If you’re reading this, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed after hearing about recent research linking golf course proximity to health concerns. I get it – as someone who’s dedicated her life to helping families create healthier homes, I know how it feels when you discover something that might be impacting your family’s wellbeing.
First, take a deep breath. You’re already taking the right step by educating yourself, and there are absolutely things you can do to protect your loved ones right where you are.
What the Research Really Means for Your Family
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that people living within one mile of a golf course had a 126% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living more than six miles away. Now, before you panic, remember that this is about increased risk – not a guarantee. And more importantly, there are proven ways to significantly reduce your family’s exposure to the pesticides that cause this concern.
The issue isn’t the beautiful green spaces themselves – it’s the chemicals used to maintain them that can travel through air and groundwater. But here’s the empowering part: once you understand the pathways of exposure, you can take targeted action to protect your home.
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan (No Overwhelm, I Promise)
Start Here: Your Water (The Foundation of Health)
Water contamination is often the biggest concern for families near golf courses, but it’s also the most straightforward to address.
This Week:
- Install a whole-house water filtration system to catch contaminants before they enter your home
- Add a high-quality reverse osmosis system at your kitchen sink for drinking and cooking water
Pro tip: I know this sounds expensive, but think of it as health insurance for your family. Many systems have payment plans, and the peace of mind is priceless.
Know When to Batten Down the Hatches
You don’t have to live in fear, but being informed helps you take smart precautions.
Action Steps:
- Call your local golf courses and ask about their pesticide application schedules (most are happy to share this)
- Mark these dates on your family calendar
- During application periods: close windows, turn off whole-house fans, and run your air purifiers on high
Create Your Family’s “Healthy Home Bubble”
The No-Shoes Rule (Game-Changer!): This one simple change can reduce pesticide tracking by up to 85%. Make it fun for kids with a special shoe basket and cute indoor slippers for everyone.
Upgrade Your Indoor Air:
- Invest in HEPA air purifiers with activated carbon filters for main living areas
- Check window and door seals – those tiny gaps let in more than you’d think
- Consider an air quality monitor so you can actually see the difference you’re making
Test, Don’t Guess
If you have a vegetable garden or kids who play in the yard, soil testing gives you real answers instead of worry.
What to Do:
- Hire a certified professional to test for pesticide residues
- Based on results, you might need soil remediation or simply choose plants that naturally resist chemical absorption
Build Your Natural Shield
Creating barriers doesn’t just protect you – it can actually make your property more beautiful and valuable.
Smart Landscaping:
- Plant tall hedges or install trellises with climbing plants on the side facing the golf course
- Choose native plants that thrive without chemical treatments
- Consider a decorative fence with dense plantings
Beyond Your Home: Advocating for Change
You have more power than you might think! Many communities have successfully advocated for safer practices at local golf courses.
Ways to Make a Difference:
- Attend town meetings and share your concerns respectfully
- Connect with other families in your neighborhood – there’s strength in numbers
- Support golf courses that are transitioning to organic or integrated pest management practices
The Bottom Line: You've Got This
I know this might feel overwhelming, but remember – you don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one or two actions that feel manageable this month, then build from there. Every step you take is protecting your family’s health.
The most important thing? You’re being proactive instead of reactive. That’s exactly the kind of intentional approach that creates lasting change for your family’s wellbeing.
Ready to Take Your Healthy Home Journey Further?
I know what you might be thinking right now: “This is great, but where do I even start with the rest of my home? And how do I know I’m focusing on the RIGHT things?”
Here’s the thing – the biggest mistake I see health-minded families making is overcomplicating the process of reducing toxins inside their space. They think a home has to be perfect to be healthy, or they get so overwhelmed by all the contradicting information online that they don’t take any action at all.
But creating a low-toxin living space doesn’t have to be complicated, and it definitely doesn’t have to make you feel guilty if it’s not perfect.
What if I told you there’s a way to focus your time and energy on changing the MOST IMPORTANT parts of your home first?
That’s exactly what I’ll show you in my Free 5 Day Home Detox Challenge.
You’ll discover how to support your body’s immune system and overall wellness rather than burdening it down day after day – and it’s WAY easier than you think.
Remember, creating a healthy home isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. And you’re already making that progress by being here, learning, and taking action.
Sources:
- Krzyzanowski, B., et al. (2025). Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease. JAMA Network Open
- Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines on Pesticide Exposure
- Parkinson’s Foundation Research Updates
