Watch out, dust mites! Maintenance month is on

Maintenance involving my person is getting more demanding as the years go by. First off, the eyes need attention. They are red, itchy, tearing year-round. After a thorough examination, the optometrist prescribed stronger lenses. She also noted that the lids and lashes are inflamed, needing care. On a piece of paper, she jotted down instructions: wash lashes daily, get medication, buy anti-dust-mite covers for mattresses and pillows. The last item on the list gave me pause. What are dust mites? Never heard of them. I left the optometrist's office somewhat perplexed.

At home, as a first step, I looked up the word "mites" in the dictionary. It said that they are "any of various tiny animals." A procrastinator, I put action on dust mites on the back burner and went on to other items.

Next on the agenda was the yearly blood test with its attendant cholesterol results. I bravely went for the test, but somewhat dreaded the cholesterol numbers, because of my consumption of salami and other items on the forbidden list during the past year.

A visit to my ear-nose-andthroat specialist is also a yearly occurrence. A few years ago, I had to admit that the years had taken their toll and my once-perfect hearing was deteriorating, as had previously happened to my eyesight. Asking people to repeat things or giving the wrong answers was getting embarrassing. Now another hearing test has been scheduled, after which I am due to receive a new hearing aid. I think I will finally have to come to terms with the fact that the place for a hearing aid is in my ear and not in the top drawer of my night table where it usually rests.

Another area needing constant care are my teeth. A visit to the dental hygienist is also on the agenda.

Having taken care of my personal needs, I turned my attention to my surroundings. For one thing, my super stereo radio, part of a fairly old component system, has become quite stubborn lately, refusing to budge from the CJAD station, which I once programmed. A visit from a technician has to be scheduled. The venetian-blind cords, too, are showing their age, getting worn, thin and torn. Must get someone to install new ones.

When I called the vacuum cleaner technician to inspect my faulty machine, I was surprised to see that he did not come alone. After the technician examined my machine and suggested repairs, his lady companion showed me their new product, an attractive cylindrical-shaped air purifier. First though, she activated a hand-held gadget that measured air quality in the room that it judged to be "very bad." The lady explained that this was in part because of dust mites in carpets and upholstery. The air purifier, she said, would reduce dust levels in the air, removing the culprits.

My ears perked up. There they were again, the DUST MITES! Though I did not purchase the rather expensive air purifier then and there, I rushed to the computer to check out "dust mites." Did I get an eyeful!

Seems that dust mites, which are microscopic bugs, live on dead skin cells. Though harmless for most people, their waste products, a major component of house dust, can cause allergic reactions, like wheezing, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, even asthma attacks. Since dust mites love a warm and humid environment, mattresses and pillows on beds are their primary habitat. A typical used mattress can contain tens of thousands of these critters, keeping unsuspecting occupants nightly company. Carpeting and upholstery also harbour large numbers of dust mites.

Thoroughly worried, my research finally prodded me into action. I am now the proud owner and user of nifty anti-dust-mite mattress - and pillow covers. I also pay attention to reducing humidity, letting lots of fresh air into rooms and practicing extra cleanliness.

Meantime, though, considering that I am surrounded with dust mites in the rooms and that germs and bacteria are lurking in the kitchen, I decided it would be best to wear a protective armour around the house.