Ep. 35 | Home Detox: Mold, EMFs, and Your Environment with Cathy Cooke, BBEC, EMRS, BCHN, CRMI
Ep. 35 | Home Detox: Mold, EMFs, and Your Environment with Cathy Cooke, BBEC, EMRS, BCHN, CRMI
Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cathy Cooke, BBEC, EMRS, BCHN, CRMI, the founder and owner of Whole Home and Body Health. Cathy is not only board-certified in holistic nutrition, but also a Certified Residential Mold Inspector, a Certified Building Biology Environmental Consultant, and a Certified Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist through the Building Biology Institute. In our conversation, Kathy shared invaluable insights into how our environment affects our health and provided practical tips for making our homes healthier.
Cathy's Journey to Holistic Health
Cathy’s journey into holistic health began with a personal experience. At the age of 12, she was bitten by a tick in Missouri, an incident that triggered a cascade of health issues. Although she managed her symptoms for years, they worsened over time. Desperate for solutions, Cathy began researching topics such as EMF (electromagnetic fields), which kept coming up repeatedly.
Her primary issue was insomnia, which she later learned was exacerbated by EMF exposure. By reducing her EMF exposure for a week—removing her phone and wifi—she witnessed a significant improvement in her sleep and overall health. This experience led her to enroll in the Building Biology Institute to further explore how our built environment impacts health.
Understanding EMF and Its Impact
For those unfamiliar with EMF, Cathy explained that these are electromagnetic frequencies emitted by common electronic devices like cell phones, electric cars, and even sleep number beds. These invisible forces can have a profound impact on our health. EMFs can disrupt the voltage-gated calcium channels in our cells, leading to oxidative stress and other health issues.
Cathy provided practical advice for reducing EMF exposure:
Hardwire Your Internet: This can significantly reduce your exposure to EMFs.
Remove Unnecessary EMF Sources: Unplug devices emitting EMFs, like certain refrigerators and tampons with Bluetooth sensors.
Use Airplane Mode: For wearable devices like the Oura Ring, keep them in airplane mode and sync them only when necessary.
The Importance of Indoor Air Quality
Cathy also emphasized the importance of indoor air quality. She pointed out that while many people focus on diet and supplements, we often overlook the air we breathe. Poor air quality can have a more significant impact on our health because we breathe constantly.
Practical Tips for Improving Air Quality
Use Effective Air Purifiers: Choose ones that use carbon and HEPA filters without additional fancy technologies.
Open Windows: This helps with air exchange and dilutes indoor pollutants.
Monitor Air Quality: Invest in air quality monitors to detect particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide levels.
Mold: A Hidden Threat
Mold is another significant environmental toxin that many people overlook. Mold impacts every system of the body and can lead to a wide range of health issues, from eczema to respiratory problems and even cognitive decline.
To identify and treat mold, Cathy recommends:
Thorough Inspections: Hire inspectors who conduct comprehensive checks, including checking attics, crawl spaces, and behind walls.
Proper Mold Remediation: Avoid using chemicals to kill mold; instead, focus on physically removing it.
Address Water Sources: Fix leaks and manage humidity levels to prevent mold growth.
Practical Advice for a Healthier Home
Cathy offered practical advice for those just beginning to explore holistic health:
Switch to Natural Cleaners: Vinegar and borax are excellent, non-toxic alternatives to chemical cleaners.
Hardwire Your Internet: Again, this simple step can significantly reduce EMF exposure.
Get an Air Purifier: Especially important in areas with high humidity or poor air quality.
Open Windows Regularly: This ensures proper ventilation and reduces the build-up of indoor pollutants.
Cathy’s journey and expertise highlight the significant impact our environment has on our health. By taking small, actionable steps, you can make your home a healthier place. Remember, changes don't have to happen overnight; gradual improvements can lead to substantial benefits over time.
Thank you for joining us on this insightful podcast episode. I hope Cathy’s tips and experiences inspire you to take the first steps toward creating a healthier home environment. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to experts like Cathy for support.
Resources:
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allison_and_wellness
Connect with Cathy:
Instagram: @wholehomeandbodyhealth
