Avoiding College Weight Gain

To ensure that you don’t gain extra weight, take control of your eating habits by eating nutritional, well-balanced meals and exercise regularly. 

You Are Not Alone. 

Millions of freshmen across the nation struggle with weight gain each year as they adjust to college life, and quite often this weight gain comes as an unpleasant surprise as they return home and step on the scale at Thanksgiving or Christmas. 

So in this time when college weight gain has become almost as inevitable as term end finals how do you, the college student, know if you are gaining the freshman fifteen? 

1. Have the contents of your diet changed since entering college? 

Calorie laden cafeteria food, greasy fast food, and cheesy pizzas often become staples in the diet of a college student. When you lived at home chances are that your parents served well-balanced, nutritious meals. 

Once arriving at college, however, your diet can skyrocket in extra fat and calories resulting in weight gain. 

2. Have you been eating more since entering college? 

Buffet style cafeterias and late night snacks increase the total calories that you eat each day. When you consider the fact that one pound equals 3,500 calories, and extra 500 calories each day will be an extra pound gained each week. 

3. Has your activity level decreased since entering college? 

Hectic class schedules, part time jobs, and social activities often dominate your days, leaving no time for the gym. 

You may have played on a sports team in High School or participated in some other organized activity that now has no place in your schedule. This decrease in activity will end up showing around your waistline. 

Did you answer yes to one or more of the above questions? If so, then chances are that you are on your way to gaining the Freshman Fifteen.

But wait! You don’t have to follow in the footsteps of the millions of college freshmen who gain this unwanted weight each year. By making yourself aware of the causes of this traditional weight gain you have already won half of the battle.

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And here’s what I’ve done. And you can do too

Have you ever spoken at an event and they won’t allow you to give your details? Have you gone on the radio and they forget to announce where you can be contacted? 

If your contact details are left out or if you’re prevented from giving information, you’ll need to play the game a little smarter. 

Understand that most reporters/radio announcers/organisers are quite accomodating. They understand that you’re giving your valuable time in exchange for the publicity. But often enough you’ll run into someone who’s power drunk or whose organisation just won’t budge. 

And here’s what I’ve done. And you can do too. 

Refer to your product or service many times in the speech. Give an example and say how that particular example coincides with the example on Page 34 or Page 65. Or in the third CD of your 20 CD Workshop. Or the FREE Report you gave at the last event. As long as you’re making perfect sense, you will not be stopped or reprimanded. Your speech will meet the host’s guidelines, yet all the time you’re leaking out information. 

By the end of the speech, you should have created enough leaks for the audience to be extremely curious. They’ll want to know about Page 34. They’ll want to know about the FREE Headline Report you gave at the last event. 

As your fame grows, you may not need to do any of the above. If the organisation doesn’t allow you to give your contact details you can refuse to do the interview/speech. However when you’re starting out, you may crave the additional publicity and that’s okay. 

Be sure of one thing. Don’t let your speech be random. Create leaks and watch how the audience swarms around you after the event!

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What’s The Best Dog Toy For Your Adult Dog?

As a professional dog trainer, people often ask me what dog toys I recommend they should buy and which ones I use for my own dogs. 

Here’s the answer: Your dog doesn’t need more than two toys. Rotate them, so he doesn’t get bored. But remember: We’re talking about an animal that eats the same food, day in/day out. And while your dog needs mental stimulation in the form of play and obedience training, they will be perfectly happy with chewing on the same toys, for years. 

(Much the same way young children can watch the same Barney movie 100 times without getting bored!) 

So… what are the two best dog toys in my opinion? 

- The Kong. Either in red or black. (Sometimes you need to play with your dog and this toy a bit, before your dog gets interested in it… but once they do… LOOK OUT. The benefit of this toy is that they can chew on it for months and months, in most cases. You can also stuff it with doggie treats, cream cheese, peanut butter or whatever. 

- The rope toy. This is usually sold in either white or multi-strand colors. It is a thick piece of soft rope, tied in a knot on each end. Another great toy because—compared to the rawhide bone—this toy will last weeks or months.

