancer blood tests and are then analysed in a laboratory for signs of cancer.

The samples may show cancer cells, proteins or other substances made by the cancer. Blood tests can also give your doctor an idea of how well your organs are functioning and if they’ve been affected by cancer.

Read more here

Fear is as great as the mind allows, so why not look back with gratitude, and then choose to look forward with confidence and positivity.

We are only given one life to enjoy and should make the most of every single day. We cannot turn back the clock to relive a day we have just wasted by worrying it away.

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful desitinations”

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com| Author| Kathryn

“Health-full” honey bees

Is honey good for us? Raw honey has been enjoyed thoughout history and has always been known for its health benefits and medical uses. It has a source of antioxidants with compounds known as polyphenols which may play a role in preventing heart disease. Phytonutrients...

7 Cancer Myths

Cancer and common myths Cancer is something we are programmed to fear. Cancer statistics in the United States alone make quite alarming reading Yet the World Health Organisation reported that in 2019 the top 10 causes of death accounted for 55% of the 55.4 million...

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Air fryer health benefits

When we we were renovating, I purchased my first air fryer. We had limited space so it was ideal until my brand new kitchen was installed. I have since bought my 2nd air fryer (  the same brand -deLonghi "ideal fry"), so we can take one away with us in the motorhome,...

Apple Cider Vinegar’s Mum

When fighting illness, it is common to search for products that promote healing. One thing I searched for was a way of maintaining an alkaline body. We were told that cancer does not like an alkaline environment. Cancer cells apparently thrive in acidity (low pH), but...

Are we teens addicted to gaming?

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Asbestos hazard

When buying a house it is always advisable to employ a licensed building inspector to provide information on the building condition. Knowing what to budget for in respect of any repairs required in the coming years makes a lot of sense! Finding Asbestos in a home can...

Understanding Dementia

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Bad sugar

There has been plenty of research done that tells us that a diet high in sugar is bad for our health. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, inflammation are just a few health risks associated with consuming too much sugar. Not...

More rainbows please

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Virus or bacterial infection?

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Mangoes are the fruit of eternal love

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Is Hashimotos Thyroiditis incurable?

 So you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? I was also diagnosed after many years of feeling unwell. At first, in Australia, I was tested for Ross River disease, and then the doctor sent me off to a Heart Surgeon who organised an angiogram for my heart, after I failed some...

Bounce back from illness

Ask anybody who has been ill and I am sure that they will agree, it can sometimes be hard to bounce back from illness, without following some simple rules. Stay hydrated Eat well Rest often Keep pain under control Keep moving Have a positive attitude Be kind to...

Herbs and health benefits

Herbs provide a lot of goodness to our diets  and this is often ignored by many of us in this busy world of ours. If we can improve our lifestyle by growing a little herb garden, then isn't it something worth considering ? You don't need a lot of space to create your...

Be positive and hold on tight!

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Is coffee good for us?

There is nothing like the smell of freshly brewed coffee is there?

So often we are told that coffee is not good for us, but we continue to drink it and enjoy the different varieties that are offered today.

The choice is mind boggling!

In fact, it is estimated that there are approximately 30 types of popular coffee in the world with so many variations, flavours, aromas, and additives.

There seem to be four different types of coffee beans:

Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

The most common ones are Arabica and Robusta, and of course it depends on where you live as to what you are used to.

A latte is an espresso and steamed milk, generally in a 1:3 to 1:5 ratio of espresso to milk, with a little foam on top.

In Italy it is called caffè latte or caffe latte, which means “coffee and milk”.

Read more about NZ coffee here

Everything in moderation

They say that anything should be taken in moderation to enjoy any benefit.

Good things about coffee

  • It contains antioxidants and other substances that could reduce things like inflammation.
  • It could also protect against diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer’s, kidney disease and diabetes.
  • By drinking one to cups per day it could help ward off many diseases like Heart failure and Parkinsons disease.
  • Researchers in the USA found that coffee drinkers were 26 % less likely to get colorectal cancer.
  • They also found that women who were aged 65 years or older who drank 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop Dementia in general.
  • By drinking at least one cup of Coffee a day is associated with a lowered stroke risk.
  • Researchers found that regular coffee drinkers seemed to have healthier liver enzyme levels than those that did not drink coffee.

Bad things about coffee

Excessive intake of caffeinated coffee is also known to make you jittery and cause things like:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Raised blood pressure
  • Increased weight gain if you drink too many premixed milk varieties like Salted Caramel, Chocolate Mint latte etc
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Muscle tremors
  • Recent research tells us that too much can increase your risk of Dementia – by drinking more than 6 cups a day it increases the risk up to 53%

So what is the best recommended intake of coffee then?

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it’s safe for most women to drink three to five cups of coffee a day with a maximum intake of 400 milligrams of caffeine.

