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Media Center & News Room

News

Dec
16th
2014

The Housekeeping Channel Supports the IEHA Media Assistance Program (IMAP)

 

 

The HousekeepingChannel.com has announced its support of the IEHA Media Assistance Program (IMAP) which aims to make, in time, all IEHA members Press hub Delegates (PhDs).

 

"The Housekeeping Channel values the treasure trove of housekeeping expertise possessed by IEHA's members, and with the cooperation of the nonprofit IEHA, is eager to tap this resource to help both the trade and consumer media," said Allen Rathey, Founder of The Housekeeping Channel.

"We know from internal discussions that IEHA members strongly desire to apply their 'IEHA Education' to meet the public’s need for factual information, provide information to the press, and receive recognition & coverage," said Mary Remson, interim Executive Director of IEHA. "It is our intent to help fill the media’s need for expert information around better housekeeping and public health."

To become an IEHA Member and participate in IEHA's IMAP program, email mremson@ieha.org.

 

 

 

 

The Housekeeping Channel (HC) Recognizes Education Supporter – Stain X

 

 

The Housekeeping Channel (HC) www.housekeepingchannel.com  – an Internet site that strives to be the Web's most comprehensive storehouse of information for consumers on achieving a clean, organized and healthy indoor environment – has recognized the Stain-X company for support of The Housekeeping Channel’s educational content for consumers.
 
“Stain-X was one of the first companies to offer strong support of our site when we launched, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity and caliber of Stain-X leadership and staff,”  said Allen Rathey, President and Founder of  The Housekeeping Channel.
 
Stain-X offers proven resources for consumers to help them remove spots, stains and discoloration from fabrics and carpet, and they have received recognition from many credible sources, including the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).
 
About Stain-X

 

Stain-X is a trusted brand with an established track record for high-performance, low-toxicity products. For more information about Stain-X Products visit: http://stain-x.com.

 

 

 

 

IICRC to Be Featured on “Designing Spaces™” Airing on Lifetime Television “Creating a Healthier Living Environment” segment highlights Certified Firms

 

 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) announces it will be featured on the show “Designing Spaces” airing on Lifetime. The segment “Creating a Healthier Living Environment” will air on Jan. 4 and Jan. 31 at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT.  The segment highlights the importance of choosing a professional, IICRC Certified Firm.

The IICRC partnered with “Designing Spaces™” to showcase to U.S. consumers how IICRC Certified Firms stand out from the competition. The show’s one million viewers provided an ideal opportunity for the IICRC to increase awareness and serve as a voice on behalf of the industry.

“Designing Spaces™” is the signature home improvement television series that travels all over the country redefining and redesigning space. The show provides real-life solutions to real-life problems for homeowners, representing a resource of learning and a trusted name in home remodeling, home decorating and home design that viewers know and respect.

“In this segment, the IICRC discusses professional carpet cleaning and its role in creating a healthier indoor environment,” said Hank Unck, chair of the IICRC Marketing and Communications Committee. “The show positions the IICRC as the leading resource for consumers looking to find reputable, professional and knowledgeable cleaning, inspection and restoration services.”

Rachel Adams, the president of Indoor Environmental Management, Inc., serves as the on-air spokesperson for the IICRC.  Word of Mouth Carpet Restoration, a Fort Lauderdale-based Certified Firm, represented the IICRC by demonstrating how a certified, professional firm cleans.

“Filming this segment helped me think about the IICRC from a different perspective, the consumer perspective,” said Adams. “Carpet cleaning technicians and companies are not all the same and it’s very important for a homeowner to know the difference in order to make an educated decision.”

Once the segment airs, it will be available for IICRC Certified Firms to download and use in their marketing materials.

“As a Certified Firm, we understand how important it is that consumers understand what it means to hire an IICRC certified professional,” said Eric Vander Wiede, owner of Word of Mouth Carpet Restoration. “This segment is one step the IICRC is taking to help promote our certifications.”

Tune into “Designing Spaces” on Jan. 4 and Jan. 31at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT.

About the IICRC

The IICRC is an international, ANSI-accredited standard-development organization (SDO) that certifies individuals in 20+ categories within the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. Representing more than 54,000 certified technicians in 22 countries, the IICRC, in partnership with regional and international trade associations, represents the entire industry. The IICRC does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems. To know if a technician has received proper education and training, consumers should look for the cleantrust patch and logo, the service mark of the IICRC. For more information, visit www.iicrc.org.

Maite Wodele | Edelman
121 S. Orange Ave. Suite 1500 | Orlando, FL 32801
407.377.6833 (o) 407. 307.94.24 (c )
Maite.Wodele@edelman.com

 

 

 

 

 

HC, HHI, HFI Promote Charitable Giving Through Sears Product Reviews

 

 

The Housekeeping Channel (HC), The Healthy House Institute (HHI) and The Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI) have been approached by Sears to share with our readers an opportunity to help one or more of the charities described below by sharing reader reviews of products sold by Sears.

 

Sears is inviting consumers to give back to their favorite charity by participating in the retailer’s “Love/Hate: Share Your Thoughts, Send Some Love” project. Through June 28, 2012, customers have the opportunity to review a product in order to vote for one of the three charities below. The participating charities competing for the grand prize of $100,000 include the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the World Wildlife Fund.

 

The Charities

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and create a world with less cancer. The American Cancer Society consists of a global grassroots force of more than 3 million volunteers.