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Good diabetes care and management can prevent or delay the onset of these complications

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. Diabetes causes glucose to back up in the bloodstream. As more and more glucose remains in the bloodstream blood glucose or blood sugar levels can rise too high. 

There are two major types of diabetes. Consider the following information as it relates to both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

In type 1 diabetes (also called juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes), the body completely stops producing any insulin. Insulin is a hormone that enables the body to use glucose to produce energy. Sufferers of type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections in order to survive. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults; however, it can occur at any age. 

Type 2 diabetes (also called adult-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependent diabetes) results when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or is unable to use insulin properly .Type 2 diabetes happens when your body either cannot produce enough insulin or does not use the insulin it makes properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Many of the foods we eat such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and fruit are converted into sugar and give us the energy we need to maintain life. Insulin gets the sugar into the cells. 

Diabetes is a life-long condition. High blood glucose levels over a long period of time can cause blindness, heart disease, kidney problems, and amputations. Good diabetes care and management can prevent or delay the onset of these complications. 

To manage your diabetes well, it is very important that you: 

• Don’t smoke 
• Keep your blood glucose levels in your target range 
• Keep your cholesterol and other blood fats in your target range 
• Keep your weight in a healthy range 
• Keep your blood pressure close to target level 
• Take your medication as prescribed

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Regular worming is essential to protect your dog against internal parasites

Regular worming is essential to protect your dog against internal parasites. This involves giving it preparations in liquid or tablet form. Adult dogs should be wormed at least once a year, and at least once every six months if in contact with children. Dogs showing any signs of infection should be wormed immediately and all breeding bitches should be wormed prior to mating. 

Roundworms. 

Several of these parasites affect dogs but the most important are the ones that belong to the Ascarid family, and live in the small intestine. Other roundworms infest the large intestine, blood vessels and respiratory tract. 

Ascarids feed on digesting food in the dog's gut, and are particularly harmful to puppies. They penetrate a puppies gut wall and pass via the blood to the liver and then to the lungs. From there they crawl up the trachea to be coughed up and swallowed, again ending up in the gut. Infected puppies may develop :- 

Hepatitis, pneumonia, fits, and obstruction to the gut, so regular treatment is vital. 

As the puppy gets older most of the worms travel to the muscles, where they form cysts. These lie dormant until the puppy bitch becomes pregnant. They then migrate to the puppies lungs, and this is why virtually every puppy is born with roundworm, and must be wormed regularly. 

How Roundworms Affect Humans. 

These worms can infect humans, and in a very low number of cases, cause disease. Good hygiene and common sense concerning children and puppies should control the problem. 

Tapeworms. 

The tapeworm tickle the dog's anus and make the dog drag it's rear end along the floor. If you see any worm segments in your dog's faeces, treat it as soon as possible. 

As a dog lover myself, I treat my own pets at least twice a year. Worming tablets can be bought cheaply at your local supermarket or petshop, so there's no excuse for not treating your own pet on a regular basis.

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One universal rule is that dogs cannot fly on a plane without the owner on board

A pet owner must research the many requirements before taking a dog on an airplane. Different airlines have slightly different regulations, but most airlines follow the same basic set of rules in regards to flying with a dog. 

One universal rule is that dogs cannot fly on a plane without the owner on board. Each airline that was contacted for this article has a rule that outlaws flying unaccompanied dogs from one point to another. Realize that the airline considers dogs to be cargo. Just as you are not allowed to send your luggage across the country without also being present, same thing goes when it comes to your dog. The intent of each rule is slightly different (it's unlikely that a bomb would be inside of a dog), but the bottom line is that the airlines to not want to be responsible for your dog. However, if you absolutely must transport your dog without being present, you can contact a licensed and approved pet transportation company to get the job done for you. 

Before you even go to the airport, you need to make an appointment with your veterinarian. All airlines mandate that every dog that boards the plane must receive a full physical examination and be tested for various diseases (rabies is their main concern) prior to boarding. Usually the airline will want the exam certificate be dated within 30 to 60 days prior to the date of the flight, so the exam you had last year will not work for a flight you plan on taking next week. 