(Caffeine content can vary depending on the type of coffee, but an average 8-ounce cup has 95 milligrams.) Read more here

Although Caffeine is considered safe for adults, it is not a good idea for children, adolescents and young adults should be cautioned about excessive caffeine intake, when mixing with alcohol and drugs.

Read more here

Moderation is the secret of survival!

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com| Author| Kathryn

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Maddie’s raw egg shake

Maddie’s raw egg shake

Eleven year old Maddie sent me this quick and easy recipe.

She called it a “high in protein” tasty drink. It is refreshing to see somebody so young taking an interest in healing foods.

Maddie’s simple recipe

  • Use a Blender or Quick shaker
  • Take a cup of milk
  • One banana
  • One egg
  • Add a tiny dash of vanilla essence
  • Blend well or shake well in a shaker

And there you have it! A tasty drink to enjoy while you recover from an energetic day!

Interesting facts about the simple banana

Bananas can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health and lower some other health risks.

They are rich in potassium which helps maintain fluid levels in the body.

Potassium also helps muscles to contract and nerve cells to respond. It may also reduce the risk of kidney stones forming as people age. It also is a good source of selenium and vitamin C

Read more here 

Eggs

It is well known that an egg is an ideal healing food neatly packed in a shell.

Eggs are one of the most nutrient -dense foods that you can eat and contain heaps of different vitamins and nutrients, as well as being high quality protein.

One egg should provide the following

  • 6 Grams of protein
  • Calcium
  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Vitamins A, E and K
  • B complex vitamins (including B12)
  • Riboflavin
  • Folic acid

Note* Research has been done on the effect of consuming a raw egg on the body compared to the effect of eating a cooked egg.

One study showed that the body is able to absorb 90% of the protein in cooked eggs compared with only 50% in raw eggs.

Read more here

Vanilla essence is not only used to flavour desserts, but it is also added to some hot beverages to add flavour like in tea, coffee or even milk.

Vanilla is also thought to help in relieving pain caused from burns.

Another good tip for bananas –

Peel soft bananas and place in the freezer in a sealed plastic bag.

Later use them to add to deserts. They taste just like banana ice cream!

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com | women-in-realestate.com | Author Kathryn

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Apple Cider Vinegar’s Mum

Apple Cider Vinegar’s Mum

Apple Cider Vinegar with the "mother"

When fighting illness, it is common to search for products that promote healing.

One thing I searched for was a way of maintaining an alkaline body.

We were told that cancer does not like an alkaline environment.

Cancer cells apparently thrive in acidity (low pH), but not in alkalinity (high pH), so it made sense that a diet high in alkaline foods like fruits and vegetables was important to create an environment in the body that discourages cancer growth.

A product that was recommended to us during my hubsand’s illness was to buy apple cider vinegar and to use it daily.

Apple cider vinegar with the “mother”

Before you take it be careful though, as Apple cider vinegar needs to be consumed safely and apparently the only one worth taking is the one with the “mother” in it.

We were told that the mother simply meant strands of protein (which contain enzymes and beneficial bacteria) in what is known as organic apple cider vinegar which consists of cellulose and acetic acid, which in turn gives the vinegar a cloudy-like appearance.

It is apparently the mother that transforms the alcohol into vinegar together with the presence of oxygen.

Health benefits of apple cider vinegar with the mother

  • Reduces belly fat
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • May lower blood pressure and improve heart health
  • May help lower blood sugar levels
  • Could boost skin health
  • Can help kill harmful bacteria
  • Has a high content of healthy substances

Well I can tell you that my ears pricked up when I heard those words “reduce belly fat” but I cannot prove this is as a fact, because I was not as dillligent in taking it every day like my husband did.

Again, he seemed well in between chemotherapy rounds, and continued to praise its many qualities.

The health shop owner sold us a brand called “Bragg” organic apple cider vinegar with the mother in it. You can purchase it at supermarkets nowadays.

There are safety guidelines though that you should adhere to, because as with everything if you take anything in excess or the wrong way it can cause other issues.

Safety guidelines include:

  • Limiting your intake. Start with a smaller amount and gradually work up to a maximum of 2 tablespoons (30 mL) per day, depending on your personal tolerance.
  • You should minimize your teeth exposure to acetic acid. Always dilute the vinegar in water and try drinking it through a straw.
  • Rinse your mouth out with water after taking it.
  • To prevent further enamel damage, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
  • Consider avoiding it if you have gastroparesis.
  • Be aware of allergies, even though they are thought to be rare from taking apple cider vinegar, Stop taking it immediately if you experience an allergic reaction and call your doctor.

Lastly, it was Nobel Prize winner Otto Warburg (in the early 1900s), who suggested that cancer was caused by a high level of acidity and low oxygen in the body. He observed that cancer cells produced an acid called lactic acid as they grew.

Based on this finding, some people concluded that making blood less acidic helped to kill cancer cells. Read more here about how reducing acidity in the body (ie: alkalizing) could be beneficial while fighting cancer

When you focus on the good, the good gets better.

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com | women-in-realestate.com | Author Kathryn

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