Here in North Carolina the weather can be a bit unpredictable. However, one thing is for sure…winter is here! Just last Friday we were surprised by the year’s first snow fall. As the chill of winter sets in, many of us begin to worry about getting sick. Have you ever wondered why illness is seemingly so prevalent in the winter months?
Healthline.com busted the myth of cold temperatures making you ill. They reveal that influenza viruses rise in the winter and the true culprit is a shocking combination of factors that reside in your home. The biggest culprits to winter illness are dry air and poor ventilation. The chilly temperatures force us indoors where we have cranked up the heat or fireplace to fight the cold. Coupled with poor ventilation, this creates a breeding ground for viruses.
You may be thinking, “How do windows play into all of this?” It’s simple, think of how many times you touch your windows throughout the year. Now compare that to how many times you’ve cleaned your windows in the past year. We get it, it’s a hassle and windows are easily forgettable. But, it goes without saying that your windows are hosting all types of bacteria and not receiving proper cleaning.
In regards to health, the importance of clean windows extend far beyond the winter months. Here are just a few reasons why clean windows contribute to clean health throughout the year:
Reduces Allergens/Seasonal Congestion
Take a moment to run your finger along your windowsills. Take a long hard look at all the dust and dirt that has culminated on your finger. This dust is composed of many different types of dirt, dander, bacteria and pollen that will lead to allergic reactions. Signs of allergies and seasonal congestion include:
- Headache
- Itchy eyes
- Coughing/sneezing
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
Pest/Bug Control
Spiders and other pests are known to inhabit windows due to the security and privacy they offer, as well as a place to capture their meals. Spiders create webs to catch their prey and leave unwanted evidence in the corners and sills of each window. Spider webs are both unpleasant and the beginning of an infestation problem. Spider bites typically tend to be harmless, but can cause rashes and general ailments. However, especially in more rural areas, there are poisonous spiders that can cause serious illnesses if bitten.
Prevention of Mold
Dr. Jill Carnahan of Flatiron Functional Medicine educates on the importance of removing and preventing mold in the home. She provides the following symptoms as a guide to help others discover if mold is affecting their health:
1.
Fatigue and weakness
2. Headache, light sensitivity
3. Poor memory, difficult word finding
4. Difficulty concentration
5. Morning stiffness, joint pain
6. Unusual skin sensations, tingling and numbness
7. Shortness of breath, sinus congestion or chronic cough
8. Appetite swings, body temperature regulation,
9. Increased urinary frequency or increased thirst
10. Red eyes, blurred vision, sweats, mood swings, sharp pains
11. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating
12. Tearing, disorientation, metallic taste in mouth
13. Static shocks
14. Vertigo, feeling lightheaded
Mold is caused by warmth and moisture combining on many surfaces within the home. Condensation in your windows can create the perfect atmosphere for mold to form and thrive.
Thankfully, mold is easy to spot! Have you ever seen brown or black spots in your windowsills? That is mold. However, in some instances, mold is next to impossible to detect because it grows in between the glass and the casing on the inner part of your windows. Mold that remains untreated can cause serious respiratory infections and make allergies worse.
Mold can be really difficult to remove and it is recommend that you use a window cleaning company to see that all mold and bacteria are removed. Special cleaning agents and top-grade power-washers will ensure a deep cleaning, removing all the mold-causing bacteria.
Potential Physical Danger
To the untrained eye, windows may appear to be in excellent condition but often times there are issues that go undetected. Window cleaning services allow for a trained technician to assess your windows for any signs of damage such as loose/broken casings, rotting windowsills, and loose windows or cracked glass.
Lastly, we all know someone who has suffered injuries from falling from ladders when cleaning their windows and gutters. There are over 5,000 fall cases a year, many of them as a result of faulty windows and ladders. Why take the risk, resulting in thousands of dollars in medical bills?
Your heath is important all year round! Whether your windows are dusty, affected by pests, moldy, or in poor condition we are available to assist. Ranked #1 nationally on Angie’s List for window cleaning, Squeegee Pros is ready to send a trained technician to your home. Let us help take care of you today!