Also, be aware of weather restrictions. These might be a big inconvenience, but they are in place to ensure the safety of your pet. The cargo area on an airplane can be incredibly hot. Because of this, there are restrictions on what times of the year dogs are allowed to travel to and from certain regions. Virtually all airlines will as well enforce weather and temperature related restrictions. For instance, if the temperature in the arrival or departure city is hotter than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, pets will not be permitted on the plane. Do not argue with the airline staff, because this is for your dog's safety. 

Many airlines are currently allowing pets to be transported in the cabin of the plane, as long as they can comfortably fit into the in-cabin kennel cage (usually 22” long by 9”). The price of this service varies by airline but is usually under $100.00. This is considerably cheaper in comparison to the pets flying in the cargo hold which is not as safe and which can cost upwards of $300.00 on some airlines. 

When flying internationally, be aware that the customs laws of many countries prohibit the entrance of dogs across their borders. Airlines are required to comply with these laws, and in many cases your dog will not be able to join you on an international flight at all.

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You can find affordable term life insurance, but you need to establish exactly what you need first

Do you need affordable term life insurance? This seems to be the million-dollar question. When you want to purchase life insurance you often do not know how much you need or if there is such a thing as having too much life insurance. What constitutes affordable life insurance and how much you need is totally dependant upon your own situation. 

Don't be fooled into determining the amount of insurance you should have to what your best friend or neighbour has. Remember, every situation is unique and your needs will be unique. Your need will be determined by what you wish to see happen in the event of your death. You do have to look at the life insurance cost of the premiums and decide how much you can afford from your monthly budget. There is affordable life insurance available at very low premiums and that will help your family out in the event of your death. 

When considering what affordable life insurance is needed in a family situation, you need to do a life insurance comparison. This will help you get the most affordable rates and there are countless life insurance companies able to help you in this regard. 

In order to determine how much life insurance you should have, a number of factors need to be considered. For a person with family needs, these may include such things as: 

• Do you have dependants? If so, how long will they be dependant upon you? 
• Do you have children? If so, how old are they? 
• Do you want to insure your children have a post secondary education? 
• Will your household income be greatly reduced upon your death? If so, how much income do you need to replace so your family maintains their standard of living? 
• How long will you need to replace your household income? 
• What taxes may be incurred upon your death? 
• Do you need to cover debt obligations such as loans or a mortgage? 

When you try to determine whether or not you can afford life insurance, think about whether or not your family can afford to be without affordable life insurance. 

You can find affordable term life insurance, but you need to establish exactly what you need first.

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If you’re a life insurance agent then life insurance leads are your lifeblood

Life insurance companies are taking advantage of the Internet by having a website where customers can request free quotes. Even though you are shopping for life insurance, this also gives the agents life insurance leads that they can follow up on, Once you submit a request, the agent that picks it up will send you an email giving you a quote. He/She may follow up on the life insurance leads by making a call to you a few days after you receive the quote. 

Making a living in the life insurance business is hard work. Agents have to constantly search for life insurance leads that will bring them in new customers. They make a commission on each life insurance policy that they sell. They don’t usually go door-to-door selling the policies and they can’t just sit in their offices waiting for clients to come through the door. They actively pursue all the leads hoping that some of them will pay off. More than likely the quote you receive is the lowest life insurance rates that the company offers. 

When you request quotes from at least three life insurance companies, you want to get the lowest life insurance rates. When the agents call based on the life insurance leads you supply, you can barter with them saying you are not interested because you have a lower quote. If they really want your business, the agent may redo the quote and some back with an even lower rate. 

Another way that agents get life insurance leads is through other customers. One customer may tell a friend or family member about the great rate he/she has gotten from a company. Then this person gives the agent a call regarding getting life insurance and purchases a policy. It’s like a never ending cycle. One person tells another and that person tells someone else and so on. 

If you’re a life insurance agent then life insurance leads are your lifeblood.

