10 Ways to Be Healthier

Posted on April 12, 2012 by ag-admin

While it's not always easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is definitely achievable.

You probably know how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle, but do you know exactly what that means? In general, living a healthy life is about maintaining a healthy weight, eating fruits, vegetables and other good-for-you foods, drinking water, incorporating daily exercise into your routine and getting enough sleep. While it’s not always easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is definitely achievable, so read on to learn about our tips on how to be healthier.

Eat your vegetables

While it’s recommended that you eat five servings of vegetables a day, whether raw, steamed or stir-fried (and no, French fries do not count as a vegetable), if you’re not used to eating healthy, this can seem challenging. Start off small, by eating a healthy snack of baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and celery sticks with a small side of low-fat ranch dressing every day. Make sure a salad is on your dinner table every night. Sneak in vegetables wherever you can – add a few slices of tomato to your sandwich for lunch, throw some bell peppers on your pizza or some chopped onions and mushrooms to your pasta sauce.

Eat less

According to many scientific studies, the combination of exercise and caloric restriction can actually reverse the signs of aging. But cutting calories doesn’t have to mean starving yourself. Instead, choose nutrient-dense foods that make you feel full but don’t have many calories. Good choices include soups, salads, fresh fruits, lean chicken breast, beans and yogurt.

Five alive

While we did just tell you to eat less, make sure you’re eating five small meals a day, incorporating the above foods into your diet that are nutrient-rich without being calorie-dense. When you severely limit your calories, your body goes into starvation mode, opting to conserve calories rather than burn them. By eating five small meals a day, you’ll keep your metabolism constantly humming, ultimately resulting in weight loss.

Get on the move

If you’re living a nine to five existence, you may feel like you can’t seem to fit exercise anywhere into your busy schedule. Studies have shown that even 10 minutes of exercise a day can make a difference, so get moving. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Spend part of your lunch break at work walking around your office. Take a walk around the block before you get the mail. Pace around when you’re on the phone.

Make social connections

Science has shown that frequent interactions with friends, family and colleagues can decrease your risk of dying by 50 percent over seven years, so maintain your close relationships. Call up your old roommates from college and have a gab fest. Plan a family reunion and invite your distant cousin that you haven’t seen since childhood. Invite a like-minded coworker out for lunch. Strike up a conversation with a stranger at the grocery store.

Friends with benefits

It’s important to stress that, while it is important to build relationships, if you have personal relationships with people who have unhealthy habits, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So choose to surround yourself with other people who can motivate and accompany you on your quest for a healthy lifestyle. You don’t have to turn your back on your couch potato friends, but it’s important to also spend time with people you can benefit from.

Think positive

It’s important to keep a positive outlook on life, as research shows that a healthy positive attitude can help to build a stronger immune system and increases your overall health. Think of several things that you’re grateful for, and focus on how to improve areas that need work.

Have a good laugh

The benefits of simple laughter cannot be overstated. Laughter relieves physical tension and stress while triggering the release of feel-good endorphins. Laughter also decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. So if you had a stressful day at work, pop in that book on tape that makes you smile and redirect the negative energy. Attend a standup comedy show to tickle your funny bone.

Sleep well

A good night’s sleep is essential to living a healthy life. Studies show that eight is the magic number, so strive for at least eight hours of sleep a night. If you have trouble sleeping, try relaxation techniques right before bed, like yoga or meditation. Darken your room or wear an eye mask. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, write down any thoughts into a journal so you can put your mind at ease.

Tune out

The average American watches several hours of television a day. And most of us who work in an office spend all day in front of a computer. When you get home, don’t plug back in again. Spend your evening detoxifying from technology by reading a book or listening to a soothing record.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/EmirMemedovski

Six Ways to Get Fit in Your Apartment

Posted on April 11, 2012 by mprice

Even if your apartment doesn’t have a gym or a fitness center, there are still ways that you can get fit.

Exercise is an important element in living a healthy lifestyle. When you live in an apartment, however, you might feel that your options are limited. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great workout in. And even if your apartment community doesn’t have a fitness center, there are still effective ways you can get fit without all the fancy equipment you might find at a gym.

Read on to find out how you can exercise in your apartment using minimal workout gear. You can even watch television or blast energy-boosting music while doing these exercises to keep things interesting.

