Spring (cleaning) has sprung

A health expert shares spring cleaning tips and tricks for better health.

IN a nutshell Happy Monday, friends! It's been spring for a couple of weeks now … have you started spring cleaning yet? If not, we've got you covered with expert tips below. Here's what else we'll be talking about today: • a vacuum, air purifier, and disinfecting wipes to help you clean • seasonal allergies are hitting earlier, especially in these U.S. hot spots • is "spring depression" a thing? • common medications that may harm your kidneys Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota April 10, 2023 • 5 min read

what's got us buzzing Clean your home by hopping on these spring cleaning tips tl;dr: Spring cleaning may be daunting, but it can help boost your health. Consider starting off by vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, reducing clutter, opening windows for ventilation, and using safer, greener products. Finding balance and a stress-free routine is key to a long-lasting cleaning practice. Daunted by spring cleaning? Same! Healthline's Lisa Valente, MS, RD reminds us it's worth the effort, though. "Not only does it feel good, but having a clean home can also help your health." She offers the following tips to give you a head start on a healthy spring cleaning strategy: Vacuum and wipe down surfaces to help reduce allergy triggers, like pollen and dust. Reduce clutter and mess in your home to improve your mental health and focus. Disinfect high-touch surface areas to help reduce germs and illnesses from spreading. Open windows for ventilation while cleaning to let in some fresh air. When it comes to cleaning products, Valente suggests using the Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program where they list products with ingredients safer for human and environmental health. Generally speaking, she says you might want to: Forgo cleaning products with fragrances. Make your own cleaning solutions using ingredients like lemon, vinegar, or baking soda. Look for natural cleaners, which can work just as well as more conventional options. If this sounds overwhelming, try not to worry. Valente believes "it's about finding that balance of keeping things tidy, but not stressing out too much about cleaning all the time (because who can do that?)." Need some product inspo? Scroll down to see our top picks.

great finds Editor faves with health perks       ECOVACS DEEBOT N10 This compact yet powerful robot saves me so much time vacuuming my duplex apartment each week. It's my new best friend. *ECOVACS provided this product for free. SHOP NOW     Mila Air Purifier Mila (with the Critter Cuddler filter) has effectively removed kitchen odors, kept the air quality index way down, and looked nice in my apartment for months now. SHOP NOW     Clorox Disinfecting Wipes You don't need to shell out hundreds of bucks to clean your home. These easy-to-use Clorox disinfectant wipes are an affordable and effective option. SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.

Monday Kick Start Spring allergy alert: 2023 U.S. allergy hot spots More than 100 million people experience seasonal allergies (also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis) per year. Due to the effects of climate change, symptoms are kicking in earlier now than ever before. Depending on the severity of triggers, like pollen and air pollution, in your area, you may have a stronger allergic reaction than people living in other locations. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recently released its 2023 Allergy Capitals report based on three factors: total pollen scores, over-the-counter allergy medication use, and the number of allergy specialists. According to this list of metropolitan areas in the United States: • The top five cities for people with allergic rhinitis are Buffalo, NY; Seattle, WA; Cleveland, OH; Austin, TX; and Akron, OH. • The top five cities for people with asthma are Provo, UT; Winston-Salem, NC; Colorado Spring, CO; Raleigh, NC; and Madison, WI. • The five worst cities for allergies are Wichita, KS; Dallas, TX; Scranton, PA; Oklahoma City, OK; and Tulsa, OK. * Read the full report summary and learn more about managing allergies and asthma. If you need help managing seasonal allergies, consider seeing a doctor to discuss a management or treatment plan for relief.

Health Hype True or False: Seasonal depression only occurs between fall and winter. (Find the answer at the end of this email)

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Health Hype Answer True or False: Seasonal depression only occurs between fall and winter. False! Seasonal depression, previously known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is commonly talked about toward the end of the year. (Think: less daylight, colder weather, more depressive symptoms.) However, it can strike during any season, even spring! "Spring depression" or "reverse SAD" isn't officially listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, but it still affects people's moods all over the world. Learning more about spring depression, including how to cope, can help you manage your symptoms and feel better year-round. Tell us: Do you experience seasonal depression? If so, which months do you feel it most? Share with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!)

Thanks for reading! I hope this newsletter gave you some ideas on how to spring into action. We'll be back in your inbox on Wednesday with more health stories you need.

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by spring cleaning.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001