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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Fall Allergies Are in the Air

Do you suffer from fall allergies? Do you know what triggers are available throughout the fall? And which ones are specific to your area or lifestyle? If you're starting to feel under the weather – or even just a bit "off" every time the temperatures dip – allergies may very well be the cause. Substances like ragweed (the biggest fall trigger), pollen (which is generally more prevalent in spring), dust mites, and even certain types of fruits and vegetables – specifically melons, zucchini, etc. are all there to make you sneeze. Though the latter is far more rare, but nonetheless still an allergy trigger for many – which often goes unnoticed due to its unusual nature. 

No matter what may be the cause, however, these triggers have been known to bring on some seriously unpleasant symptoms. Such as hay fever, scratchy throats, itchy and watery eyes, couching, and noses that can't decide if they're stuffed up or running constantly. Even worse for those who enjoy sleeping with open windows – a move that lets in fresh air and helps cool the house, but also brings in microscopic particles.

It's also likely that you've taken note of fall weather patterns in your area. Some states will fluxgate greatly. Days of heat will see fewer symptoms, while cool or windy days might cause an almost severe cold. (Or at least the need to pack a box of tissues.) A pattern that often continues until a hard freeze is able to settle down triggers for months at a time – except for warmer climates, which might see allergies year-round. (Though citizens of these areas often develop immunities, too.) 

If you suffer from fall allergies, consider looking to natural or over-the-counter remedies to help keep symptoms at bay. And remember that, no matter how severe the season might seem, you're only a few months away from long-term relief. 

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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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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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Beat Summer Allergens with Sleeping Habits

This time of year, breathing in the outdoor air can cause some serious side effects. Like sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and a number of other unattractive bodily functions. Much like the Disney dwarf, Sneezy, it just can’t be helped. No matter how many times a breath is held, a finger put under a nose, or just plugged all together, the sneeze still comes. From pollen, to dust, to ragweed, the warmer months bring on all types of irritating allergens. There’s little poor Sneezy and the rest of the allergic population can do.

Obviously, the easiest way to avoid these plants is to stay inside. But being cooped up all day is no fun, and by the time the allergies have passed, there may not be pleasant weather to enjoy. Medicines and other doctor treatments can help as well, but why not attack allergies from the inside out?

By adjusting sleeping habits, it’s easy to get a good night of rest, even when allergies are in full swing.

Staying Allergy Proof

·      Sleep with hypoallergenic supplies

• By ensuring pillows, blankets, mattresses, etc. are free from irritating substances, it’s easy to keep one’s bedroom breath-easy able. Opt for hardwood floors rather than carpets or rugs, or keep carpets clean by shampooing and vacuuming regularly. Air vents can also be vacuumed to remove dust or other nasty allergens. 

·      Adjust posture

• Propping up one’s head with an extra pillow, or using aspecialized neck or head support can help open up the sinuses … even when allergies are running amuck. This can also increase comfort for the nose and throat when excess drainage becomes present.

·      Stock up on tissues

• Keeping tissues or cough drops on hand can help ease the side effects of nasty allergies. 

·      Keep the windows closed

• Even on nice, calm nights, it may just be best to keep the windows shut. If fresh air can cause painful or uncomfortable side effects, keep the AC running rather than propping open the bedroom window.

·      Find the best sleeping position

• Sleeping on one’s back is great for some, while it can cause others to cough during the night. Try resting on the side or stomach to find a position that promotes the easiest breathing patterns.

·      Get a good night’s rest

• Though allergies don’t generally mean a person is “sick,” that doesn’t mean the body is under any less duress. Because your lungs are breathing in substances that have a foreign reaction, the body creates allergies to try and ward them off. This can make you tired, groggy, and in need of more rest. Be sure to catch plenty of sleep whenever allergies strike.

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