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Spring cleaning gets all the attention, but fall is the perfect time to get the outside of your house ready to guard against cold temperatures and the inside of your house set up to begin the hibernation process that winter often brings for many Canadians.
Not sure how to get started? Here are the top 5 tasks to tackle this fall:
Clean and store patio furniture, or wrap them securely with a tarp if they won’t fit indoors.
Check caulking around windows and doors, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for re-caulking if needed.
Drain and store garden hoses and empty pipes to prevent freezing.
Arrange an air duct cleaning to prevent dust and other irritants from being blown around the house.
Do a thorough cleaning and dusting of hard to reach places like behind the refrigerator and couch.
You might expect to be left a little winded once you get to the end of your fall clean up list; however, feeling breathless after doing simple tasks may be a sign of something more serious like a respiratory condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, causes permanent narrowing of the lung airways and symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing up phlegm.
Removing dust and irritants can help COPD sufferers breathe easier, but strenuous cleaning activities can also aggravate symptoms. It is essential to take regular breaks to help you catch your breath. And if you are suffering from symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing, speak to your physician about a COPD assessment and finding the right treatment options for you.
source: http://www.newscanada.com