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Toxicity and its damaging effects are virtually unknown to the majority of people. It is now estimated that 80 percent of jobs are sedentary and the workplace to be one of the most toxic environments. Constant exposure to common workplace and household toxins has been found to cause an assortment of severe health conditions.
Weight gain, diabetes, heart disease and other lifestyle related conditions can be directly correlated to one’s workplace. Sitting at a desk eight-to-ten hours per day is only the start of the problem. The workplace environment and indoor air is some of the worst air that we can breathe on a daily basis.
Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/opinion/2012/9/19/45153/Is-your-workplace-harming-your-health
Toxicity and its damaging effects are virtually unknown to the majority of people. It is now estimated that 80 percent of jobs are sedentary and the workplace to be one of the most toxic environments. Constant exposure to common workplace and household toxins has been found to cause an assortment of severe health conditions.
Weight gain, diabetes, heart disease and other lifestyle related conditions can be directly correlated to one’s workplace. Sitting at a desk eight-to-ten hours per day is only the start of the problem. The workplace environment and indoor air is some of the worst air that we can breathe on a daily basis.
Indoor air has been shown to
carry 25-100 times more pollutants than outdoor air. While many people spend about 90 percent of
their time indoors, it is important to make sure indoor air is free of
allergens and harmful compounds.
Plants purify air
One of the best and simplest
ways to improve the air quality in your workplace is using houseplants. Plants
act as filters because they absorb the toxins through their leaves, especially
those with the largest leaves. Some of the top air-improving houseplants are
African violets, Christmas cactus, the Feston Rose plant, English ivy and aloe.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have studied the effect of houseplants on
indoor air quality and reports plants reduce up to 87 percent of air
toxins. Plants not only filter the air
much better than a machine but they also do it much more quietly and without
the use of power. Besides the powerful filtering effects, they also bring life
into your workplace.
Cleaning do’s & don’ts
Don’t use conventional cleaners. Many ingredients
found in conventional cleaners are linked to cancers, hormone disorders and
nervous system problems.
Do use natural cleaning products like white
vinegar, baking soda, corn starch, lemon juice, olive oil and club soda. White vinegar mixed with equal parts of water
is a must-have for killing mold, bacteria, and germs. Baking soda can be used
to remove odors and be used in place of toxic cleaners. Salt can be used for
scrubbing and removing mildew and club soda is an effective stain remover for
carpets.
Don’t use air fresheners. The perfumes and scents you
associate with “fresh air”, a clean body or a germ-free home are often times
toxic from chemical use.
Do use a couple drops of your favorite essential
oil in your homemade cleaner, or wipe your desk with fresh-squeezed lemon juice. You can also grind fresh-cut orange or lemon
peels and place them in the garbage bin to combat the odors lurking there.
Simple ways to detoxify your bedroom
Another location worth
considering for toxic effects is the bedroom.
Ideal sleep is needed to repair and restore itself from the day’s
onslaught of stressors, toxins, chemicals, junk food and other
adversaries.
Do you have scented candles,
potpourri, perfumes, or other scented “air fresheners” in your bedroom? Many scented candles, potpourri and perfumes
may smell nice, but they put off chemicals that are harmful to your body.
Do you have electrical devices
with cords including TVs, laptops, clocks, phones and radios in your
bedroom? Reduce the number of electrical
devices because they generate electric and magnetic fields that could be
harmful to your health.
Greening of your home and work
environments will not only reduce your exposure to toxins but also improve how
your body is able to respond to the onslaught of stress. We all have to work but let’s take a
proactive stance to eliminate known toxins that will prevent disease and
restore health.
Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
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http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/opinion/2012/9/19/45153/Is-your-workplace-harming-your-health
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