Healthy Home Hacks Podcast

Have you ever stopped to consider the quality of the air your child is breathing every day in their classroom? It’s a fact that indoor air quality can affect IQ test scores, and cognitive development (even during prenatal exposure) and trigger respiratory illnesses like asthma and allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), nearly 26 million people in the U.S. suffer from asthma. This equates to 1 in 13 people; it’s a leading chronic disease in children. Currently, there are about 4.8 million children under the age of 18 with asthma. Did you know poor indoor air quality can also affect cognitive function in not just adults, but children and teens? According to IQAir, research reveals that breathing polluted air could impair memory and reasoning, reduce academic performance, and even lower intelligence. Today, we’re thrilled to bring back Glory Dolphin Hammes, CEO of IQAir North America. We’re picking up from episode #75 where we discussed how air quality affects our sleep. Today, we’re diving deeper into the importance of air quality in schools and how it’s affecting children.  Glory’s inspiration and passion for clean air for all led to the IQAir Foundation, a nonprofit focused on providing clean air for kids with air quality filtration technology and monitoring in schools located in the most polluted communities in the US. KEY TAKEAWAYS:           What an IQAir clean air facility is            How IQAir collaborates with schools to help their facilities become clean air schools            How teen exposure to poor air quality could reduce IQ levels long-term            How breathing polluted air can impair memory and reasoning, reduce academic performance, and even lower intelligence            The correlation between students testing higher with excellent air quality            What the AirVisual app is and what makes it the number 1 air quality app in the world            What a public monitoring station is          How people contribute and participate in clean air awareness IQAir is offering $25 off the indoor/outdoor monitor AirVisual Bundle. Just head to IQair.com and enter the discount code: RONANDLISA25 at checkout. This discount applies to each eligible item per order. There is no minimum purchase requirement, it applies to all customers, there are no usage limits, and the code is active from now until May 31, 2023. And, you have a chance to WIN your very own AirVisual Pro and AirVisual Outdoor sensor bundle valued at $569.00! There is no purchase necessary to win. Just head to RonandLisa.com to get all of the details. We’ll have the direct link in the show notes at RonandLisa.com/Podcast.

You’ve likely heard of fast food and probably even fast fashion, but have you heard of fast furniture? Similar to food and fashion, the fast furniture trend has gained attention for its negative environmental and social impact.  Disposable furniture offers affordable on-trend home décor options, yet, fast furniture is made quickly and cheaply with often toxic-laden materials, and since it typically only for a short period (1-3+ years) the furniture ends up in a landfill. According to experts, nearly 10 million tons of furniture piled up in landfills in 2018. Here to shed light on this problem is our guest, Kristen Toth, President and COO of Fernish, a furniture and home decor rental service that’s making it as effortless as possible to create a home that allows you the high-quality, modern home furnishings you want - without the commitment or high upfront costs. Key Takeaways:           What the circular economy is and how Fernish is partaking in it           What fast furniture means and ways it is damaging to our environment          The sustainable measures Fernish has taken           Besides sustainable efforts, some other reasons people use Fernish           How Fernish’s partnership with Holos Communities is adding an extra layer to sustainability and social impact effort           The areas of the country Fernish currently services You can learn more about Fernish at www.Fernish.com. We’ll have all the links in the show notes at www. RonandLisa.com/Podcast. Stay tuned for the next episode. Get ready to up-level your health.      

Have you ever suffered through painful waxing, laborious lasering, or threading torture & injury to remove unwanted hair? If you have, stay tuned. You don’t want to miss today’s show. Our guest, Salome Sallehy, the founder and president of Sugar Sugar Wax reveals a safe, non-toxic, natural, and gentle way to get rid of unwanted hair that is over 3,000 years old. Salome finally found an alternative that not only gives a miraculous glow but is gentle on sensitive skin and the planet. Her secret sauce is all benefits, with no risk, no waste, and no nasty chemicals. It is so natural you could eat it. Key Takeaways: What sugar wax is and how it differs from other types of hair removal wax Some of the health concerns with traditional methods of hair removal The environmental impact of the most common hair removal methods compared to sugaring Is laser hair removal a healthy option?  The do's and don'ts when it comes to sugaring Laser hair removal and the body burden connection How our individual bodies/differences determine the best method of hair removal Salome is offering our fabulous listeners 15% off any order with code: RON&LISA15. Head to https://www.sugarsugarwax.com/ to start shopping and sugaring safely…spring is right around the corner!