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As with children’s toys, safety should be first and foremost in your thoughts when considering a new toy purchase for your pet

There are plenty of toys on the market to keep your favorite pet entertained for hours on end, but there are also a number of factors to consider when purchasing toys for your pet. As with children’s toys, safety should be first and foremost in your thoughts when considering a new toy purchase for your pet.

Be sure not to give your pet toys that can be broken up and potentially stuck in their throats! Dog toys, like dogs themselves, come in various shapes and sizes. Dog toys should be durable, fun, and safe. Hard rubber toys such as the “Kong” line of products can provide your favorite dog with endless hours of chewing fun.

The “Kong” can also be filled with a mixture of your dog’s favorite treat and peanut butter! Please check with your veterinarian to ensure that it is okay to feed your dog peanut butter. Rope dog toys and rubber rings are always a bit hit with dogs that love to play fetch or tug-of-war. Playing “Frisbee” can also provide hours of entertainment for dogs and owners alike!

Dogs may also enjoy stuffed and furry toys, but be sure your pet cannot get at the stuffing inside as it can be a serious choking hazard. Toy birds and mice have traditionally proven to be very entertaining for cats. They especially seem to like the ones attached to string that you can pull and entice your furry feline to chase about!

They also seem to love simple cardboard boxes, tin-foil balls, and scrunched up newspaper! A recent favorite of cats and cat owners is the laser pointer. Cats never seem to tire from chasing that little red dot around, just be sure not to direct it at their eyes. The feather-and-pole type of toy is also very popular. Scratching posts are excellent forms of entertainment for cats, and they provide your cat something other than your furniture to dig their claws into! Hint: try sprinkling catnip on the post!!

There is also a series of catnip-stuffed toys and pillows that your cat will love. There are literally hundreds of pet toys on the market, just be sure to put safety first!

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Bear in mind that the bride will almost certainly wear her wedding ring alongside her engagement ring

Wedding Rings don’t tend to get the public airing that they deserve, in your average wedding celebration. However, wedding rings are likely to be worn for the rest of the bride and grooms’ living days, so they are, arguably, the most important element of the wedding accessories. 

Wedding Rings – The Basics 

Wedding rings are exchanged as part of the ceremony, normally as vows are said by both parties. The guests do not normally see the wedding rings until after the ceremony is well and truly over, so it can be tempting to skimp on this element and save money. 

Bear in mind that the bride will almost certainly wear her wedding ring alongside her engagement ring. It is essential, therefore, that they both rings work together well. This is particularly important if the engagement ring is of an atypical shape or with a particularly large stone. 

Always consider your everyday jewelry. Although it is possible to accessorize on your wedding day to complement you choice of wedding rings, this ring will be worn every day, for many years, so it must fit in well with your general style. This is equally important for the groom, as he too will have to wear the ring for some time, so he should also consider what would go well with his usual attire. 

Contrary to popular belief, it is not essential to choose golden rings. If you prefer silver colored rings but want to retain the quality, why not consider white gold? It is also possible for the bride and groom to have different styles of ring, so do not feel pressured into selecting matching styled rings. 

Wedding Rings – Ideas for Slashing the Budget 

Whilst you want the best wedding rings possible, you do not need to spend a small fortune! Often, wedding rings are passed through the generations, particularly on the male side, so find out whether this is the case so that you can avoid the time and energy of searching for the perfect wedding rings! 

When you are selecting an engagement ring, it may be possible to negotiate a discount on wedding rings, if they are purchased at the same time. Another possible option is to consider using cheaper wedding rings for the ceremony itself and to purchase the more permanent wedding rings, at a later day. The real point of this is to spread the major expenses – weddings do not come cheaply! 

A great way to make cheaper wedding rings look unique is to have them engraved with your wedding date and your initials. 

With a little imagination, wedding rings can truly look magical, without costing the earth!

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I know the drugs work for some people, but they didn't work for me

A drug-free hair loss product, from a surprising source, may be the new answer to thinning hair, alopecia, and male pattern baldness. 

"You have no idea what it's like," says Joe Rice, a 60-year-old professional from Fort Wayne, Indiana. "I started losing my hair in my twenties. It's miserable. It has a way of shaping your whole life." 