 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® opened 50 years ago and has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. St. Jude speeds discoveries directly from its labs to patients, doctors and researchers everywhere. And no family ever pays St. Jude for anything.

 

World Wildlife Fund

WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for half a century. With the support of 1.3 million members in the United States and 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.

 

“Customer opinions are important to us at Sears. Good or bad, we want to encourage the online community to share their thoughts on our products,” said Adriana Llames, division vice president, social media marketing for Sears. “The Love/Hate project will help us continue our commitment to providing products our customers love while helping to further the work of their favorite charities.”

 

Sears customers can make a difference through the Love/Hate campaign by sharing their opinions on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/LoveHateCharity. Customers of all ages are invited to participate.* Every two weeks Sears will make a contribution to one of the three charities, with the final grand prize charity receiving a $100,000 contribution that will be announced on Sears Holdings’ SHOP YOUR WAY social commerce site at www.shopyourway.com.

 

Customers can find more information about the Love/Hate project and share their thoughts by visiting http://on.fb.me/LoveHateCharity. Additionally, they can follow the SHOP YOUR WAY Love.Hate Page on www.shopyourway.com  to get tidbits about the program along the way and find out who the Grand Prize winner is at http://bit.ly/LoveHate2012.

 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO REVIEW A PRODUCT OR TO VOTE. Only participating charities are eligible to receive donations. Voting participation to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C -  Must Be 18+. Subject to terms and conditions at http://on.fb.me/LoveHateCharity.

 

 

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is a leading integrated retailer with over 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada and the home of SHOP YOUR WAY, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through www.shopyourway.com. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, fitness equipment and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, with a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, the Kardashian Kollection, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as Sofia by Sofia Vergara and The Country Living Home Collection. Sears is a leading provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually, and has a long-established commitment to those who serve in the military through initiatives like the Heroes at Home program. Sears has been named the 2011 Mobile Retailer of the Year, Recipient of the 2012 ENERGY STAR® "Corporate Commitment Award" for Product Retailing and Energy Management and is one of Top 20 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com. Twitter: @searsholdings | |Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers.

Links: Website - http://www.searsholdings.com

 

*For children under the age of 18, parental supervision is recommended.

 

# # #

 

Media Contact:

Tom Aiello

847-286-7387

Tom.Aiello@searshc.com

 

 

 

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and The Housekeeping Channel (HC) Announce 80,000 Books in Print: Carpet Cleaning Tips For Dummies

 

 

Dalton GA - Thursday, May 17, 2012.  First released in 2007, Carpet Cleaning Tips For Dummies - published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. and sponsored by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and HousekeepingChannel.com - has reached a milestone of 80,000 books in print, according to CRI.

 

Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies is designed to save consumers time by zeroing in on the best cleaning techniques, products, equipment and service providers – notably those vetted by CRI’s Seal of Approval Program - to get desired results.

 

Household management expert Elizabeth Goldsmith, PhD, the book's author, provides simple solutions for fighting dirt, removing nasty spots and stains, using the right products and calling in professional cleaners when necessary. She also offers tips for pet owners and advice on how to clean precious Oriental rugs.

 

“We are pleased that this pocket handbook has proved to be so valuable to the public, requiring frequent reprints to keep up with demand,” says Werner Braun, president of CRI. “CRI has consistently promoted the book’s message that proper cleaning and maintenance of carpet makes all the difference in the world. It can preserve the life and beauty of carpet, improve indoor air quality, and avoid premature replacement costs and disposal in landfills.”

 

The book is available for $2.00 and can be ordered online - http://www.carpet-rug.org/residential-customers/resources/carpet-cleaning-for-dummies.cfm - or by contacting CRI's Publication Department at 706-428-2114.

 

About CRI

Based in Dalton, Georgia, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) is a nonprofit trade association representing the manufacturers of more than 95 percent of all carpet made in the United States, as well as their suppliers and service providers. CRI coordinates with other segments of the industry, such as distributors, retailers and installers, to help increase consumers’ satisfaction with carpet and to show them how carpet creates a better environment.

 

About HousekeepingChannel.com

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) strives to be the Web's most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a clean, organized and healthy indoor environment.

 

 

 

The Housekeeping Channel (HC) and National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Form Educational Partnership

 

 

Boise ID - Monday, May 14, 2012. Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) – which strives to be the Web's most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a clean, organized and healthy indoor environment – and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) - the 3,000+ member professional wood flooring trade association - have entered into an educational partnership to assist consumers in the care of wood floors.

The partnership will consist of HousekeepingChannel.com editors tapping the expertise of NWFA experts to assist the consumer with wood floorcare topics and questions, as well as joint organizational cross-promotion via logo and link exchanges.  The NWFA logo and link to the NWFA’s consumer site will appear on several thousand content pages of HousekeepingChannel.com, and HC’s logo will appear on both NWFA sites at www.nwfa.org  and www.woodfloors.org.

“We are pleased to have access to the vetted wood floorcare expertise of the NWFA,” said Allen Rathey, founder and president of The Housekeeping Channel. “With many types of wood flooring available such as oak, cherry, maple, pine, and other domestic and imported species (including bamboo), the consumer needs help in caring for these surfaces as well as the finishes applied to them.”

