Is Your House Making You Sick?

Are there potential health hazards lurking in your home? Here’s how to do a “health audit” of your living space.

Home: It’s your sanctuary. It’s where you eat, sleep and relax, but did you know that what goes on in your house and neighbourhood could be affecting your health? Latest research reveals some intriguing findings. ask yourself the following questions and discover how different aspects of your home have an impact on your well being, and what to do to improve it.

How well do you get on with your neighbours?

The better the relationship, the healthier you’re likely to be, particularly in old age. Positive social relationships are beneficial – both in facilitating engagement in healthy behaviours like exercise, but also as a resource during stress, or if we need specific information like the best local doctor, says psychologist Tim Windsor. “In my experience, simply taking the trouble to say ‘hello’ and introduce yourself over the fence usually meets with a positive response,” he says. and if it doesn’t, go next door but one and say ‘hi’ there, or volunteer at a local community centre – simply feeling connected to your community boosts health.

Do you live near a fast food joint?