Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • April 25, 2012 (ARA) Hand sanitizer, flu shots, and regular exercise are just some of the ways Americans build their immunity to protect themselves from harmful bacteria and illness, but many may be missing a simple step for preventing health problems. There is nothing like a nice hot shower to remove dirt and grime, but showerheads are moist, warm, and dark, and those that spray hard water are especially ripe for bacterial growth. Newly published research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicated that showerheads that sprayed hard water had a prevalence of bacteria linked to pulmonary (lung-related) disease. The study reported the results of showerheads analyzed across nine U.S. cities. Just as Americans take other preventative measures to protect themselves from airborne illnesses, there’s a simple way to ensure your showerhead doesn’t make you sick. Water softeners dissolve the minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and iron that are normally found in hard water. Left untreated, these minerals leave a residue buildup in Don’t let your showerhead make you sick the showerhead, which plays host to bacteria. “Water softeners break down the minerals in the water and the accumulated minerals are flushed down the drain,” said Jerry Poe, technical director at North American Salt Company, the producer of Nature’s Own and Sure Soft brands of water conditioning products. “Using a good water softener is an easy way to protect your family from harmful bacteria and certain potential pulmonary problems.” Water softeners can also be good for homeowners who are watching their pocketbooks. The Water Quality Association, in partnership with the Battelle Institute - an independent research and development organization -- examined the economic impact of water softeners. The group wanted to understand the effects water softeners had on the efficiency and lifespan of water heaters. Battelle Institute researchers tested gas, electric, and tankless water heaters. The results made a strong case for soft water and water softeners. The gas and electric water heaters maintained their predicted 15-year lifespan when scientists used soft water. With hard water, the heaters showed up to a 25 percent decrease in efficiency over the lifetime of the appliance. Tankless heaters using soft water also maintained their original efficiency rating over a 15-year span. When the tankless appliances heated hard water, substantial mineral buildup prevented them from functioning after less than two years of equivalent water use. When it came to cost, researchers at the Battelle Institute found soft water delivered savings of almost 60 percent, compared with water heaters using hard water. Showerhead performance also was examined by researchers. Those spraying hard water saw a 75 percent decrease in flow rate in less than 18 months due to hard water mineral deposits. Soft water showerheads maintained their consistent flow and stream over time. “You wouldn’t think the simple act of taking a shower could play such an important role in your family’s health,” Poe said, “but if your home has hard water, using a softener can help protect your family from dangerous bacteria and potential health problems, and it can save you money and prolong your appliances’ lifespans at the same time.” R&S Landscaping will celebrate Arbor Day by giving local residents the opportunity to green their outdoor spaces by planting trees. As a way to encourage community environmental awareness, this Midland Park-based company will be giving away free saplings at the Ridgewood Whole Foods, located at 44 Godwin Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. “Arbor Day is an excellent time to recognize how important trees are for protecting our environment,” said Robert Schucker, president of R&S Landscaping and Eco Earth Design. “Douglas firs are native to New Jersey, which makes them ideal for recipients. They will easily thrive and support the natural eco system as they grow. They’ll help to keep our air supply fresh, and will provide shade and shelter for local wildlife. For the local homeowner, the tree’s shade and breaking of the wind will help to reduce heating and cooling costs.” Throughout the day, R&S Landscaping will also have coloring and poster supplies available for anyone who wishes to participate in the company’s Earth Day Poster Contest. The contest is open to Bergen County students in grades one through eight. Students are asked to design Arbor Day event to include free trees, poster contest a poster no larger than 11 by 17 inches in size, focusing on one or more beneficial garden bugs, such as ladybugs, praying mantis, lacewings, and assassin bugs. More information about these bugs will be available on the R&S website at www.rscape.com. Artwork must be drawn or painted on a flat surface with pencil, crayon, marker, paint, or pastel. All posters must be submitted along with a completed entry form to the Whole Foods Market in Ridgewood by closing on April 28 to be eligible for the contest. The first-place winner of the poster contest will receive four free passes to Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, and will have his or her original artwork displayed at Whole Foods Market in Ridgewood for the month of May and posted on R&S Landscaping’s website and Facebook page. R&S Landscaping may be contacted at (201) 447-6205 or service@rscape.com.