5 Spring Cleaning Tips That Will Improve Daily Health

The weather is warming up, which means it's also time to take part in spring cleaning, the time of year where individuals spruce up and de-germ their home and offices. As well as taking other steps to get ready for upcoming nice weather. With longer days and motivation brought on by pleasant temps, this is an annual time to clean up and clear out. 

In order to make the most of your cleaning efforts this year, look toward additional fixes that not only improve your living space, but can help make your home healthier. 

1. Steam Cleaning

Did you know it's recommended to get your carpets cleaned once per year? And your mattress? An overwhelming majority of folks do not have their sleeping or walking surfaces cleaned, which can leave them full of germs and allergens. Have yours cleaned to remove these symptom triggers. Additionally, steam cleaning is the most effective way to sanitize without introducing chemicals. 

2. Air Purifier

When the weather is nice, it's a common practice to open the windows. However, doing so can let airborne germs into the home. Set up an air purifier in your bedroom (or whenever windows are open) to help eliminate these triggers. 

3. Air Ducts

Even though they pump air into every room of the home, air ducts are given surprisingly little attention. When left alone for only a few months, who knows what could be lurking in their depths … aside from dust. Have your ducts professionally cleaned for fresher air, or consider vacuuming them out yourself. 

4.  Freshly Laundered Everything

We rarely get around to cleaning the bedspread, or the pillows, but spring is a great time to start fresh. Wash what you can at home, or head to a local laundry mat that has bigger machines and more extreme settings. 

5. Keep it Clean

Generally, the entire reason we need spring cleaning is because we slacked all winter long. Who wants to tidy up when it's freezing out, after all? Once you've cleaned this spring, keep a short routine of picking up (laundry, vacuuming, etc.) to ensure your efforts last. 

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How the Wind Can Have a Negative Affect on Your Health

Depending on where you live, you might be more prone to windy days … or very rarely experience them. Either way, it's likely that you're wondering what the big deal is – either it's windy or it's not, Mother Nature's way of clearing out leaves. 

But windy days can actually affect us much deeper. Like with what it blows in with it.

Every time it's windy there are thousands of germs, allergens, and other microbes that make their way through the air. Pollens, molds, and more (even unpleasant scents) also get carried through the wind. In some ways, this can be considered a positive, by allowing your immune system to gain exposure to (and ward off) various triggers. However, if you suffer from severe allergies, this can cause an ongoing slew of symptoms. Even worse when you spend time outdoors during the changing season. Meaning that each time it's windy, you can develop cold-like reactions, allow further substances into your home, and even lower your immune system's efficiency.

In order to avoid the negative side effects of windy days, there are a few steps you can take. First of all, make sure you have a clean yard. Sure, neighbors' leaves and yard clippings can blow onto your property, but the cleaner it is outside in general, the fewer items that will be out in circulation (and adding air allergens). If you have severe allergies, remember to have someone else clean up; raking and bagging leaves puts triggers directly into your breathing space. 

Next, be careful about opening windows. Especially when it's blustery, which can let even more airborne germs into your home. And finally, gear up for some spring cleaning. The actual jump date to spring might be a few weeks off, but in our book, any nice weather qualifies. The earlier you start cleaning, the earlier you can start benefitting from an organized, wind-free home.

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How to Avoid Fall's Biggest Allergy Triggers

Unless you suffer from fall allergies, it can be hard to remember there's an entire cold weather season that makes you sneeze. In the spring, it's expected, but somehow fall allergies tend to fall off our radar. That is, unless you suffer from them, in which case you're trying everything in your power to do away with the once and for all.

Within your epic quest to remove such allergens, remember these triggers, what might cause symptoms, and how you can best avoid each of these hay-fever nightmares.

Warm Fall Weather

It might sound like a blessing, especially for those who hate the cold. But warm weather that continues into the fall can actually create allergy havoc. Humidity and warm temps bring allergens out of their hiding places, and into your breathing air at a much higher rate.  

Wind

When paired with warm temperatures, wind can be the allergy sufferer's biggest enemy. Though you can't exactly avoid the wind, when it's in the forecast, be sure and keep your windows closed, turn on air purifiers, and change out filters (including heater filters) to eliminate as many allergens as possible.

Leaves

Rake them! Sure you "don’t want to have to do it twice," and are waiting for all of the leaves to fall, but letting them sit can mean more allergies that you and your family is breathing in every day. Pay a pro to get rid of them, or use a mulching lawn mower that collects leaves in a bag for ample cleanup abilities. 

Pre-Freeze

A good hard freeze is one of the best cures for fall allergies. Until that day, however, keep in mind that there will be far more pollen, dander, and ragweed within your home. (Among other triggers.) This information can help dictate how often you vacuum or wash your sheets in order to remove the cause of hay fever as thoroughly as possible. 