Walking
This is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to work out in your apartment community. If the weather is nice, it’s great to get outside and enjoy your surroundings while you exercise. And even if the weather isn’t cooperating out of doors, you can still take advantage of the benefits of walking. Scale the stairs of your apartment building for an intense cardiovascular benefit that is low impact, while also toning your legs.

Jogging and jumping indoors
Don’t have a lot of space to work with? Not a problem. Jogging in place is great exercise for your heart, and you can do it in just about any room. Turn on the television, crank up the tunes and get to jogging in place to burn calories. To make your workout a little more difficult, alternate between jogging in place and doing jumping jacks.

As long as your apartment has enough overhead room for the rope to turn freely, you can get great cardiovascular exercise by jumping rope. This exercise also tones arms, legs and shoulders. Even though you’ll be indoors, make sure to wear cushioned, supportive shoes to reduce the risk of injury. Make sure your jump rope is the right length. To test for the correct length, stand in the middle and pull the handles up toward your armpits. If the handles touch your armpits, the rope is the right length.

Stability ball crunches
A stability ball is a large, inflatable ball that can be used for a number of exercises. Light and compact, it’s perfect for working out in an apartment. The stability ball crunch is one of the most effective ways to work your abdominal muscles, as it allows you to contract and lengthen these muscles. Sit on the stability ball and walk your feet forward while leaning back on the ball. Place your hands on your thighs, across your chest or on your temples. Now, contract your abs while lifting your head and shoulders off the ball. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower your head and shoulders back down. Repeat!

Weight lifting
You don’t need expensive weights or fancy machines to build muscle and increase strength. Simply pick up a few items you most likely have lying around your apartment and do a few reps. Start out with something lighter, such as canned vegetables, and work your way up to heavier items, like milk jugs or laundry detergent bottles.

Pushups
Although they’re certainly not a favorite exercise of many people, pushups can be a good source of cardiovascular activity while building up arm strength and toning muscles in your chest. If it’s too difficult, start off on your knees instead of keeping your legs straight. Or, if you have enough wall space in your apartment, you can perform pushups standing up against a wall.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/diego_cervo

Which Kinds of Exercise are Right for You?

Posted on February 29, 2012 by ag-admin

Read tips on finding the best exercise program to meet your needs.

Some people enjoy jogging, while others cringe at the thought. Some like the discipline of lifting weights; others find it boring. Swimmers, basketball players, and dancers all appreciate the activities that make their spirits soar. Fortunately, there are almost as many different ways to get fit as there are people resolving to exercise in the coming year. And when you find the right exercise for you, you’re more likely to enjoy exercising and stick to a program.

Here are some tips for finding the best exercise program to meet your needs.

Determine your goals. If you’re looking to get physically stronger, then you’ll need a program that includes strength-training exercises (including, but not limited to, weight training). If you want to burn a lot of calories, however, you may prefer a higher-impact, aerobic workout. Having an end goal in mind should help keep you motivated.

Talk to your doctor. There’s a reason why nearly every book, magazine article, or television commercial discussing exercise and weight loss includes a disclaimer about talking to your doctor. It might help to go to your physical appointment with specific exercises in mind, so that you can discuss the potential consequences to your body. A runner may need to pay attention over time to stress on the joints, for example.

Think fun! There’s no right way to exercise, so don’t box yourself in to a routine you won’t enjoy because it’s the trendy exercise right now. If you want to try an activity for its benefits and not the joy of doing it — say, you want to increase your strength, but find lifting weights tedious — see if you can add music you enjoy, or alternate different routines in your workout.

Find a good time of the day. If you’re an early riser, you might feel better having a healthy breakfast after a workout. If you’re a night owl, on the other hand, you might do better stopping by the gym after work.

Look for social options. Many people find they are more likely to stick to an exercise routine if they team up with a partner or join a group. You can look on sites such as Meetup.com for groups devoted to different sports and activities, or check in with a local store that sells athletic gear.

Don’t beat yourself up too quickly. If you try out a new exercise routine for a few weeks and then drop it, you may not have found the right exercise yet. But be honest with yourself as to whether it’s the style of workout that’s distressing you, or just the physical effort of making the change to exercise with purpose.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

Best Places to Run in Richmond

Posted on February 22, 2012 by mprice

Richmond's natural beauty makes it a great place to go for a run.

