Category: Healthy Body

This week, Whole Foods Market plans to announce that 90% of the cleaning products in its stores now meet its Eco-Scale rating criteria, which launched on last year's Earth Day, April 22.

The three-tiered system requires products to disclose all ingredients on their labels, which is something the United States government does not require.  

The system will also not allow chlorine, phosphates or some preservatives.  The top rating goes to products made entirely with plant-based, rather than petroleum-based, ingredients.

According to a Harris Interactive Survey, which was conducted April 2011 for Whole Foods Market, about three out of four Americans assume federal law requires ingredient disclosure on the labels of cleaning products like they do for food.  

The Whole Foods' program is a huge step forward in helping customers pick safe products, which can be very helpful considering the plethora of cleaners coming on the market from existing companies and newcomers alike.

Way to go Whole Foods!

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Each year chronic sinusitis affects between 30 and 40 million people in the United States.  During spring, there will be many sufferers seeking relief.

When you suffer from sinusitis, the undrained mucus in the sinuses causes pain and pressure and creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can make you more susceptible to viruses and infection.

Here are some practical tips you can try at home if sinuses become congested:

Clean Nasal Passages:

Rinse with salt water twice a day to clear out irritating mucus and kill bacteria.  Get a bulb syringe or a neti pot (a spouted pot designed for flushing sinuses).  Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt with 1 cup warm water and let the solution stream through one nostril and flow out the other.  Studies show this is the number one recommendation for serious sinus relief.

Full Steam Ahead:

Moist, warm therapy can increase blood supply to an area, which in turn can help clear infections.  Take a warm shower, or, inhale steam rising from a pot of heated water by leaning over the pot with a towel draped over your head.  Breathe the steam for 15 minutes.  

Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your nose, cheekbones and eyes.  This will take the edge off of the pain and promote sinus drainage.

Humidify:

Dryness irritates sinuses, so humidify the air.  Use a saline nasal spray too.

Stay Away From Mucus Boosters:

Milk and wheat are big mucus boosters, so avoid them when sinusitis hits.  Avoid inflammatory foods and eat fresh fruits, vegetables and plant protein.  Drink lots of water to thin mucus.  Steamy soups (like chicken noodle soup) may also provide relief.

Avoid Potential Allergy Triggers:

Avoid common allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander and mold.  Certain chemicals can also set off sneezing, coughing, and asthma attacks.  Install a HEPA filter to clean the air in your bedroom.  A humidifier can help reduce congestion, but clean it regularly or mold and bacteria buildup can do you more harm than good.  Avoid smoke, chemical fumes and alcohol because they all swell sinus membranes.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, outdoor allergies affect more than 35 million people in the United States.

Outdoor allergies (“seasonal allergic rhinitis,” “hay fever,” or “nasal” allergies), occur when allergens that are commonly found outdoors are inhaled into the nose and the lungs causing allergic reactions.  When inhaled, the allergen may cause a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure.

Outdoor allergies usually occur in the spring, summer, and fall, when plant pollen is more prevalent. 

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, here are some plants that may trigger your outdoor allergies:

~  Ryegrass, timothy blue and orchard grass, are problems for allergy sufferers.  While mowing, mold and pollen are also being picked up.

~  Mountain cedar can cause some of the most severe allergy problems.

~  Ragweed.  The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that about 75% of Americans are sensitive to ragweed.

~  Arizona cypress may cause pollen problems for about six months out of the year.

~  Oak  produces less potent pollen but the most pollen for the longest season.

~  Pecan trees can cause severe allergies.

~  Maple  trees produce potent allergens.

For up to date pollen (and mold) counts, please log on to the National Average Bureau at http://aaaai.org.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.
Source:

American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology

Asthma and Allergy Foundation

Winter in New York this year has been pretty mild.  I have to admit, I am loving the weather!  But know matter what the weather is outside, there are still germs lurking around that can cause colds and flu.

Here are some quick tips to keep you and your family healthy for the rest of the winter:

Keep those hands clean!  This is probably the most important thing you can do to prevent a cold.  Vigorously rubbing with warm, soapy water for about 20 - 30 seconds is best.  Make sure you scrub your hands all over and rinse well.  In public restrooms, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.

Teach children to wash their hands often, especially before and after eating or playing with other kids.

Avoid touching your face as much as possible, especially if your hands are not clean.  The eyes, nose and mouth are the most common ways to catch a cold. 