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5 Reasons You Should Be Eating Honey

It's known as nature's candy. Sweet, flavorful, and as natural as foods can come. And perhaps most surprisingly, considering all of its benefits, honey is also delicious. A substance made entirely by insects, we can't get enough of it. It can be eaten as a spread, in salad dressings, mixed within baked goods, as a tea or coffee flavor. (Yes, we hear honey in coffee is delicious.) Or, its comb can be munched on for a dessert with crunch, as well as flavor. 

Yet there's plenty more that honey has to offer. If the taste alone isn't enough incentive, here are five additional reasons you should be eating honey.

5. It's Healthy

As in, natural sugar and low in calories. With no chemicals or outside preservatives. Honey can seriously last forever. Just be sure that you're eating natural honey, not a flavored spread. 

4. It Helps With Allergies

Eating local honey can help those with all types of outdoor allergies. By ingesting the very triggers that cause them (in small doses), you can work to build up immunities against these allergens.

3. It's a Healthy Sweet Alternative

Consider using honey in a number of different scenarios for added health benefits. It's great in hot beverages, iced tea, on desserts, etc. If you would normally use a sweetener (even when baking), replace with honey for a new take on sweeter dishes.

2. They Can Help Provide Energy

Honey has natural energy boosting properties, but with very few carbs or additional calories. (In comparison to its counterparts.) Try a teaspoon with your meal or snack the next time you're low on energy.

1. Sore Throat Miracle

In cold season, it's best to keep a steady supply of honey on hand. Because it's thick and coats the throat, honey can settle in and soothe aches. It can also keep you from coughing and combat that dry feeling that's often associated with colds. 

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What Hiding in Your Air?

There’s plenty of information circling about air purifiers and how they should be used. And while plenty opt to invest in these devices – whether from allergies, family health, or an additional concern – that doesn’t mean the average person knows what they’re purifying the air from. What exactly is in our breathing space that we’re trying so hard to get rid of?

For the most part, it depends on one’s location. Different areas of the country will have different molds, fungus, plant debris, and more. There can also be dust, leftovers from construction, or anything else that might have been released into the air. It’s important to know what’s in your area, as well as what your family might be most susceptible to. This can be done by talking to local experts, checking the weather (including air quality and pollen and/or mold counts, etc.), as well as checking new for upcoming construction nearby. 

Germs are another culprit to be on the lookout for. If one member of the family is sick, or even if they come in contact with someone who is, those germs can be passed through the air. However, generally these germs are transferred direct before they can be caught by any air purification devices. 

The Perks on an Air Purifier

In contrast, using a purifier can help eliminate allergens, irritants, and more. It can help you breathe clearer and deeper, while getting rid of nighttime symptoms. Or, at the very least, reducing side effects. Over time, this can work to improve your health. 

Changing the filter regularly can also allow you to see exactly what’s been cleaned from the air. And it might surprise you. However, those who can see the actual evidence are more likely to stick to their air purifiers and understand the benefits they can provide.

Start sleeping better and breathing easy with the addition of an air purifier today. 

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Did you Know? High Pollen Levels Affect Air Quality

Chances are, so far this spring, you’ve experienced some allergy symptoms. This time of year, runny noses are prevalent. As are watery eyes and scratchy throats. It’s just part of spring. However, this year in particular, the levels of pollen have been so high, that even those who don’t generally suffer from allergies have been noticing symptoms. This is due to especially high levels, which started earlier than normal. 

Combined, those two factors have been the focal point of some serious suffering. As well as higher sales numbers in relief, such as tissues and anti-histamines. 

This year has proved to be especially brutal, specifically due to high pollen levels making their way into the air. 

What Causes Allergies?

Obviously, a large part of allergies, and how you’re affected by said allergens, comes from genetics. Those with parents who suffered are more likely to develop those same reactions. However, continued exposure can also make a difference. As well as location, weather changes, and more. Specifically, what types of plants are growing in the area, and whether or not you have a strong reaction to those species. One can also develop more severe allergies as they age. 

Warmer temperatures will also trigger allergens to burst forth into the air. Late freezes can help kill them from our breathing air, or at the very least, keep them at bay until the next thaw. A welcome change for those who began suffering early this year.

How to Prevent Allergies

Your doctor is a go-to source on allergy prevention. Natural healthcare professionals will also provide helpful insight, such as how to prevent symptoms without taking medicine. Another tactic is to go to the source itself. By keeping track of local pollen levels, you can be sure and know what to look out for any given day. Google local resources, or check out national websites that are specifically made to monitor counts. 