Joe's worn a toupee for years. No one sees him without it, not even his closest friends. He's tried "just about everything" to stop hair loss, including Rogaine and Propecia, without success. But deep down, he still holds out hope. 

"I know the drugs work for some people, but they didn't work for me," he sighs. "Just show me one new hair, and I'm a customer for life." 

Joe is not alone. Millions of men and women suffer in silence from alopecia, baldness and thinning hair. And while hair loss isn't fatal, it is a serious condition with profound psychological effects. For many, hair loss brings feelings of shame, despair, and crippled self-esteem. 

Since 1999, a group of scientists in Japan, led by researcher T. Takahashi, has been studying botanical extracts looking for a safe, effective solution for hair growth. After testing over a thousand different extracts, they found three promising natural chemicals. One was from barley. One from Chardonnay grapes. And one- by far the most potent- was an extract from ordinary apples. 

One year later, the scientists announced even more striking findings to the international community. They compared the apple extract, known as procyanidin B-2, Their results seemed almost impossible: in head-to-head tests, the apple chemical proved to be twice as effective in stimulating new hair growth. 

In further experiments on mice, the apple procyanidins, repeatedly produced "extensive hair growth." 

In clinical trials on humans, the results were even more exciting. The procyanidins from apples consistently grew new hair in men with male pattern baldness, the most stubborn form of unwanted hair loss- and without any of the side effects of hair loss drugs. 

Scientists are normally conservative when it comes to conclusions. But the statements from the Takahashi group were unequivocal. "Procyanidin B-2 therapy," they wrote, "shows potential as a promising cure for male pattern baldness." 

For Joe, and 60 million other men and women, this research means new hope. "Of course I'll try it," he says. "Just show me one new hair..."

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Until then, there are some things that you can do to lessen diet pill risks

 

I wish I had a nickel for every weight loss aid and pill on the market. You and I could both retire. Many of these have been associated with serious medical risks, including heart attack, heart abnormalities, tachycardia, stroke, seizures and death. That's pretty scary! 

Most diet pills are appetite suppressants of one kind or another, generally stimulants with effects similar to those of amphetamine. They're okayed for treatment of obesity, where it's considered that the health risks associated with obesity outweigh the risks of the medication. 

But is you have less than 30 pounds to lose, the risks are far less cut-and-dried. Over the counter medications and their risks are not as well-documented as the effects of prescription diet pills. Herbal preparation effects are documented even less, especially those whose makers don't officially make weight loss claims. 

Here's part of the problem. As long as they don't contain a 'new' ingredient, or one that has never been marketed for weight loss purposes, weight-loss aids are not subject to FDA review. Instead, the manufacturer is held responsible for the safety and effectiveness of their products. So a lot of times that means unregulated dosages, unhealthy additives and ineffective ingredients. 

Hopefully, one day all over the counter medications and herbal preparations marketed as weight loss supplements will be labeled and tested by impartial researchers. Until then, there are some things that you can do to lessen diet pill risks. 

Research thoroughly. There's a lot of information out there about drugs and herbs like ephedra, ephinedrine, phentermine and sibutramine. Know what you're taking and what the risks are so that you can watch for side effects. 

Always talk to your doctor before you start taking any drug or herbal supplement. Yes, I know you've heard this a thousand times, but there are good reasons for the advice! Some products interact poorly with other medications, or have an adverse effect on chronic conditions. 

Follow dosage instructions. Overdoses of stimulant medications, which are a component of most weight loss preparations, can be serious and severe. 

Don't take any weight loss pill or supplement for more than a few weeks unless a doctor has prescribed it. 

Ask your pharmacist when purchasing over the counter weight loss preparations to be sure that the ingredients don't interact with other medications you may be taking. Include both prescription and nonprescription medications in your questions. 

There are much more healthy and effective ways to lose weight than taking pills. The potential of serious health problems remains. It's an awful lot of risk for a little weight loss.

