We're all about those olive oil infused green smoothies and yoga poses, but have you ever thought about the quality of the air you breathe at home? Indoor air matters too, between going to work and being home, you spend a significant chunk of your life indoors. And guess what? The air inside can be more polluted than the air outside, thanks to every day items like household cleaners, paints, and even that new-fangled furniture smell. Not to mention, these days in New York City, the air quality is historically bad because of the wildfires in Canada - and now it seems like there is a new wildfire creating both havoc and horrible air quality being announced on the news on a daily basis.

Why does air quality matter?

Breathing in poor-quality air can lead to some not-so-fun side effects. Ever experienced persistent sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes at home? Long-term exposure to indoor pollutants has been linked to more serious health issues like allergies, respiratory problems, and even heart disease. It's more important now than ever to purify the air in your home so let's start with these three easy steps:

1. Bring in Nature's Air Purifiers: Houseplants!

Being a "Plant Mom" happens to have many benefits. If you're looking for a natural and stylish way to clean up your air, houseplants are your new babies. These leafy superheroes are experts at absorbing pollutants and releasing fresh oxygen. Not only do they combat toxins, but they also add a touch of nature to your space. Plants like the spider plant, peace lily, and aloe vera are idea for filtering out common nasties like formaldehyde and benzene. Just remember, even plants need some TLC – so water and nurture them to keep them thriving and your air thriving too!

2. Air Purifiers: High-Tech Allies

Air purifiers are like tiny superheroes that zap away airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. They work by using filters or even fancy ionizers to trap and neutralize irritants.

When shopping for an air purifier, look for the CADR rating – that's the power level of your purifier. And don't worry about noisy contraptions; modern air purifiers are designed to be very quiet. Just find a central spot, let it do its thing, and enjoy the fresh air.

3. Embrace the Power of Natural Ventilation

Sometimes, the old ways are the best ways. Simply cracking open a window can do wonders for your air quality. Natural ventilation not only clears out indoor pollutants, but it also helps control humidity, keeping mold and mildew at bay.

Remember, it's all about creating a flow. Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage a steady breeze that whisks away stale air. Just be mindful of pollen if you're prone to allergies and check to see whether the air quality it so poor outside due to wildfire smoke that it's best to keep the windows closed and just let your plants and air purifiers to do their job.

Final Thoughts: Your Air, Your Health

Whether you're decking out your place with leafy friends, unleashing the power of air purifiers, or letting nature in through your windows, these science-based methods will have your indoor air feeling fresher than ever. Because remember, your health is worth every clean breath you take. Happy breathing!

Until next month,

Dr. Alexes Hazen