“NWFA has made a commitment to educate the public through available avenues such as our consumer website - http://woodfloors.org/ - and we look forward to continuing this education via our relationship with The Housekeeping Channel,” said Anita Howard, Senior Director, Communications & Events, National Wood Flooring Association.

About National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)
The NWFA is dedicated to training and educating wood flooring professionals from all over the world in the installation, sanding, finishing and sales of wood flooring products. The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,000 members world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. NWFA members receive the best in educational training, benefits, technical resources and networking, to advance their professionalism and success. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800-422-4556 (USA & Canada), 636-519-9663 (local and international), or on-line at www.nwfa.org.

About HousekeepingChannel.com
The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) strives to be the Web's most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a clean, organized and healthy indoor environment.

What is housekeeping? Housekeeping is the act of caring for your home. Housekeeping includes cleaning and so much more. Housekeeping embraces making home environments better, safer and more healthful to live in. HousekeepingChannel.com covers these topics in depth and provides free information to help the consumer.

 

 

 

 

HC Advisory Board - Patrick Winters, CAE/IOM, President, The Clean Trust

 

 

Patrick Winters serves as President/CEO of  The Clean Trust (formerly the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration, Certification) which is the certification registry and standards setting organization for the cleaning industry. The Clean Trust certifies 28,500 trainees per year in 20 + service categories and represents more than 54,000 certified technicians and businesses in 22 countries around the world.

 

Winters is a career association executive having served several associations and professional societies in a 25 year career. He has been awarded “Association Executive of the Year” by his peers at the Colorado Society of Association Executives” and while with the Denver Building Owners and Managers Association was awarded “Association of the Year” in International competition. He is active in the American Society of Association Executives Peer Review Program and was a contributor to the ASAE publication Managing Association Turnarounds.

 

Pat is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), holds an undergraduate degree from Illinois State University, Masters in Public Administration studies at the University of Colorado and is a graduate of the Institute of Organization Management (IOM) at the University Of Notre Dame.

 

He is a Capacity Builder Member of the Standards For (non-profit) Excellence Institute, served on the Board of Examiners of the Malcolm Baldridge Performance Excellence Program and currently serves on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Personnel Certification Accreditation Committee accrediting personnel certification bodies in accordance with ANSI Standard 17024.

 

 

 

 

 

Protect Your Investment in Wool Carpet, Rugs and Upholstery by Hiring Certified Firms

 

 

BOISE, Idaho—Thursday, February 09, 2012—If you’ve purchased wool carpets, rugs, or upholstery, you’ve made a wise—and significant—investment in the beauty and longevity of your home décor. The soft natural fibers of wool are durable and resilient, resisting matting, crushing and soil-adherence; plus, wool ages gracefully, retaining its original appearance for years longer than synthetic fibers.

 

However, proper care is essential to its longevity. Use of the wrong cleaning methods or products can cause unsightly damage and shorten its useful life. In order to maximize your investment and ensure that your wool flooring or upholstery remains serviceable and attractive for decades, hire certified professionals with specialized training in the care of wool.

 

THE CLEAN TRUST (formerly The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification or IICRC), an ANSI-accredited non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry, recognizes the WoolSafe Fabric Care Specialist online training course to provide Clean Trust registrants with education and specialized training in the care of wool.

 

Homeowners can find THE CLEAN TRUST-Certified and WoolSafe-Approved Service Providers listed in The Housekeeping Channel’s Home & Cleaning Services Finder.  THE CLEAN TRUST partners with The Housekeeping Channel  to educate consumers about the importance of proper cleaning and hiring certified cleaning companies.

 

“HousekeepingChannel.com lists THE CLEAN TRUST-Certified and WoolSafe-Approved firms to help consumers find companies qualified to expertly care for their wool items,” says Allen Rathey, president and founder of The Housekeeping Channel. “We want them to know about the expertise of THE CLEAN TRUST technicians, especially those who have taken courses through WoolSafe.”

 

The WoolSafe program has been available in Great Britain and a handful of other countries as an in-person classroom training course. The new online training program makes it readily accessible in North America and around the world.

 

The 35 module course offers instruction in proper cleaning methods specific to wool or wool-rich carpets, rugs, and upholstery. The topics participants learn include:

• Wool fiber structure and cleanability, as well as its limitations
• Potentially damaging chemicals and cleaning methods
• Pets and wool
• Spot removal and other cleaning challenges, along with solution.
  
  

Upon successful completion of the course, the participant earns the WoolSafe Fabric Care Specialist designation. His or her company is eligible to apply to become a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider. Only WoolSafe-Approved Service Providers may use the WoolSafe logo in advertising and promotional materials. 

 

To ensure that you are hiring cleaning companies employing technicians with specialized knowledge to preserve the beauty and longevity of your high-value wool, look for THE CLEAN TRUST Certification, the WoolSafe Service Provider logo, or search the listing of qualified service providers at www.housekeepingchannel.com, www.The Clean Trust.org, or www.woolsafe.org/usa.

 

About the THE CLEAN TRUST

The Clean Trust, formerly known as The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), is an ANSI-accredited standards setting body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries. Organized in 1972, The Clean Trust currently represents more than 5,700 Certified Firms and 54,000 Certified Technicians in 22 countries. The Clean Trust, with participation from the entire industry, sets standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. The Clean Trust does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems. It approves schools and instructors that meet the criteria established by The Clean Trust. The Clean Trust also serves as a consumer referral source for Certified Firms and Inspectors. Visit www.thecleantrust.org. OR www.CertifiedCleaners.org for more information.

