photo credit: The Equinest

According to the World Health Organization’s report in 2002 on indoor pollutants, indoor air can be up to 12 times as polluted as outdoor air.  Volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, released from paints, adhesives, varnishes, solvents, furniture, and clothing can all affect indoor air quality. Urea-formaldehyde, found in the resin of many pressed wood products and in some insulation, can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.  Both VOCs and formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions, illnesses, irritation, and cancer.

Luckily, many decorative plants can have a significant impact.  During a study at the University of Georgia, common indoor plants were tested for their ability to remove five common VOCs from the air.  Of the 28 species tested, the Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata), English Ivy (Hedera helix), Waxy Leaved Plant (Hoya carnosa), and Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) were best at removing harmful pollutants.  Plants adapted to grow in low-light conditions, like many houseplants, have to efficiently capture the gases for photosynthesis, and this adaptation enhances their ability to soak up toxic products.  Plants are a cheap and effective way to improve indoor air quality while beautifying your home.

Sources: EPA, Telegraph.co.uk

We were at Will Rogers Park in Los Angeles last Friday for a work retreat.  We did a little SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunites, threats); discussed our strategy; ate salad pizza for lunch (no, not oxymoron); and did a yoga session led by Ted McDonald, Maha Yoga instructor and owner of Adventure Yoga Retreats (www.ayretreats.com).  Good times!  For more pics, click here http://www.flickr.com/photos/livinghomes/sets/72157621755863555/

Florian took up the hobby after finishing college and it quickly became an important part of his life. He can juggle three balls or clubs, but he is practicing to reach five! He loves teaching it too, which is how the rest of us caught the bug.

Juggling Facts

• Typical juggling, with three objects, is known as “cascade” juggling, but there are many different patterns and tricks.
• Juggling is very old; the ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Roman, Norse, Aztec, and Polynesian civilizations all juggled.
• According to JISCON (Juggling Information Service Committee On Numbers Juggling), the longest qualifying run is 10 rings thrown for 64 catches by Anthony Gatto in 2005.

Positive Juggling Effects

• Increases your heart rate and respiration.
• Improves concentration, endurance, and reflexes.
• Is fun and relaxing.
• Enhances one’s sense of space, hand-eye coordination, and balance.
• Is a great conversation starter.
• Adds to one’s self confidence.
• Is a meditative break from work or school.

For some extra healthy exercise, try joggling.

Biking saves money on gas and car expenses, prevents emissions, and lessens traffic congestion. Besides that, it’s healthy, fun, and depending on your commute, faster!

Here are a few comfort and safety tips from our team for biking to work in an urban area:

1. Check to see if your city has a map of bike paths and designated bike routes to make your commute safer and less stressful.
2. Layer, since it can be cold, windy, and wet. Keep an extra change of clothes at work.
3. If you think it might rain and you are parked outside, tie a plastic bag over your seat.
4. Make sure your bike has fenders to prevent your tire from slinging mud onto your clothes and face.
5. Wear a helmet to protect your head, and attach lights and reflectors to your bike if you plan on riding after dark.
6. Always makes sure to lock your bike tires and frame to something secure.
7. Get one of those squeaky horns with the tassles. They’re fun, old school, and can warn peds that you’re coming!