’Tis the season for pollen and pesticides, not to mention pet dander and disease-carrying creepy-crawlies. The editors at ThisOldHouse.com checked in with health and environment experts across the country for easy, inexpensive tips to help keep your home healthy.
Here are 10 tips to keep in mind:
Add mats on both sides of the door. Up to 80 percent of the dirt that gets tracked inside—along with countless allergens, bacteria and lawn chemicals—can be caught before it makes itself at home with...
It’s easy to get excited about the idea of working out but soon find yourself feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. Having the right mindset and realistic expectations can help you succeed at a new exercise program.
Why Do You Want to Work out?The reason why you exercise will determine whether you’ll stick with it. Internal motivation is more likely to lead to long-term success than motivation based on external factors. If you want to get in shape to look good at the beach or at your friend’s we...
There are so many ways to keep your home safe and secure. From basic practices to high-tech gadgets, certain measures can ensure that you feel comfortable both in your home and when you're away. Here are five things to keep in mind.
Locks and Entry Points
Install sturdy deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Make sure you use them consistently. Consider reinforced strike plates and long screws for stronger door frames. Secure any sliding doors with a bar or rod in the track, as this will help pr...
After working hard at the same job for years, you’ve saved up enough money and hit the age where you can finally retire. Congratulations! Retirement can be an exciting time full of new journeys, personal growth and, of course, some well-deserved R&R.
Although adequate savings and a responsible budget are essential for a happy post-work life, money isn’t everything. In fact, studies suggest many people have trouble adjusting to retirement, and some may even become depressed.
Now that you’re out...
For many people, mornings are stressful, even chaotic. Rushing and feeling anxious first thing in the morning can set a negative tone for the rest of the day. Some simple (but important) changes can make a world of difference.
Prepare for the Day AheadYou can eliminate much of your morning stress by taking care of as many things as possible the night before. Check the weather forecast and pick out clothes and shoes for yourself and your kids. If anyone will need an umbrella, coat or other items...
A backyard can be an excellent place to let your kids and pets play and to entertain guests, but it could also be filled with hazards. One trip or a curious child or pet could lead to an accident and serious injuries, as well.
WaterPools and hot tubs may look appealing to kids, but they can be deadly. Ponds, lakes and streams can also pose a threat to your family. Even if kids only sneak outside unsupervised for a minute, they can drown, even in shallow water. If you have a pool or hot tub in y...
If you have a sign in your front yard warning burglars that you have a home alarm system in place, you could be attracting a new breed of scammer. That’s the warning from the consumer watchdogs at Consumer Reports, who say scammers look for signs of existing installations, especially older-looking signs, then strike with one of two approaches:
Fraudsters claiming to be remote access technicians from your security company tell you, they noticed glitches in your system and they want to repair it...