 

About The Housekeeping Channel

 

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) (HC) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house. HC is a respected source of information relevant to cleaner, healthier homes, and has been cited or quoted by national media including US News and World Report, Newsweek, Real Simple and major news outlets. HC’s world-class Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content (See: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/aboutus.php ).

 

About WoolSafe North America

 

The WoolSafe Organisation (www.woolsafe.org) is an independent testing and certifying body, which began in 1991 as a testing and certification program for carpet maintenance chemicals. By 1998, it had grown to encompass professional carpet cleaning and inspection represented in countries on four continents. WoolSafe was the first organization to perform independent testing and accreditation of cleaning products, and train cleaning companies in best practices regarding the use of approved products. WoolSafe serves as a consumer referral source for WoolSafe-Approved Service Providers. For more information, see its North American site, www.woolsafe.org/usa.

 

Find THE CLEAN TRUST-Certified and  WoolSafe-Approved  Service Providers Online at HousekeepingChannel.com.

 

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Prospectus Finalized - IEHA’s High Performance Cleaning Product (HPCP) Testing Program

 

 

IEHA, The Housekeeping Channel’s partner, has announced that the prospectus for its High Performance Cleaning Product (HPCP) Testing Program in conjunction with the University of Massachusetts Lowell has been finalized and is available for download. IEHA’s High Performance Cleaning Product (HPCP) Program tests, verifies performance, and helps promote hard surface cleaning products with green attributes to enable selection of those that effectively clean a range of building and environmental surfaces.

 

While green certification programs (e.g., Green Seal, EcoLogo, etc.) do include basic product performance and efficacy criteria as part of an overall environmental review, these organizations, while laudable, emphasize multi-attribute eco-factors more than comprehensive cleaning criteria. To fill this gap, HPCP rigorously targets the cleaning performance of greener products, taking testing to a higher level through application of realistic soils on surface materials likely to be found in actual facilities (e.g., white boards, stainless steel, textured or composite countertops, etc.) This provides end-users with practical test data they can use to improve their specific cleaning situation, and suppliers with lab-based verification of product efficacy under specific, challenging and real-world circumstances. Tests can also be customized to focus on surfaces and soils most likely to be encountered in specific environments such as schools, gymnasiums, theatres, and more.

 

Click here to download the HPCP Prospectus or http://www.ieha.org/documents/HPCP-Prospectus.pdf.

 

 

 

NEHA - Housekeeping Channel Partnership to Improve Home Cleanliness and Health

 

 

Boise, Idaho - The Housekeeping Channel (HC) and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) have announced a collaboration that will bring consumers the research necessary to help them make informed decisions to keep their homes clean and healthy. The Housekeeping Channel is an online resource dedicated to keeping consumers up-to-date with the latest cleaning tips and techniques. The relationship furthers NEHA’s mission to “provide a healthful environment for all.”

Now, visitors to The Housekeeping Channel will be able to access environmental health science data in easy-to-read articles pertaining to related health risk areas in their homes. Articles will cover topics such as indoor air quality, dust containment, toxic substances, children’s environmental health, emerging pathogens such as the swine flu and MRSA, and pest management.

“Consumers often clean for appearance and do not understand the potential health implications of using particular cleaning products or processes,” said Nelson E. Fabian, Executive Director and CEO of NEHA. “From asthma triggers to the long-term implications of toxic chemical exposure, there are a variety of potentially harmful agents associated with cleaning in the home. By increasing accessibility to NEHA research, consumers will have the information necessary to make educated decisions to keep their homes clean and families healthy.”

"HC exists to help consumers clean, protect and enhance their home environment using proven processes and practices from experts," said Allen Rathey, President of The Housekeeping Channel. "Our relationship with NEHA is a clear extension of this mission, and we are gratified to be aligned with them and to help bring their expertise to mainstream consumers."

As a part of the agreement, Fabian will serve on the advisory board of The Housekeeping Channel. Serving as the Executive Director of NEHA for more than 25 years, Fabian has achieved several accolades, including the Journal of Environmental Health’s “One of the Nation’s Top 15 Leaders in Environmental Health” in 2007. Recently, Fabian has focused on the topic of pandemic outbreaks, giving numerous presentations on the subject and authoring online courses for environmental health practitioners.

“The direct correlation between cleaning and environmental health is becoming apparent to more consumers,” added Fabian. “This relationship will bring consumers the information they need to make informed decisions that will help keep their homes safe and healthy.”

About Housekeepingchannel.com
 
The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) (HC) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse. HC is a respected source of information relevant to cleaner, healthier homes, and has been cited or quoted by national media including US News and World Report, Newsweek, Real Simple and major news outlets. HC’s Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content (See: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/aboutus.php).

About NEHA

NEHA is a non-profit association for environmental health professionals. Since 1937, NEHA has been working to advance the environmental health profession, and thereby improve the human environment in cities, towns, and rural areas throughout the world, to create a more healthful quality of life for us all. NEHA’s 4,500+ members practice their profession in the public and private sectors as well as in academia and the uniformed services, with a majority being employed by state and local health departments. In partnership with the National Center for Healthy Housing, NEHA offers the Healthy Homes Specialist Credential. This credential tests an individual’s understanding of the connection between health and housing, enabling a holistic approach to identify and resolve problems that threaten the health and well being of residents. For more information about the National Environmental Health Association, please visit www.neha.org.