With so much natural beauty, great scenery and fabulous people watching, it’s almost a shame to confine your workouts to a treadmill in Richmond. So whether you’re just starting a fitness regimen or training for the Richmond marathon, here are a few of our favorite spots to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement.

Monument Avenue
If you’re looking to take in a little history with your workout, Monument Avenue makes for a beautiful and historical run. It’s also the place where the fourth largest 10k in the country is run, the Monument Avenue 10K, named by USA Today as one of the 10 great road races in the United States. You’ll run past impressive monuments erected in honor of Robert E. Lee, Matthew Fontaine Maury and Arthur Ashe in this district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where: 3321 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23218

Belle Isle
If you’re looking for great view of Richmond or the James River, you’ll find it at Belle Isle. A long suspension footbridge links the island to downtown, and crossing it is just part of the fun. Head out on the gravel road that runs around the perimeter of the island, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, take to one of the biking trails and explore the island.
Where: Tredegar St., Richmond, VA 23219

Byrd Park
Stretching out over 287 well manicured acres and featuring three small lakes, Byrd Park is spacious and perfectly shaded, making it a great place for a jog at any hour of the day. The most popular trail is the one mile Vitacourse, heavily utilized for running and walking. If you want to venture off the beaten path, take a loop around Swan Lake, where you might get the chance to see some waterfowl.
Where: Boulevard and Idlewood Ave., Richmond, VA 23220

Maymont Park
Maymont Park is a hidden gem amongst the urban sprawl of Virginia’s capital city. Featuring a pristine landscape covered in ponds, waterfalls and gardens, it’s one of the most picturesque of all of Richmond’s parks. If you’re looking for a really tough workout, Maymont has some steep hills that would challenge even the most experienced of runners.
Where: 2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, VA 23220

Canal Walk
If you happen to work downtown or just find yourself there often, the Canal Walk is perfect for a quick yet scenic mid-day run. Meandering 1.25 miles through downtown along the banks of the Haxall Canal, the James River and the Kanawha Canal, the Canal Walk is a popular tourist destination during the summer, so it is best to go during off-peak hours.
Where: S. 14^th St., Richmond, VA 23219

Pocahontas State Park
If you don’t mind taking a little drive to get to your running destination, head out to Pocahontas State Park, which is just under 20 miles from downtown Richmond. It’s well worth it, as this popular recreational park is over 7,600 acres and has two small yet scenic lakes. The park offers five miles of hiking trails around Beaver Lake, a five mile bicycle trail and numerous other trails that wind through the surrounding forest. Consider taking a refreshing dip in the park’s pool after a long, hard run.
Where: 10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832

Photo credit: iStockphoto/RichVintage

Best Places to Run in Chicago

Posted on February 17, 2012 by mprice

Despite being a thoroughly urban city, Chicago has many great running trails.

As the largest city in the state of Illinois, Chicago is booming with world-class arts, culture, entertainment, shopping and culinary destinations. With so many things to do in the Windy City, you might find it odd to set aside some time aside to run. But if you’re an avid runner, you know that skipping a daily run can become not only physically but mentally detrimental, and finding the best, most scenic and most unique places to run becomes somewhat of a quest-for-the-Holy-Grail type of thing. So whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or someone who enjoys taking a leisurely jog every now and then, read on to find the best places to hit the pavement in Chicago.

North Branch Trail
If you’re looking for a place to run that’s just a little bit off the beaten path, lace up your running shoes and hit up the North Branch Trail, a quiet trail that begins at the corner of Caldwell and Devon Avenues in Chicago and continues roughly 20 miles into Lake County. As you run farther away from the city, you’ll soon find yourself within a dense and peaceful forest preserve. Don’t be alarmed if you encounter wildlife such as deer, who have become accustomed to humans.
Where: 6300 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60645

Foster Avenue Beach
While Chicago might not exactly be known for its beaches, the city contains nearly 28 miles of shoreline, meaning that there’s always the opportunity to escape the city for some time on the beach. Foster Avenue Beach is one of the less-crowded beaches in Chicago, as most tourists and locals tend to flock to the Montrose Avenue and North Avenue beaches, which means that you’ll have ample room for jogging.
Where: 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60640