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Tips for Sleeping Better with a Cold

When stuffed up or not feeling your best, the thing you need most in life is sleep. However, when the airways aren’t clear, rest not only becomes difficult, but virtually impossible to find. Instead, we’re stuck coughing in order to better breathe and fall into a deep level of sleep. 

Pillows can certainly be stacked, or medicines taken to help remove mucus. Having an upset stomach brings on another set of issues altogether, causing you to feel nauseous when getting comfortable. But not without side effects, or wearing off too quickly. And stacked pillows always seem to lump and flatten throughout the night.  

Enter the MiniMax. 

This little guy is specifically designed to increase comfort, clear airways, and allow you to get comfortable through any number of symptoms. And because it’s adjustable, sleepers can choose various positions to meet their needs. As well as to beat whatever issues are keeping them from sleep. 

Use the MiniMax through flu season, to beat allergies, or for all of the above. Whether they take place throughout the spring, winter, or run into the summer as well. Simply adjust your MiniMax as needed to gain better and deeper rest each and every night. That can mean the size of wedge or height of your incline, or another position that allows comfort throughout the entire body. 

Elevate the head and shoulders to clear out your sinuses, raise the legs to help reduce nausea, or lay on the wedge while falling asleep to help reduce coughing or other symptoms that prevent rest. 

Treat Flu and Allergies with the MiniMax Multi-Position Wedge

Because the MiniMax is, well, mini, you can take it wherever you go. That means allergy relief while traveling. Sleep with the flu once heading to the couch, and more. Order one for your spouse as well; they’re affordable enough to stock up for the whole family!

To learn more or start receiving relief today, check out our MiniMax product page.

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Get a Jump on Spring Allergies

Spring may be a few months away, but with unpredictable weather patterns, it’s hard to know exactly when it will show up. And, it’s symptoms and side effects along with it. For those who suffer from allergies, however, there’s no need to worry about dates, instead, get a jumpstart and fight off allergens even before they become a threat. That way you can eliminate pollens, insects, danders, and more before they ever have a chance to enter your home. Or worse, your bedroom, keeping you from getting some much-needed sleep. 

To Deter Allergens

Consider a multi-faceted approach. For instance, protecting pillows and your mattress (maybe even blankets) with specialty covers. These hypoallergenic fabrics create a surface in which bugs, molds, etc. can’t adhere. Leaving you to sleep free and clear from all of your allergens. To get the most out of your efforts, cover both your mattress and each of your pillows in such materials. 

Blankets, pajamas, and more (essentially anything that can be washed in the machine) with a specialty soap or additive to remove allergens. Because these items can often survive a wash, this extra step will ensure they’re removed directly from the fibers on which you sleep. 

Before the nicer weather hits, it’s also a good idea to get your spring cleaning done. Yes it’s called spring cleaning for a reason, but waiting for warm weather can also invite mites and dust directly into your home. Instead, deep clean now before they even get the chance. Wash curtains, vacuum furniture, shampoo carpets, etc. If it can be cleaned (and has the potential to cause allergies), clean it and clean it now. 

Come spring, these efforts will offer you some much needed allergy relief. Consider taking a few extra minutes now – along with the help of some specialty products – to earn better results later this year. 

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Eliminate Allergies with Contour’s De-Mite Laundry Additive

Sleep with ease thanks to Contour Living’s latest product addition. A product that gets rid of some of your worse allergy triggers through everyday chores. The De-Mite Laundry Additive, an add-in laundry substance, can be used on any load of clothes (or bedding, etc.), to help eliminate some of your worst allergens. Just add it to your regular laundry day routine for peace of mind and bedding that’s sure to provide some much needed breathing relief. 

It even comes with a special introductory price! Add it to your favorite pillow for free shipping, or stock up for spring!

What is De-Mite?

It’s an at-home laundry additive that kills most airborne allergies, such as dust mites. With just a half-tablespoon of detergent (mixed with your favorite traditional detergent, of course), users can eliminate mites and more from an entire laundry load. It even works in all temperatures, so there’s no need to worry about ruining delicate bedding or pieces of clothing. De-Mite is non-toxic and does not contain dyes or fragrances, which is perfect for those with sensitive skin. And because it’s concentrated, only a small amount is needed, allowing the entire bottle to last multiple loads. 

De-Mite is perfect for long-time allergy suffers, and eliminates the smallest of triggers that can embed directly within our sheets and blankets. Namely the dust mite, which is responsible for the largest number of spring and fall allergies, including asthma attacks had by non-allergy sufferers. Other symptoms kept at bay include: sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, a running nose, scratchy throat, and more. 

To start making the most out of your laundry loads, look to De-Mite to reduce allergy symptoms each time you wash your bedding. Not only is it effective, it’s and easy, affordable way to reduce allergy symptoms. 

Click to start shopping today. 

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