 

 

 

IEHA Endorses and Promotes Roizen and Oz Book, YOU: The Smart Patient

 

 

Westerville, OH—Since properly educated patients are safer patients, the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) will promote the healthcare guide, YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment, by Dr.'s Roizen and Oz, to both trade and consumer audiences in 2009-2010.

With the success of The New York Times Bestsellers, YOU: On a Diet, YOU: The Owner's Manual, YOU: Staying Young and YOU: Being Beautiful, Michael F. Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. (a regular guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show) authored YOU: The Smart Patient, in conjunction with The Joint Commission, the nation's largest accreditor of healthcare organizations. The authors teamed with The Joint Commission and Joint Commission Resources (JCR)—the not-for-profit publishing, consulting and educational affiliate of The Joint Commission—to develop the book.

YOU: The Smart Patient urges patients to get involved in their healthcare. The book gives patients clear, definitive information on topics such as creating a health profile, choosing doctors, preparing for a hospital stay, and avoiding medication errors. YOU: The Smart Patient also discusses the role of the Joint Commission, as well as the importance of Joint Commission accreditation, along with its National Patient Safety Goals, the Speak Up™ Campaign, Quality Check™, the Universal Protocol and other tools focused on improving patient safety and the quality of care. It offers key advice about where patients can go for healthcare when traveling abroad, and the importance of looking for The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval when choosing a healthcare organization.

The book—published by Free Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.—mixes humor and illustrations to provide concrete guidance to patients in safely navigating the healthcare system.

According to Beth Risinger, CEO/Executive Director of IEHA: “Every consumer should read this easy-to-digest guide before they or their loved ones enter a healthcare facility. Being well-informed means being well-prepared and this book prepares both professionals in the healthcare sector and the average patient about what to expect and how to optimize the health and safety of a hospital stay.”

“YOU: The Smart Patient encourages patients to be active members of the healthcare team and identifies steps to take to obtain the most effective and safe treatment possible,” says Karen H. Timmons, President and CEO, Joint Commission Resources. “JCR appreciates the IEHA's support and help in spreading the word about this indispensable patient guide.”

IEHA will offer copies of the Roizen and Oz book, YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment, to its membership and the public through its Web site at www.ieha.org. IEHA's partner, The Housekeeping Channel (HC) (www.housekeepingchannel.com) will provide free promotion for the book, as will The Healthy House Institute (HHI) (www.healthyhouseinstitute.com). In related efforts, IEHA and HC recently authored the mini-book, Infection Control for Dummies (Wiley) and The Housekeeping Channel published the IEHA article, “How to Find a Clean and Healthy Hospital.”

“IEHA supports The Joint Commission's mission to help the public find safe, clean healthcare facilities,” says Risinger. “Our members within the healthcare field are advocates for Joint Commission accreditation and are dedicated to the mission of providing a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment. Promoting this unique and helpful book is an extension of that mission.”

About IEHA

 

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is a 3,500-plus professional member organization for persons employed in facility housekeeping at the management level. The organization was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the State's capitol, Columbus. Executive Housekeepers are managers who direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities. They supervise staffs ranging from a few to several hundred people and handle budgets from a few thousand dollars to millions. IEHA provides members with an array of channels through which they can achieve personal and professional growth. Some are: leadership opportunities; resource materials; certification; employment referral service; a Technical Question Hotline (1-800-200-6342); networking; an annual convention and trade show, including several educational sessions; and a monthly trade publication, Executive Housekeeping Today. Please contact IEHA's Association office at (800) 200-6342 for more details, or go to www.ieha.org.

About The Joint Commission

 

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission's mission is to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 16,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Visit www.jointcommission.org.

 

 

 

Clean Green to Save Green this Spring

 

 

Keep your home clean, green, and healthy. Housekeeping tips from experts save money, time, and the environment.

 

BOISE, ID—Few can resist the primordial urge each spring to throw open the windows and tackle a winter’s worth of dirt and dust, but this year many will make changes to their spring cleaning ritual.

A recent survey by the Soap and Detergent Association* found the current economy has people looking for ways to save on cleaning costs. However, a large percentage of respondents said they are more concerned than ever about adopting environmentally preferable practices. Since some green cleaning products are still more expensive than traditional formulations, those two goals may seem to be at odds with each other.

But that isn’t necessarily the case, says Allen Rathey, founder and president of The Housekeeping Channel. According to Rathey, cleaning green saves money in more ways than one.

“We believe that green, cleaning, and health are inextricably intertwined,” says Rathey. He points out that keeping a home relatively free of dust, toxins, and harmful microorganisms will help to avert allergies, asthma, infectious illness, and indoor toxicity. “That cuts down on healthcare costs,” he says. “It’s preventive medicine.”

One of the greenest—and cheapest—ways to keep your home clean is to stop dirt at the door.

“We emphasize prevention—big mats, tight vacuums, dust removal rather than rearrangement, and improving air quality,” Rathey says. “All of these methods save time and money and protect health.”