Bloomingdale Trail
One of Chicago’s more unique trails, the Bloomingdale Trail is a three-mile trail and elevated linear park that connects several great neighborhoods, the Chicago River and the city’s park system. Built along a former railroad track, the trail allows visitors to run without being interrupted by traffic. As the trail is above street level, you’ll get many interesting rooftop views of the city as well as an up-close view of many elaborate graffiti murals.
Where: 1600-3000 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Chicago, IL 60651

Riverbank Neighbors Trail
If you ever find yourself in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, make sure to give this largely undiscovered gem of a trail a whirl. This small path, created and maintained by the kind folks at Riverbank Neighbors, a group that has also created a community-oriented sustainable local movement called Beyond Today, is only about one mile in length, but it’s worth adding this leg on to a longer run, as it runs parallel to the Chicago River and provides some scenic views.
Where: 2600 W. Berteau Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Grant Park
Those familiar with Chicago know that Grant Park is a veritable oasis tucked into one of the busiest pockets of the city. This 319-acre lush green space contains a four-mile running path that offers beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. There are numerous sidewalks and additional paths for runners to take an unexpected but surprising detour, and the park’s spacious benches provide a nice spot for a brief rest.
Where: 331 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Chicago Lakefront Trail
Running along the eastern edge of Grant Park and continuing along the Lake Michigan shoreline, The Chicago Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile, multi-use path that runs past the Navy Pier, Monroe Harbor, Museum of Science and Industry and many of Chicago’s beaches. This trail offers one of the most invigorating jogs in the city, as the crisp, lakeshore air provides a nice contrast to the smoggy, downtown air.
Where: Lake Michigan and Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60605

The Loop
While not an official running trail per se, this decidedly urban route that runs through the heart of downtown Chicago will lead you past some of the most-visited attractions, and is perfect for those looking to get a taste of the city. This three-and-a-half mile loop is bordered by the Chicago River and Lake Michigan and takes runners past numerous boutiques, restaurants and museums as well as offering great views of the Sears Tower.
Where: Lake Shore Drive and Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606

Photo credit: iStockphoto/nycshooter

Indulge in the Best Bath Products at Home

Posted on February 14, 2012 by ag-admin

If you need to relax, find soothing solace in high-quality bath products for your home.

Nothing comforts quite like a hot bath after a long day, especially when that day has a winter chill and the bath has bubbles in it. If you can’t make it to the spa as often as you like or just need to indulge between visits, purchase several of the high-end bath products listed below, chosen for their function, scent and multiple positive reviews. The best part is that a little goes a long way, so even though the initial investment may be steep, the long-term effects are easy to see.

Bubble Bath

“Steep yourself” in the spa-worthy Deep Steep’s Grapefruit and Bergamot bubble bath, which does what bubble bath does best – relaxes you with its aromatherapy and leaves your skin silky smooth with organic aloe, rosehips and olive oil. A little goes a long way, so your 17.5-ounce jar will last a long time.

Hand Soap

Savon de Marseille Extra Pur Liquid Soap is regulated to contain a minimum of 72 percent vegetable oil per French law. It comes in a glass bottle, is vegan and lasts a long time, while perfectly cleaning (not stripping) your hands. Fragrances include cherry blossom, fig, grapefruit, lavender, orange blossom, rose, verbena and Mediterranean Sea.

Lotion

Indulge your thirsty winter skin with First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream, a whipped, super-emollient cream that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. Whether you suffer from eczema, dermatitis or just seasonal dry skin, this Ultra Repair Cream immediately absorbs into the skin and protects against free radical damage. Use it on your body and face, as it’s petroleum-free, fragrance-free, allergy-tested and dermatologist recommended.

Shampoo

Bumble and bumble’s Gentle shampoo is a mild, moisture-rich cleanser that adds shine to those with dry, normal or color-treated hair. It’s perfect for those who like a creamy shampoo that lathers up, or one that cleans but doesn’t strip hair of natural oils.

Conditioner

Frederic Fekkai’s Glossing conditioner contains olive oil, which leaves your hair shiny and bouncy all day without weighing it down. Plus, its fresh scent will lighten your mood when you first smell it in the morning.

Shower Gel

Fresh Sugar Lemon Shower Gel gently exfoliates skin with antibacterial brown sugar and restores it with shea butter, and its soft lemon scent is sure to wake you and your skin up in the morning. Look forward to the spring every time you shower with this cleanser.

