Spring Cleaning for Your Health

Have you started your spring cleaning yet? What about spring cleaning for your health? Spring is the season of rebirth – and a perfect time to make time for your health and the health of your family. But, don’t worry… its mostly fun, easy stuff! There is even a checklist provided by the American Osteopathic Association that you can print out and refer to!

With our busy schedules it is sometimes hard to make time for our health, but nothing is more important than the health of you and your family. By setting aside a few hours one weekend this spring, you can take simple steps to make your home a healthier place for you and your family.
-Joel R. Cooper, DO – AOA Board-Certified Family Physician in Glendale, AZ

But, exactly what is the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)? The AOA is a professional organization of more than 104,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students. The organization promotes public health and encourages scientific research. If you want to learn more about the AOA and what they do, click here.

The American Osteopathic Association recommends taking one weekend this spring and “cleaning” for your health.

FRIDAY – schedule appointments with your primary physician for a physical or checkup. Make a list of questions to ask, including ones about medications, vitamins, supplements, exercise, and diet

SATURDAY – tackle household chores and really do some ‘spring cleaning’ to make your home a safer and healthier place! Clean out the medicine cabinet and dispose of old medication and expired products. Check the dates on items in your first aid kits, as well as on your sunscreen. Change the filters in your heating and air conditioning system. Wash your window screens to remove pollen and mold, and vacuum or wash window treatments to remove dust.

SUNDAY – purchase supplies or products that you need to maintain a safe and happy home. Replace expired medications, first aid supplies, and sunscreen products. (See below for ideas on stocking your first aid kit.) Consider purchasing plant-based cleaning products to alleviate asthma or allergy issues.

For your own checklist for Spring Cleaning for Your Health, click here.

When you are creating or checking your first aid kit, don’t forget these items:

Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
Sterile gauze pads in various sizes
Cloth adhesive tape
Latex-free disposable gloves
Tweezers
Thermometer
Triple-antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic wipes
Topical antihistamines
Over-the counter pain reliever (check with your doctor for recommendations)
CPR face mask

I highly recommend having a first aid kit for your house, car, garage, workshop, and anywhere else someone could get hurt. For more information, or to purchase ready-made kits, visit the Red Cross website.

Getting Involved:

Listen to the official American Osteopathic Association public service announcement
Share the Spring Cleaning for your Health check list with family, friends, and on social media
Like AOA on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and Pinterest

For more information on spring cleaning for your health and ways to make your home a healthier place, please visit the AOA website: www.osteopathic.org

This post was written for social good. No compensation was received. All information and pictures used with permission.

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