The following preventive measures from The Housekeeping Channel will help you keep your home clean, green, and healthy this spring without spending a fortune:

• Use large, bi-level mats—those with a raised surface to scrape soil off shoes, and a recessed surface to trap soil away from shoe soles—outside each entrance to catch the dirt before it comes in.
• If you smell dust coming from your vacuum, consider buying microfilter bags for it, having it serviced, or buying a tighter unit with better filtration (also see the Carpet and Rug Institute Web site for guidance on choosing the right vacuum). Take care when emptying the dustbin or bag, so you don’t release dust back into the air. (Try shaking out the dust cup or filter bag inside a plastic trash bag, keeping the trash liner closed until the dust settles.)
• Avoid using scented cleaning products or air fresheners to mask odors. These may actually introduce chemicals into the air that irritate lungs.
• Consider tossing, selling, or donating items that clutter your home and collect dust, or keep them in a display case or glass-enclosed cabinet to make cleaning easier.
  

 

About The Housekeeping Channel

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) (HC) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse. HC is a respected source of information relevant to cleaner, healthier homes, and has been cited or quoted by national media including US News and World Report, Newsweek, Real Simple and major news outlets. HC’s Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content (See: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/aboutus.php).

*Source: 2009 National Spring Cleaning Survey, conducted by Echo Research, Inc. for the Soap and Detergent Association. www.cleaning101.com/newsroom

 

 

 

Protect Your Investment in Wool Carpet, Rugs by Hiring Certified Firms

 

 

Find IICRC-Approved WoolSafe Service Providers and Specialists Online at HousekeepingChannel.com

 

BOISE, Idaho—If you’ve purchased wool carpets, rugs, or even upholstery, you’ve made a wise—and significant—investment in the beauty and longevity of your home décor. The soft, natural fibers of wool are durable and resilient, resisting matting, crushing and soiling.  And wool ages gracefully, retaining its original appearance for years longer than many synthetic fibers.

 

However, proper care is essential to its longevity. Use of the wrong cleaning methods or cleaning products can cause unsightly and sometimes permanent damage and shorten its useful life. To maximize your investment and ensure your wool flooring or upholstery remains serviceable and attractive for decades, hire certified professionals with specialized training in the care of wool.

 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an ANSI-accredited non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry, has recently approved the WoolSafe Fabric Care Specialist online training course for two Continuing Education Credits (CECs) to provide registrants with additional education and training in the care of wool.

 

Homeowners can find IICRC-Certified and WoolSafe Approved Service Providers listed in The Housekeeping Channel’s Home & Cleaning Services Finder.  The IICRC partners with HousekeepingChannel.com to educate consumers about the importance of proper cleaning and hiring certified cleaning companies.

 

“HousekeepingChannel.com lists IICRC-Certified and WoolSafe Approved firms to help consumers find companies qualified to expertly care for their wool-rich furnishings,” says Allen Rathey, president and founder of The Housekeeping Channel. “We want them to know about the expertise of IICRC technicians, especially those who have taken courses through WoolSafe.”

 

The WoolSafe program has been available in Great Britain and a handful of other countries as an in-person classroom  training course. The new online training program makes it readily accessible in North America and around the world.

 

The course offers instruction in proper cleaning methods specific to wool or wool-rich carpets, rugs, and upholstery. The topics participants learn about include:

• The history and characteristics of wool
• Wool fiber structure and cleanability, as well as its limitations
• Potentially damaging chemicals and cleaning methods
• Spot removal and other cleaning challenges, along with solutions
  
  

Upon successful completion of the course, the participant earns the WoolSafe Fabric Care Specialist designation. His or her company is eligible to apply to become a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider. A WoolSafe Approved Service Provider may use the WoolSafe logo in its advertising and promotional materials. 

 

To ensure you are hiring cleaning technicians with specialized knowledge to preserve the beauty and longevity of your high-value wool, look for IICRC Certification, the WoolSafe logo, or search the listing of qualified service providers at www.housekeepingchannel.com, www.iicrc.org, or www.woolsafeusa.org.

 

About the IICRC

 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an ANSI-accredited non-profit standard writing and certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries. Organized in 1972, the IICRC currently represents more than 5,300 Certified Firms and more than 45,000 Certified Technicians in 30 countries. The IICRC, with participation from the entire industry, sets standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. IICRC does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems. It approves schools and instructors that meet the criteria established by the IICRC. IICRC also serves as a consumer referral source for Certified Firms and Inspectors. Please visit www.IICRC.org or www.CertifiedCleaners.org for more information.

 

About The Housekeeping Channel

 

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) (HC) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual  information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house. HC is a respected source of information relevant to cleaner, healthier homes, and has been cited or quoted by national media including US News and World Report, Newsweek, Real Simple and major news outlets. HC’s Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content (See: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/aboutus.php).

 

About WoolSafe

 

The WoolSafe Organisation is an independent testing and certifying body, which began in 1991 as a testing and certification program for carpet maintenance chemicals. By 1998, it had grown to encompass professional carpet cleaning and inspection represented in countries on four continents. WoolSafe was the first organization to perform independent testing and accreditation of cleaning products, and train cleaning companies in best practices regarding the use of approved products. WoolSafe remains involved with the development of national and international standards and codes of practice. For more information, see www.woolsafe.org, or its North American site, www.woolsafeusa.org.

 

 

 

Infection Control For Dummies® Released

 

 

WESTERVILLE, Ohio - Infection Control For Dummies® is a pocketsize book providing simple cleaning and disinfection strategies to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms.