Shower Oil

L’Occitane’s Cleansing and Soothing Shower Oil with Almond Oil foams so you can cleanse and shave while moisturizing your skin, before you even get out of the shower. Free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, dyes and other chemicals, this shower oil firms and smoothes skin with a light, pleasing scent. It’s perfect for the winter when your skin needs extra moisture.

Soap

It’ll cost you, but before you balk at spending nearly $40 on a bar of Fresh Umbrian Clay Treatment, keep in mind that its Umbrian Clay is solely found in the Italian town of Nocera Umbra, and it serves as a deep cleanser, detoxifier, spot treatment, anti-inflammatory agent, toxin absorber and irritation soother. Mostly, people with acne-prone, combination or oily skin use it as a way to sop up all that extra oil and leave their skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Bath Salts

Since Dead Sea salts are plentiful, they don’t cost as much as some of the other luxury bath products listed here. At $29 for a 64-ounce container, Masada Bath Salts in Relaxing Lavender or Purifying Eucalyptus is a real bargain. Just a couple of spoonfuls of these salts in your bath water temporarily relieve arthritis, psoriasis, rheumatism, stiff joints, eczema and muscle pain, while leaving your skin silky smooth.

Candle

The Creed Cocktail de Pivoines Candle from Neiman Marcus is delightfully feminine yet thoroughly sophisticated, with top notes of lemon, heart notes of peony, ylang-ylang and jasmine and base notes of musk and sandlewood. The 7-ounce candle burns for about 30 hours and is made by Parisian perfumery company Creed, who today is helmed by a sixth-generation master perfumer.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/ValentynVolkov

How to Beat the Winter Blues

Posted on January 18, 2012 by mprice

Fight the winter blues by changing your perspective and hanging around good friends.

It’s no secret: winter is in full force, and it’s here to stay for the next two to three months, at least. The winter season seems to affect people differently, and many can experience mild depression, low energy and lack of motivation. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through the dreary, cold days and draining winter nights that seem to drag on and on. By following just a few simple tips, you’ll be able to beat the winter blues and get yourself back on track well before spring thaw.

Let There Be Light

With winter’s colder temperatures and possible inclement weather, it’s harder to spend time outdoors. But even with the frigid temps, it’s important to get outside for a few minutes each day and take advantage of natural sunlight, which boosts vitamin D, a nutrient essential to health and good mood. Bundle up and go for a quick walk during the day. Sit near a window in your home or at work to take advantage of the sun’s rays. If all else fails, make sure to take a vitamin D supplement to get your daily value.

Stay Active

Everybody knows that exercise is the key to maintaining weight and staying healthy. It can be a great stress reliever that can give you energy to last throughout the day. So don’t slack off on your workout routine in winter—you might just see an improvement in your mood.

Eat Healthy

Keeping with the wellness theme, eating a healthy diet is also essential to beating the winter blues. More so than any time of the year, it’s important to watch what you’re eating, as refined and processed foods like white breads, rice and sugar can affect energy levels and your mood, causing depression, mood swings and lack of concentration. Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight cups of water a day, and incorporate fresh fruits and veggies and whole wheat breads and brown rice into your diet to keep energy levels up.

Stay Social

While it might be tempting to stay in and curl up with a movie or a good book to avoid winter’s freezing temperatures (which is perfectly acceptable in moderation!), it’s also important to engage in some sort of social activity at least once a week to keep your spirits up. Agree to meet some friends for an after-work drink, or take time out for a phone call to catch up with a friend for a nice pick-me-up.

Redecorate

When it’s looking dreary outside, sometimes the best thing to do is to make your inside more appealing by adding a few bright and cheery elements to your décor. Pick up some flowers in your favorite colors to add freshness and vitality to your home. Add some bright lamps or pillows to add a splash of color to distract yourself from your drab winter surroundings.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/asiseeit

6 Cheap and Easy Ways to Relax at Home

Posted on August 19, 2011 by ag-admin

You don't need a spa to relax; instead, create your own sense of peace at home.

In a space-limited apartment and with an economy-limited paycheck, you can’t afford luxury spa treatments or elaborate parties when you need some time to wind down. That shouldn’t mean you don’t get any pampering after a long day (or week or month), though. So instead of emptying your wallet with a pricey massage or facial, try rejuvenating your spirit with one of these easy and simple rebooting remedies.

