B4 - The Canadian Champion, Friday, July 14, 2006 4 The price you pay for pesticide use: Why you should consider the alternatives (NC)-How much would you pay for the perfect lush, green lawn? $50? $100? More? Before you pull out your wallet, you may want to consider the cost to you and your family's health. Commonly used to make lawns greener and bug- free, pesticides are poisons designed to kill inseots, rodents, weeds and fungi. Because they are meant to destroy living organisms, they can also be harmful to humans. Some have been linked to a variety of ill- nesses, including cancer. Young children are particu- larly at risk, as their immune systems are still under- developed. For these reasons alone, the Canadian Cancer Society encourages healthier alternatives for Canadas green thumbs. The Society is not the only one concerned about the negative effects that ornamental pesticides may have on people's health. Many cities across Canada have already taken steps to limit or ban them alto- gether. There are many ways you can achieve a beautiful yard. Here are just a few: • Dig out weeds by hand instead of using weed killer. • Use a spray of water from the garden hose to remove insects from plants and trees. t Do not over water your lawn. Two centimetres is all that s needed, so put a container on the grass when you water t to help you measure. . Make your own mild insecticide by mixing 2 table- spoons of soap flakes with a litre of water and lightly spraying plant leaves. t Gently break up the soi in your lawn to allow mois- ture and nutrients to reach the rcots. - Talk to your gardening supply store about natural alternatives f0 pesticides, such as companion plants, which help fend off insects that affect other plants. For more information on pesticides and cancer, con- tact a Canadian Cancer Society Information Specialist at 1 888 939-3333 or visit www.cancer.ca. Tips for a healthy home this summer Tips for a healthy home this summer(NC)-During summer, smog conditions come into focus as the leading air quality concern. However, indoor air quali- ty is very important and easily managed, especially for those with allergies and breathing disorders, such as asthma and chronic lung disease. While we ail should do our part to help reduoe smog levels, there are many indcor air pollutants everyone should know about and learn how to reduce or eliminate them altogether. me Lung Association offers these top tips for summer: Open up Open your screened windows and let the fresh air in! Indoor contaminants can build up and get trapped indoors. Get a hold of mould Sure the basement might be the coolest place to be on a hot summer day, but do you smell musty or earthy odours when you head down there? Look for condensation on windows, white powdery stains on exposed concrete walls, discoloration on walls, ceil- ings or floors. Adequate ventilation along with a dehu- midifier can help to reduce excess humidity levels indoors. Kitchens and bathrooms are also good hide- outs for dampness and mould. Bye, bye bunnles If you have started naming your dust bunnies, its fime to consider a new family pet. Dust is a combination of both chemical and biological substances that can make breathing difficult for peo- pIe with allergies and asthmae. Here are a few tips: . Use a central vacuum system f0 remove dust to a sealed canister outside of the living area. . Use a damp cloth and work from the top down in every room. • Use a high efficiency pleated furnace filter. This can help remove many 0f the smaller particles from the air; be sure to check the filter regularly and replace it at least every three months. No butts about it The only way f0 control secondhand smoke is by not allowing anyone 0 smoke in your home. Breathing secondhand smoke exposes you to harmful chemi- cals long ater the cigarette ends since they are absorbed by curtains, linens, furniture and clothes. Oui and About Take a walk around the outside of your home f0 look for standing water. Top up the gardens with extra sou to absorb spring rains, and slope if away from the house to let the water drain away from the foundation. Check garden hoses and taps for dripping. Take a good look at the roof and eaves troughs for any sign f winter damage. When working in the yard or even n the garage, a well-fitted respiratory mask can reduce exposure f0 allergens and contaminants. Mission: emisslens When getting your home in tip-top shape, use vine- gar, baking soda and vegefable oil. These are greaf non-toxic alternatives ft household cleaning products. Applance compliance. In the kitchen, refrigerator drip pans and couls need f0 be checked for build up of biological contaminants and dust. Also, be sure to clean the coils on your air conditioner and check for mould. Radon Alert Check for foundation cracks and seal foundations appropriately. Radon, a radioactive component of soil, can enter your home through the cracks in basement walls and foundations and is linked to lung cancer. Anyone interested in learning more about ways to improve the air quality throughout your home, should visit The Lung Association's at www.YourHealthy Homeca or cal g-888-566-5864for the Healthy Home Audit guide, whîch gives helpful room-by-room fips. a uMMe Hours - n-ri 0-6> :W-% 'rom a*4"CsiWGr ~l .ir 30 TO 50% OFF SELECTED ITEMS Including... TREES -- Large selection for every location in your yard SHRUBS -- Choose from evergreens, deciduous, flowering, variegated and more... PERENNIALS -- Sun or shade; spring, summer or fall flowering Check our sak board for weekly spealas! ý1111Z