It turns out, mom was right. According to Infection Control For Dummies, washing hands for 20 seconds and paying special attention to fingertips and nails will help prevent and control infections. Infection Control For Dummies (Wiley, 2008) is a free 48-page, pocket-size handbook that helps consumers and environmental service professionals identify basic microorganisms, understand infection transmission, use cleaning techniques to keep infection at bay and understand labels and product claims.

Authored by J. Darrel Hicks, R.E.H., current President of the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), and director of environmental services, St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, MO, the booklet provides practical tips for fighting bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes. For example:

• Cleaning is always the first and best line of defense, since removal of pathogens is better and less toxic than killing them. Also, many disinfectants (including bleach) do not work effectively until the surface is free from organic soil – dirt, blood, etc.

• Microfiber mops and cloths are among the most effective cleaning weapons against harmful microorganisms because microfiber has increased surface area and space to hold microsoils.

• Antibacterial products are not the same as disinfectants. Antibacterial products will kill bacteria but not viruses, which cause colds and flu.

Housekeepingchannel.com, a leading consumer resource for cleaning information, partnered with IEHA to help create Infection Control For Dummies. “We are concerned about growing public health issues, such as MRSA in schools and hospitals, and community-acquired infections, and wanted to help the more vulnerable segments of the population, the children and the elderly,” said Allen Rathey, Housekeepingchannel.com president. “Both organizations saw the need to educate consumers and environmental service professionals about proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques to prevent the spread of infection.”

Leading microbiologists, healthcare practitioners and housekeeping experts reviewed Infection Control For Dummies content for technical accuracy. The publication was made possible by funding from Spartan Chemical Company, Inc., located in Maumee, OH, and by the support of the IEHA membership.

Infection Control For Dummies is available free to consumers nationwide; a $4.50 shipping and handling fee per book is required. Consumers can order the publication at http://www.ieha.org/consumers.php or by calling 1.800.200.6342.

About Housekeepingchannel.com

 

Housekeepingchannel.com is a focused consumer and media resource for the cleaning, motivation, home organization and indoor environment categories. The organization is frequently consulted as a source of factual information for articles in women’s, family, consumer and general interest publications. Housekeepingchannel.com strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of information and resources to help households everywhere achieve a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, plus news and reviews regarding the latest innovations from the cleaning products industry to improve the home environment. Resources include time-saving systems, tools and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse.

About International Executive Housekeeper Association

 

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is a 3,500-plus member organization for housekeeping management. Executive housekeepers are managers that direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities, including upscale hotels, hospitals, schools, and other public places. The non-profit was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the state’s capitol.

About For Dummies®

 

With near universal name recognition, more than 150 million books in print, and over 1,000 topics, For Dummies is the world's bestselling reference series. With loyal customers around the globe, For Dummies enriches people's lives by making knowledge accessible in a fun and easy way. Described by the N.Y. Times as "more than a publishing phenomenon, but a sign of the times," For Dummies spans topics from health to history, music to math, sports to self-help, technology to travel, and more. The Dummies brand franchise has expanded with an extensive licensed product line, including DVDs, software, consumer electronics, cooking, cleaning and automotive products, craft and hobby kits, games and more. For information, visit Dummies.com. For Dummies is a branded imprint of Wiley.

# # #

EDITOR’S NOTE: For copies of the book or to schedule an interview with the author, journalists and bloggers can contact Jennifer Manocchio at 910.772.1688 or jennifer@sweeneypr.com.

 

 

 

IICRC and Housekeeping Channel Partnership Offers Additional Benefit for Certified Firms

 

 

VANCOUVER, Washington - The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (www.IICRC.org) recently formed a partnership with The Housekeeping Channel (www.HousekeepingChannel.com) to further educate consumers seeking information for their home cleaning and restoration needs. The Housekeeping Channel is a Web site dedicated to keeping consumers up to date with the latest cleaning tips and techniques. The partnership facilitates the IICRC’s continuing efforts to educate homeowners about the benefits of contracting certified professionals.

Now, as an added benefit to Certified Firms, companies can register their IICRC Certification number when submitting their business information for The Housekeeping Channel’s Home & Cleaning Services Finder. Once verified through the IICRC’s database, the IICRC logo will appear next to their listing.

“By creating this opportunity for our Certified Firms, the IICRC is offering them another potential channel for new business,” said IICRC President Ruth Travis. “This partnership also continues to promote the IICRC as the industry guardian, reminding consumers of the importance of hiring Certified Firms and Technicians.”

To register on the Web site, Certified Firms can visit http://homeservicesub.housekeepingchannel.com/ to create a username and password for the site or login using a previously created account. Once registered, users will click on the “Add a New Home & Cleaning Service” link. Users will be led to a form to enter their company information and their IICRC Certification number.

The Housekeeping Channel has an average of 50,000 unique visitors per month, of which 58 percent are women. In 2007, the site reached more than a half a million unique visitors and is on track to surpass that record in 2008. The site is known for offering practical home cleaning advice from cleaning experts, professional executive housekeepers and cleaning services, environmental service professionals, doctors and scientists, and organizational and time-management consultants.

For more information on becoming an IICRC Certified Firm, visit www.IICRC.org. To view IICRC content on the Housekeeping Channel, visit www.HousekeepingChannel.com.

