ELIMINATING STATIC by Vickie Kline

With cool, dry weather fast approaching, I thought it may be good to re-post this blog from February 2012…

Are you getting shocked every time you touch something in your home… or scaring a pet when you reach to pet them and they get hit with a bolt of electricity… or is your hair out of control because you can’t rid it of static electricity… or are your clothes clinging in all the wrong places? Well, the answer is simple to de-electrify your home or office… simply put moisture in the air, better known as humidity.

During the cold winter months when the air in your home or office is too dry, in addition to static electricity you may experience a dry throat and nose, respiratory problems, nagging cough, dry skin, and have uncomfortable pets because of itchy skin. Adding moisture to the air will solve all these problems and make everyone more comfortable.

The process of adding moisture to the air is simple, a small humidifier is all you need. There are many models available at Walgreens, Walmart, Target, or any general department store. The unit doesn’t have to be big or intrusive, but can be small enough to be out of the way on the floor or set on a small table.

Most problems begin to occur in October or November when the weather turns cold and will continue until things warm up again around March. I run my humidifier in my bedroom during the night for these winter months to help me sleep better and wake up feeling hydrated and ready for the day. Humidity in your home should be 30% to 50% and you can measure this if desired. But, you’ll be able to tell when the humidity is right because the problems will disappear and you’ll be comfortable. (If you reach the point where you have moisture collecting on your windows, the humidity is probably too high and you can cut back on running the humidifier).

So, if you’re experiencing some of the symptoms of dry air this winter, use a humidifier to make yourself, your pets, and everyone in your home more comfortable.

Strive to be healthy!

RELIEVING DRY SKIN by Vickie Kline

As winter approaches and the air begins to dry out, our skin dries out too. During the fall and winter, your skin may show signs of being dry, flaky, and rather unattractive. Aging, low humidity, too many hot showers, and cleaning products all cause your skin to be dry. Regardless of the reason, there are simple home remedies you can use to hydrate your skin and help it look healthy and beautiful.

If you have dry or chapped hands due to washing dishes, try sprinkling baking soda in your dishwater. If your hands are chapped, but not from washing dishes, try using vinegar. Wash and dry hands thoroughly, apply vinegar, then put on a pair of soft gloves and leave overnight.

If you have a dry skin problem on more than your hands, add baking soda to your bath water and soak. Use one cup of baking soda in a full tub of water. Soak for 30 minutes and then let your body air dry. A handful of cornstarch or instant oatmeal will also work wonders in your bath water. Or, if you’re brave, coat yourself with oil before retiring for the night. You may feel uncomfortable sleeping like this, but will awaken with healthy, glowing skin. Vegetable, sunflower, or peanut oils offer relief from dry skin. (If this doesn’t sound like something you want to do, add a few drops of the oil to your favorite body lotion and apply all over. You’ll get more of the softness without all the mess).

To help put moisture in the air, you can boil water on the stove or purchase a humidifier. Anytime you create steam, you’re putting moisture in the air and relieving dry skin caused from lack of moisture. Other things that will help are to take cool or lukewarm showers. It may not sound appealing, but your skin will thank you. Hot water dries out your skin by drawing out all the natural oils. And, be selective about soap. Anything containing heavy perfumes or scents may dry your skin. Once you get out of the shower, use body lotion while you’re still damp. The lotion will help your body retain the water present on your skin and seal in the moisture.

I don’t like to think about it because I enjoy my red wine… but, alcohol inside or outside can make your skin dry. Whether drinking an alcoholic beverage or using a product on your skin that contains alcohol, you can help prevent dry skin by decreasing usage. Work toward beautiful skin this winter by treating it right.

Strive to be healthy!

ELIMINATING STATIC ELECTRICITY by Vickie Kline

With cool, dry weather fast approaching, I thought it may be good to re-post this blog from February 2012…

Are you getting shocked every time you touch something in your home… or scaring a pet when you reach to pet them and they get hit with a bolt of electricity… or is your hair out of control because you can’t rid it of static electricity… or are your clothes clinging in all the wrong places? Well, the answer is simple to de-electrify your home or office… simply put moisture in the air, better known as humidity.

During the cold winter months when the air in your home or office is too dry, in addition to static electricity you may experience a dry throat and nose, respiratory problems, nagging cough, dry skin, and have uncomfortable pets because of itchy skin. Adding moisture to the air will solve all these problems and make everyone more comfortable.

The process of adding moisture to the air is simple, a small humidifier is all you need. There are many models available at Walgreens, Walmart, Target, or any general department store. The unit doesn’t have to be big or intrusive, but can be small enough to be out of the way on the floor or set on a small table.

Most problems begin to occur in October or November when the weather turns cold and will continue until things warm up again around March. I run my humidifier in my bedroom during the night for these winter months to help me sleep better and wake up feeling hydrated and ready for the day. Humidity in your home should be 30% to 50% and you can measure this if desired. But, you’ll be able to tell when the humidity is right because the problems will disappear and you’ll be comfortable. (If you reach the point where you have moisture collecting on your windows, the humidity is probably too high and you can cut back on running the humidifier).

So, if you’re experiencing some of the symptoms of dry air this winter, use a humidifier to make yourself, your pets, and everyone in your home more comfortable.

Strive to be healthy!