Teach children to keep germs to themselves by sneezing or coughing into their arms or elbows instead of into their hands.

Try to stay hydrated.  It helps keep your entire body operating at its best.  For your body to fight infection, it needs adequate water.  For most of us, drinking 6 to 8 eight ounce glasses of water each day will do the trick. Water is the best choice.  Avoid drinking too much soda, coffee or sugary juice drinks which can actually dehydrate you. While orange juice can help because of the vitamin C, limit yourself to 8 ounces each day to be sure to get enough water in. Decaf green tea is also soothing, plus it has immune-boosting antioxidants.

If someone in the house smokes, avoid contact with them while they are smoking.  The inhalation of secondhand smoke can affect the ability of the respiratory system to work properly to protect against viruses.

Getting enough rest helps keep the immune system strong.  It can also help shorten the duration of an existing cold.  Kids usually need 8 to 10 hours of sleep.

A healthy diet can also keep colds away.  Add some vitamins A and C into your diet.  If you do catch a cold, don't under estimate the power of a good bowl of chicken soup.  It soothes the throat, clears the head, and makes us feel better.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Source:

http://www.cdc.gov

http://www.cancer.org

Tips from past blogs at http://blog.maidbrigade.com also used.

Decorating the house, setting up the tree, writing out cards, holiday shopping, holiday parties, school activities, and out-of-town guests can all add up to one thing:  Tension Headaches!

Tension headaches can occur when you tighten shoulder and neck muscles.  This can happen while driving, wrapping presents, carrying heavy packages, or sitting at a computer for online shopping.  This causes the muscles that go into the skull to tighten and squeeze your head.  

During this season of giving, we tend to neglect ourselves while doing for others.  Preparing meals, shopping, forgetting to eat regularly, or having too many engagements while being sleep-deprived can all cause headaches. 

By taking care of yourself, you can enjoy all that the holidays have to offer, minus the pain:

Keep your task list manageable.  

Stress and anxiety can trigger headaches for some people, especially those who tend to be headache-prone.  Learn how to pace yourself and say "no."  There are times you just cannot fulfill every obligation and responsibility over the holiday season.  Be sure to include "me" time on your list, like a night out at the movies with friends.

Exercise and sleep.
 
Keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, also help manage stress. 

Exercising sends oxygen to the brain and gets the "feel-good" chemicals (endorphins) flowing. Tai chi, yoga and qi gong can calm your mind while stretching your muscles.  Or, go for a small walk every day just to keep the body moving.  

To relieve tight muscles that cause tension headaches, try taking a warm shower to relax.  Gently massage your head, neck and shoulders with your fingertips.

Stay hydrated! 

Alcohol is a diuretic, which can cause dehydration, so drinking on an empty stomach, mixing cocktails or having too much can trigger headaches.  Drink a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages to dilute the effect.  

 
Watch what you eat.  

Pay attention to your diet.  Know which foods, if any, trigger headaches for you, and limit how much you eat those foods.  

Processed meats with a high nitrite concentration (such as salami), or foods usually found on a deli platter or appetizer plate, can trigger a headache.  Aged cheeses (blue, cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss) are full of a tyramine, a substance that can also trigger headaches.  Other foods that also contain tyramine are nuts, foods processed with MSG, and even red wine.

Holiday travel.  

Traveling by plane during the holidays can be a giant headache!  Dry air, time zone changes, and lack of sleep can causes major tension headaches and dehydration.  Make sure you stay hydrated.  According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking eight or nine (8 ounce) glasses of water a day is a good general guideline.  Avoid caffeinated drinks on the plane because they will accelerate dehydration.

Winter colds and sinus headaches.

Stress, meals on the run and lack of sleep give your immune system a beating, and colds and congested sinuses can trigger a major sinus headache.  Sinus headaches usually happen during or just after a bad cold. 

Sudden temperature changes, dry indoor air, and cold, damp air worsen sinus headaches.  Stay inside, keep warm, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.  Inhaling steam during a hot shower can help relieve sinus pressure.  

When making holiday party rounds, avoid cigarette and cigar smoke, which can also irritate sinus membranes.  

Maid Brigade HouseCleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv. For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video atmaidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.

For most people, being green seems overwhelming and time consuming.  But even the tiniest change counts and the process doesn't have to be a hassle.  Starting out with a manageable action plan is the key to success.  Here are some tips to get you on the right track:

Look around your house for green opportunities.  Do you see an easy place to store your recyclables?  Are your light bulbs energy efficient?  Start to notice if any family members are using too much water, or leaving unneeded lights on.  Get your kids on board and see if they can help spot ways to change as a family.