About the IICRC

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an ANSI-accredited non-profit standard writing and certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries. Organized in 1972, the IICRC currently represents more than 5,300 Certified Firms and more than 45,000 Certified Technicians in 30 countries. The IICRC, with participation from the entire industry, sets standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. IICRC does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems. It approves schools and instructors that meet the criteria established by the IICRC. IICRC also serves as a consumer referral source for Certified Firms and Inspectors. Please visit www.IICRC.org or www.CertifiedCleaners.org for more information.

About The Housekeeping Channel

The Housekeeping Channel (www.HousekeepingChannel.com) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of information and resources to help households everywhere achieve a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, plus news and reviews regarding the latest innovations from the cleaning products industry to improve the home environment. Resources include time-saving systems, tools and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse.

 

 

 

The Housekeeping Channel (HC) and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Collaborate to Help Consumers Clean Up

 

 

BOISE, Idaho - The Housekeeping Channel (HC) is collaborating with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) (www.iicrc.org) and (www.certifiedcleaners.org) to provide outreach to consumers seeking expertise for their home restoration needs, including carpet cleaning, oriental rug care, mold remediation, and cleaning for health and allergy prevention. IICRC has among its registrants more than 42,000 Certified Technicians in 33 countries. With this new partnership, the consumer will benefit from Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) information based on IICRC technical standards and literature, and will be helped to locate IICRC Certified Firms to address cleaning challenges.

“A partnership with The Housekeeping Channel allows the IICRC to continue to educate consumers about important professional cleaning, restoration and inspection topics. This information ranges from proper methods of maintaining flooring and upholstery to ridding a home of mold contamination to properly restoring a home damaged by smoke, water or fire,” said IICRC President Ruth Travis. “This partnership helps enable the IICRC to fulfill its duty as a standards setting and certification organization, leading homeowners to qualified, trained and certified professionals who will provide quality service.”

“The Housekeeping Channel is pleased to associate itself with the exceptional depth of expertise represented by the IICRC,” said Allen P. Rathey, president of The Housekeeping Channel. “This will greatly benefit consumers seeking expert help to clean, restore, and maintain their homes, while ensuring a safer, healthier indoor environment.”

As part of the annual agreement between IICRC and HC, IICRC Registrants will receive a complimentary listing in the HC Home Services Section, the IICRC logo and a link to the IICRC Web site (www.certifiedcleaners.org) will appear on content pages throughout the Housekeeping Channel site, and IICRC tips and information will be featured on HC content pages, including the HC Home Page. Other joint outreach activities are also planned.

About The Housekeeping Channel

 

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of information and resources to help households everywhere achieve a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, plus news and reviews regarding the latest innovations from the cleaning products industry to improve the home environment. Resources include time-saving systems, tools and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse.

About IICRC

 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit certifying body for the floor and carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and disaster restoration industry. Organized in 1972, the IICRC currently represents more than 5200 Certified Firms and more than 42,000 Certified Technicians in 33 countries. The IICRC sets consensus standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. Locate IICRC-Certified Firms at www.certifiedcleaners.org.

 

 

 

IEHA Acquires Exclusive Two-year Promotional Program Agreement with The Housekeeping Channel® Web Site: 'Home Away from Home' Outreach Planned

 

 

WESTERVILLE, Ohio - The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), a 3,500-plus member organization for management level professionals employed in facility housekeeping, has entered into an exclusive two-year promotional program agreement with The Housekeeping Channel (HC), a leading online provider of in-depth content and quick tips for better, faster and healthier housekeeping.

Beth Risinger, IEHA CEO/executive director explains that the association’s members are professionals in healthcare, hospitality, educational, state, and other large facilities who provide their expertise to ensure a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.

“Like The Housekeeping Channel, we are dedicated to best practices in housekeeping and the development and promotion of processes to clean, protect and enhance indoor environments. Through our agreement with The Housekeeping Channel, we have the opportunity to reach out to consumers and provide expert information regarding better, healthier housekeeping and infection control for persons at home, children at school, hotel guests, hospital patients, and others in their ‘home away from home.’”

As part of the agreement, HC will provide site-wide banner advertising and prominent logo placement for IEHA. IEHA professionals will provide visitors to the HC site tips to make their homes cleaner, safer, healthier, and more inviting.

Allen Rathey, The Housekeeping Channel founder and president, says the agreement is “designed to help IEHA promote its members’ skills to the consumer by tapping the growing reach of The Housekeeping Channel to create greater public awareness. We are pleased to associate ourselves with the unique expertise of IEHA, and believe it will be a great asset to our audience seeking professional insights into better housekeeping.”

About IEHA

 

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is a 3,500-plus member organization for senior facility housekeeping management. The non-profit was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the state’s capitol.

Executive housekeepers are managers who direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities. They supervise staffs ranging from a few to several hundred people, and handle budgets from a few thousand dollars to millions.

IEHA provides members with an array of channels through which they can achieve personal and professional growth, including: leadership opportunities; resource materials; education program designation; employment referral service; a technical question hotline (1-800-200-6342); networking; an annual convention and trade show including several education sessions; and a monthly trade publication, Executive Housekeeping Today.

About Housekeeping Channel

 

The Housekeeping Channel® is an online consumer resource for better, faster and healthier housekeeping. More than 40,000 unique visitors spend as much as an hour on the site each month investigating home cleaning, care guidelines and advice. Founded in 2004, The Housekeeping Channel can be accessed at www.housekeepingchannel.com and on more than 16 million Sprint phones.

 

 

 

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