Chris Briley, a sustainable design expert and Certified Passive House consultant, joins Emily Mottram, founder of Mottram Architecture, to discuss the hidden dangers of toxic building materials. They highlight the lack of regulation in the U.S. and reveal essential tips for selecting safe products. Ventilation's crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality is emphasized, along with common mistakes in ventilation systems. They also explore sustainable materials, including the benefits of straw, and advocate for informed choices to ensure healthier homes.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, you’re in the right place. Today, about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep or wakefulness disorders which are associated with a growing number of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. But you may not be aware of an invisible culprit that could be greatly impacting your sleep quality and comfort that is linked to a number of health problems, including respiratory issues and allergies, which can cause discomfort and make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Our guest, Glory Dolphin Hammes, is an air quality nerd, a wife, a mom, a tree hugger, a sports enthusiast, and the CEO of IQAir North America. She’s an expert in environmental control, a Certified Indoor Environmentalist, and a licensed HVAC contractor and is here to shed light on how air quality impacts our sleep. Key Takeaways: •    Tangible steps you can take at home today to improve your air and sleep quality •    How IQAir is working to solve the problem of air pollution (both indoor and outdoor)  •    What are dust mites and how do they impact our health •    How investing in the right air purifier can help •    What makes the Atem X the best option for improving sleep quality •    How particulate matter such as dust, smoke, and pollen contribute to indoor air pollution •    Why ultrafine particles (UFPs) are considered among the most dangerous particle pollutants  •    How over 90% of airborne particles in the air at any given time are ultrafine particles  •    The difference between a HEPA filter and a HyperHEPA filter

If you’ve ever considered the many benefits of going vegan, you’re in the right place. Not only is eating a whole food, plant-based diet healthier for you, but it also doesn’t require your participation in the exploitation of the vulnerable. Someone who understands this and values not just human life, but ALL life, is our guest today. In 2001, Kathy Stevens co-founded Catskill Animal Sanctuary, where her love of teaching and her love of animals merged. One of the world’s leading sanctuaries for farmed animals, Catskill has saved more than 5,000 non-human individuals through the direct rescue — and exponentially more through programming that encourages humans to adopt veganism. Kathy shares how: A vegan saves around 30 animal lives every month (Veestro) Veganism could save almost eight million human lives by 2050 (Oxford Martin School) Following a vegan lifestyle cuts 100% of bad cholesterol from a person’s diet (The Vegan Review) A plant-based diet reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 23% (Harvard) Key Takeaways: What an "animal sanctuary" is and how is it different from an "animal shelter" What makes Catskill Animal Sanctuary unique among sanctuaries for farmed animals What vegan living means How veganism is the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact What Catskill's New Leaf program is and how you can participate Learn more about Catskill Animal Sanctuary and its New Leaf Program. You can donate to support their ongoing efforts to bring awareness to end animal suffering and aid in the welfare of the beautiful rescued animals. All of the links will be in the show notes at RonandLisa.com/Podcast.