Take a nap. Instead of going to the gym or running errands on your afternoon off, lay on your couch or bed, turn on some mindless TV (an America’s Next Top Model or Jersey Shore marathon top our list) and let yourself drift off to dreamland. Whether you sleep for 20 minutes or two hours, you’ll feel refreshed and re-energized.

Read a book. Head out to your local bookseller or library, and find a title that will engage you for hours. Pick up that classic that you’ve been meaning to read since high school. Immerse yourself in a romance. Read a biography of Queen Victoria, Benjamin Franklin or Caesar. With whatever you choose, go somewhere quiet – a coffee shop, a corner of the library or store or your living room – and settle in for a couple hours of uninterrupted quiet time. Get absorbed in the story, and forget about all of life’s distractions for a while.

Love your bathroom. The cliché advice when you need to relax is to take a hot bath, but that’s just the first step. After you finish a relaxing bath or shower, take your time getting dressed. Light some candles, turn on music and lather up with lotion. Then paint your nails, give yourself a pedicure and style your hair a new way, even if the only place you’re getting ready for is bed.

Work out. If you need some happiness-inducing endorphins in your life, the fastest way to get them is to hit the gym. But instead of the same boring bike routine, try a new class or recruit a buddy to tag along to make the workout more enjoyable. Or, take the new album you can’t stop listening to and jam out on the treadmill or elliptical.

Indulge. After (or instead of) working out, allow yourself to enjoy whatever food you typically skip in favor of a healthier alternative. Don’t binge – you’ll feel awful in the morning – but take some time to enjoy what you’re eating without allowing any guilt to set in.

Watch a movie. Rent or buy a film you’ve been aching to see, even if it is cheesier than cheddar. Or re-watch one of your favorites that your spouse hates. Or order pay-per-view of the new release you never made it to the theater to see. Whatever you decide, turn off the lights, make some popcorn and enjoy the show.

Shop. Just because you can’t afford an entertainment system or Wii doesn’t mean you can’t engage your purchasing power. So instead of hitting the mall, take a trip to your local pharmacy or grocery store and buy all of the little items you always look at but never buy. Curious about whether that lip balm actually tastes like Dr. Pepper? Secretly dying to know the details of that celebrity couple split? Excited to use that new as-seen-on-TV product? Buy it! Try the lip balm, revel in the trashy tabloid and test the product, and feel good about it.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/micz123

Give Your Apartment Medicine Cabinet a Check-Up

Posted on August 17, 2011 by ag-admin

Stock your medicine chest with the right pills and supplies for any emergency.

Colds and the flu usually strike at the end of winter or beginning of spring. Are you and your medicine cabinet prepared to handle another cold, allergy and cough season?

In addition to readying you for spring, cleaning out your medicine cabinet also ensures you get rid of dangerous or outdated medicines. First, know what to get rid of. Throw out expired and old medicines and consolidate nearly empty bottles and duplicates to get rid of clutter. Don’t leave old pills lying out in open trash cans and available to the curious hands and noses of young children and pets; dispose of them securely

Next, inventory what you have and learn what to add, especially if you’re living in cold-prone, windy areas. Make sure you have the following items in your medicine cabinet:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Primarily known as a pain reliever, acetaminophen is also a fever-reducer.

Aloe vera: This soothing, oft-green gel treats burns.

Antihistamine (Benadryl): This over-the-counter medication calms allergy symptoms such as nasal inflammation, sneezing, runny noses and eye irritation. It’s also a lifesaver for allergic reactions and bug bites.

Antiseptics: Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol clean cuts and scrapes to help prevent infection.

Antiseptic creams or ointments (Neosporin): These prevent infection in cuts and scrapes and reduce scarring.

Bandages: Stock up on bandages in various sizes so you can cover and protect any wound.

Cold, cough and flu medicines: So you’re not treating symptoms you don’t have, purchase different over-the-counter cold, cough and flu medications, such as decongestants (for coughs), expectorants and cough suppressants, depending on the symptoms you typically have.

Cortisone cream: This topical ointment reduces inflammation and calms itchy insect bites and rashes.

Gauze bandages and adhesive tape: These two items are crucial for covering larger wounds.