Get your garden growing and save.  Planting a garden might seem like a huge undertaking, but the rewards far outweigh the work, plus you will save money.  One packet of seeds costs around 50 cents and yields enough fresh produce for you and your family to eat all summer.  And if you are gardening, that means less trips to the grocery store, which means less driving and less gas usage.  Plus, you can make your produce as organic as you wish.

Be aware of product packaging.  Next time you are in the store, keep an eye out for renewable packaging.  The renewable raw material used to make the new packaging is produced with as little as half the energy compared to traditional  petroleum-based packaging, and it is good for the environment too.

Forget plastic water bottles.  More than 26 billion bottles are thrown away each year (less than 15 percent are recycled).  The plastic from these bottles does not biodegrade so it is now a permanent part of our landfills.  Invest in reusable water bottles for the whole family and keep extras in the car so you are never tempted to go back.

Be open to small changes.  Becoming green is really about seeing life differently and being open to make changes, however small they may seem.  Things like driving slower (uses less gas), unplugging unused electrical devices, and using a microfiber cloth (instead of paper towels) can really add up over time.  And the sooner you get started, the better our planet and your home will be.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancedrtified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Molds found indoors come from the outdoors. It is possible to see high levels of molds inside if they are high outside. Any house can develop a mold problem given the right conditions. Certain molds, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium are more commonly found indoors. You might not see it growing on the walls, but it may still be present in your home.

Molds require two factors to grow indoors:

1.  Moisture from condensation, leakage from pipes or foundations, or any ongoing source of water.

2.  Something to grow on that provides them a food source.

Molds particularly like to grow on wallboard, damp wood, fabrics, leather, and paper products. They can also grow on concrete or the dirt on windows or window frames. Food products, particularly vegetables, fruits, and breads provide a good place for mold to grow.

Molds spread by producing spores that can become airborne when they are disturbed directly or by air currents. These spores end up on surfaces where they grow.

Dust from mold-contaminated houses can cause allergy symptoms if a person who is allergic to the mold inhales them. Some molds produce bad odors. These odors may be irritating without actually causing an allergic response.

To kill off mold the natural way, try these recipes:

1.  Combine two teaspoons tea tree oil with two cups water in a spray bottle.  Spray on problem areas.  Do not rinse.

2.  Combine 20 drops grapefruit seed extract with two cups water in a spray bottle.  Spray on problem areas.  Do not rinse.

3.  Pour some white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle and spray on the moldy area.  Let set without rinsing.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.

To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in the home, log on to  greencleancertified.com/greentv.

When exposed to certain chemicals or compounds, many people experience allergic reactions similar to those that dust-mite allergy sufferers experience. Chemical exposure can aggravate eczema and cause asthma flare-ups.  More and more people today are concerned about the negative health and environmental impact chemicals can have.

Most people know and understand that direct contact or inhalation of such substances is never safe. However, recent studies show that prolonged exposure to a variety of common cleaners can cause problems, particularly in children. A study published in the journal Thorax, studied 7,019 families to discover the effect of household chemicals such as bleach, paint stripper, and carpet cleaners on childhood asthma and wheezing. They discovered that families that frequently used household cleaning products had much higher incidences of asthma and wheezing among their children.

Sodium hypochlorite, found in chlorine bleach, when mixed with ammonia, releases toxic chloramine gas. Short-term exposure may cause mild asthmatic symptoms or more serious respiratory problems.

Petroleum distillates, found in metal polishes, can cause temporary eye clouding in short-term exposure.  Longer exposure can damage the nervous system, skin, kidneys, and eyes.

Ammonia, found in glass cleaner, is an eye irritant that can cause headaches and lung irritation.

Phenol and cresol, found in disinfectants, are corrosives that can cause diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, and kidney and liver damage.

Nitrobenzene, found in furniture and floor polishes, can cause skin discoloration, shallow breathing, vomiting, and death.  They are associated with cancer and birth defects.

Formaldehyde, a preservative in many products, is a suspected human carcinogen that is a strong irritant to eyes, throat, skin, and lungs.

Hydrochloric acid or sodium acid sulfate in toilet bowl cleaners can burn the skin or cause vomiting diarrhea and stomach burns if swallowed.  It can also cause blindness if inadvertently splashed in the eyes.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.