Water is a precious resource and many people don’t have enough of it. Most households in the U.S. waste a huge amount of water each year. If you’ve considered increasing your curb appeal with a drought-tolerant yard, you’ve come to the right place. It’s time to say sayonara to water-guzzling lawns and join the likes of other happy people who have cut their water bills by up to 50 percent. Not only are drought-tolerant landscapes beautiful, but they’re also earth-friendly and sustainable and can increase property value significantly. Our guest, Rama Nayeri, discovered her passion for working outdoors with plants and earned her landscape architecture degree from Cal Poly Pomona. Today, Rama is active in the green community and deeply committed to promoting drought-tolerant landscape design within Southern California. Key Takeaways: Should we trash our lawns and if so, what are the best replacements? How the Covid pandemic has affected the landscape industry. Sustainable practices and features that can be incorporated into gardens. What native plants are and how to incorporate them into a garden with existing plants. Homeowners can take advantage of municipal program incentives concerning turf removal and sustainability. Tips for someone looking to transform their garden on a shoestring budget. The process of working with a landscape designer/contractor. What a homeowner should do before meeting with a designer/contractor. To learn more about Rama’s work and services, visit https://creationslandscapedesigns.com/. She provides initial consultations, full landscape design, and small-space patio design. Her landscape design offerings service Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Diego County. Find all of the show notes at https://RonandLisa.com/Podcast.

It’s cold and flu season and if you’re experiencing dreaded symptoms, you’ve come to the right place. While flu viruses are detected year-round in the US, they’re most common during the fall and winter with influenza activity peaking between December and February.  You may have asked yourself if the cold and flu be avoided. And if you suffer from either, can the duration and severity be reduced? Our guest today, Dr. Ken Redcross, is the author of “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor,” and founder of a unique concierge service providing patient-first treatment through Strategic Health Services. His patient portfolio includes executives, athletes, and entertainers, as well as individuals from all walks and stages of life. Key Takeaways: Why it’s essential to eat a healthy diet, especially this time of year. Healthier options to include in your diet. How lack of sleep affects our immune system and our ability to fend off a cold or the flu. Why you should be proactive when it comes to the flu. Some of the “closer to the earth” remedies Dr. Redcross prefers to give his patients and even his own family. What’s most appealing about homeopathic medicines. Redcross’ favorites homeopathic remedies for the cold and flu. The issue concerning medications for children and why it’s essential to be mindful when administering medicines to younger family members. To learn more about Dr. Redcross’ work and services, visit Dr. Ken Redcross, and to learn more about Boiron, visit BoironUSA. We’ll have all the links in the show notes at RonandLisa.com/Podcast.

According to CDC Cancer, one in every two men and one in every three women in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetime. Our guest today helps others understand that the majority of cancers are not genetic but rather, caused by lifestyle and environment. Dr. Blythe Metz-Mändmets is a metaphysician, thought leader, speaker, and holistic healing coach who specializes in helping people realize their self-healing design. She created Corporate Vitality Programs to up-level the mental, emotional, and physical health of workforces while maximizing corporate productivity, creativity, and innovation. Key Takeaways: The biggest problem in traditional medicine today How people can shift to personal responsibility What the Oxygen Factor is What people can do to have a 100+ year life of health and vitality Blythe is gifting our listeners with a free Oxygenation Session & Vitality Masterclass: The 7 Protocols For Vitality & Longevity on December 3, 2022.

Welcome back to part 2 with Karen Cusmano, SVP, Head of Sustainability and ESG at Veris Residential, Inc; a forward-thinking, socially responsible REIT that provides a sustainable multifamily living experience for residents. If you missed the last episode #69, be sure to check it out as we covered How to Rent an Environmentally Friendly Apartment. Today, we’re diving deeper into green living to shed light on what a green lease lifestyle looks like at a sustainable property. In this episode, we’re talking about ways that renters take advantage of eco-friendly amenities once they’ve signed a green lease. Key Takeaways: The type of eco-friendly amenities found at Veris Residential properties What a Walker’s Paradise means for residents The non-glamourous, yet impactful aspects of sustainable living features Biodiversity at Veris Residential including green roofs, hydroponic tower gardens, and beekeeping The social factors: fundraising, tree planting, and community events at Veris Residential Remember, ‘Sustainability is a lens through which we view every decision, every action, every day.’