Heating and cooling packs: Ice reduces fevers and swelling, while heat eases cramps and stomach aches.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): This pain reliever also reduces inflammation and swelling.

Medicine dropper or medicine cup: You need some accurate medical-use measure for dispensing liquid medications.

Nose spray: Decongestant nasal sprays quickly open up nasal passages by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose. Saline sprays help moisturize dry or irritated nostrils.

Thermometer: Purchase a digital or chemical-dot thermometer for checking temperatures, and know which temperatures are too high for all ages.

Tweezers: Find good tweezers with more pointy ends for removing splinters or ticks.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/micro10x

10 Ways to Eliminate Home Allergens

Posted on August 17, 2011 by ag-admin

If you’re running for the box of tissues every five minutes, read on for how to protect your home against allergens.

We now have dozens of medications and treatments for the abundance of allergies and allergy symptoms that plague us, mostly in the spring and summer. However, providing your body support against harmful allergens, such as pollen, dust and pet dander, does not start with a visit to the doctor. Rather, the first and most effective way to treat allergies is to get their sources out of your home. Here are 10 simple things you can do to make your home allergen-free just in time for spring.

1. Remove
Stagnant items, such as stuffed animals, baskets, magazine holders, rugs and other decorative items, often become glorified dust receptacles during allergy season. Remove any unneeded items, especially from bedrooms.

2. Clean
The best way to keep your home free of harmful allergens is to clean thoroughly and regularly. You don’t need fancy or expensive cleaners; rather, a solution with five percent bleach will work wonders. Just be sure to wipe down with water any surfaces that will come into contact with food.

3. Vacuum
Ideally, any carpet or rugs should be replaced with tile or hardwood surfaces. However, that probably isn’t an option in your Detroit apartment, so be sure to vacuum at least once a week, not forgetting to vacuum any fabrics on sofas and chairs. If you have a pet in your home and/or you have severe allergies, vacuum every other day, but protect yourself by wearing a mask. Also, make sure you’re using a high-quality vacuum that will gather and capture as many allergens as possible.

4. Dust
Dust and dust mites are the most prevalent allergy culprits. Dust attaches to surfaces all over your apartment and can float in the air for minutes before settling, so don’t simply push it from a shelf and into the air you breathe. Instead, use a damp cloth on all surfaces – careful not to miss any rarely used places – to remove dust particles and pollen. Also make sure your clothes are stored in drawers and closets, so they don’t gather extra dust.

5. Wash
Dust mites reside primarily in beds and bedrooms, so make sure you wash your bedding – comforters, blankets and quilts included – regularly in hot water. For children and severe allergy sufferers, bedding should be washed at least once a week. Do not place any bedding, pillows or stuffed animals on the bed if they cannot withstand multiple washings.

6. Separate
Pets warm our hearts, but they also aggravate our allergies. To stay healthy and keep your beloved dog or cat happy, create a space just for him or her. If your allergies are severe, you may need to keep your pet outdoors. However, another option is to designate a room or area for the pet exclusively. Bathe and groom your pet often, and keep him or her off of furniture and your bed.

7. Filter
Allergies can be kept at bay by breathing in clean air. Keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to remove allergens from the air you breathe in.

8. Dehumidify
Mold that accumulates in moist, dark places can trigger harsh allergy reactions. Rid your apartment of mold by regularly checking for leaks and ensuring that your home, especially the bathroom and kitchen, is well ventilated. Humidity should be between 40 and 50 percent, so consider getting a dehumidifier if the humidity in your apartment consistently stays above 50 percent. Also, keep the thermostat down, ideally between 68 and 72 degrees, and run the air conditioner often, as it will act as an additional air filter in the summer.

9. Trade
Consider replacing your normal bedding with mite-resistant materials, including latex mattresses, silk sheets and comforters, hypoallergenic bed casings and mattress covers. Avoid using feather pillows and bedding, as well as bulky quilts. In other areas of your home, try to buy smooth-surfaced furniture, such as leather, vinyl or suede. Install washable curtains, and consider dust covers for all of your furniture.

10. Demand
Cigarette smoke is an egregious irritator of allergies, so establish a strict “No Smoking” policy for your home. If visitors insist on it, have them smoke outside and then spray their clothing with a fragrance-less odor remover upon reentering the apartment.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/efenzi

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