NEW YORK, NY, March 20, 1998 – The physical effects of El Niño have been devastating: toppled trees, eroded beaches and wrecked real estate, to name the most obvious examples. But even in parts of the United States not victim to El Niño’s direct wrath, the milder temperatures and heavier rainfall have left their mark -- inside the home -- causing the country’s normal household counts of mold, fungus and other allergens to increase.

According to Peg Jordan, R.N., founder and editor of American Fitness Magazine, El Niño’s assault on the home environment has caused an alarming increase in bronchitis, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses that can be offset by a regular clean ing routine. In other words, the unusual weather patterns have increased the need for Americans to pay particular diligence to what she calls "home health."

"People need to understand that ‘home health’ is just as important as a nutritious diet and regular exercise to their overall health," said Jordan. "El Niño is only the most timely example of why it’s so important to maintain a clean home – there are man y others. The point is that despite how harried we may feel, we don’t have time not to clean: not cleaning properly and regularly may save time in the short run, but ultimately increases our chances of getting sick."

Looking beyond El Niño, Jordan points to other lifestyle trends that have led to the increased importance of maintaining "home health":

The Great Indoors: Americans today spend over 90% of their time indoors – more than ever before. Children are spending more time in daycare and in school. A greater number of adults are working at home: There are currently seven million telecommu ters and 30 million home-based businesses.

General Aging Population: By 2010, 25% of the population will be 55 years or older. The importance of maintaining a healthy home grows as we age, since our immune system weakens over time.

Double the Income, Half the Time: The ubiquity of two-income families has dissolved the traditional housekeeping roles defined by earlier generations. And Americans are time-stressed – 62% of workers report that they always or frequently feel rush ed. The result? Cleaning and disinfecting often fall by the wayside, and not without ill effects.

According to Jordan, the key to "home health" is proper maintenance of our indoor environments, which includes having a regular cleaning routine that involves dust removal, hard and soft surface cleaning, disinfection of kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and carpet cleaning. Controlling humidity and good air circulation are also key to "home health."