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Another benefit of adding fruit to your diet is the added water intake

Without question, fruit has wonderful natural benefits for the human body. Fruit is packed with vitamins and fiber much like vegetables, but comes in a wide variety of sweeter, more palatable flavors. 

Adding fruit to your diet is an excellent thing to do, but there are a few things that you need to keep in mind: 

1. Eat fresh fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. Juice is often sweetened, but fresh fruits have natural sugars. Also, you don’t receive all of the needed fiber and vitamins from fruit juice as you do from fresh fruit. 

2. If you do have a craving for fruit juice, then go for fresh fruit juice instead of those that contain artificial flavors and colors. Or even better, try making your own fruit juice, taking care not to sweeten it with too many calories. 

3. Choose fresh fruit over processed fruits. Again, processed and canned fruits do not have as much fiber or vitamins as fresh fruit, and processed and canned fruits are nearly always sweetened. 

4. Wherever possible eating locally produced seasonal fruits and vegetable fresh from the garden or grove is preferred. 

5. Fresh fruit makes the absolute perfect dessert for any meal. Throw out the cake and add a fresh fruit bowl to the dining table. 

6. Fresh fruit also makes the perfect snack. It’s far better to grab a banana or apple when hunger pangs strike, than a bag of greasy potato chips. Plus, fresh fruit just tastes better. 

7. It’s interesting to note that nature produces several varieties of fruits resembling the shapes of the organs of our body, which are useful and beneficial to that specific organ. Here are some examples: 

• Apricot - Brain 
• Mango-Papaya - Stomach 
• Almonds - Eyes 
• Apple - Heart 
• Grapes - Lungs 
• Cashew nuts - Kidney 

8. Fruits and vegetables have in them a natural storage of the sun’s energy. If we make a daily practice of having fresh fruit and vegetables, or one glass of real fruit juice and two or three cups of green juice of vegetables, our requirement for food will be reduced to a minimum. We will have enough energy to maintain the body in a healthy condition. 

Overall, just remember that fresh fruit is better for you than canned fruit, fruit juice, processed fruit, or cooked fruit. Eat as much fresh fruit as you like. 

Another benefit of adding fruit to your diet is the added water intake. Water is a simple, yet effective tool in the fight against the scale and the emergency room, and is often overlooked by most people. 

But that is a whole other subject... 

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Follow this great advice and you will have super clean indoor air in no time

Indoor air can make you miserable if it is not kept clean and healthy. Clean indoor air is essential for a happy you and a happy home. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reported that Indoor air can contain up to 5 times as much pollution as outdoor air. Allergies and asthma are on the rise so cleaning indoor air in your home and work place is more important than ever as this can greatly reduce symptoms according to Dr. John Winder, an allergist for the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 

These are some clean indoor air top tips: 

• When you dust your house with a cloth you a often spreading dust around. You vacuum based tools to dust with instead. Make sure you don’t avoid difficult to reach areas like space under beds, drapes and moldings. 

• A great tip for dusting small objects is to cover the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner with a pair of tights or fine cloth. Put the vacuum on a low suction level and run the small objects over the front of the vacuum nozzle. This sucks all the dust off without the object disappearing in to the vacuum! Note: Be sure to use a scrap material to cover the vacuum nozzle as it can get ruined in the process. 

• Wrap pillows and mattresses in allergen-protective covers and regularly vacuum them. 

• When you wash your linens make sure the water is hot (130 degrees or above) to ensure dust mites and their eggs are killed off properly. 

• Deep clean your carpets & floor surfaces once every season at least. 

• To really thoroughly achieve clean indoor air get an air purifier to remove all the airborne pollutants. 

• Clean indoor air is also about humidity.. maintain a cool & dry home. Keep humidity to 50% or less. You can use a humidifier to aid in this but make sure you frequently empty the unit to prevent the growth of mold in the tank. 

• Try to avoid letting your pets sleep in the bedrooms. 

• Keep stuffed animals and busy shelves to a minimum as these are real dust-catcher locations. If you have lots of stuffed toys vacuum them frequently.. but carefully of course!! 

Follow this great advice and you will have super clean indoor air in no time.

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