Itchy eyes and nose and raspy throat keeping you awake at night and uncomfortable all day? Spring allergies can be more than just a nuisance. Too often, they can lead to sinus infections. There is a simple (if messy) method for removing the allergens from one's nose and getting relief without taking medication. It's called nasal irrigation. In other words: "wash that pollen right out of your nose!" with a soothing saline solution. Seriously. It really helps. Medical nurses even recommend it for helping to prevent colds and flu. An excellent video from the Univ Michigan's Health System explains the... Continue reading

It doesn't seem to matter how diligently we try to stay away from it--most of us end up with an irritating case of poison ivy sometime during the year. Here are some tips for reducing our suffering. First of all, it helps to understand what it is that causes the rash. Poison ivy contains urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all), an oily substance present in all parts of the plant--the blasted stuff remains toxic to us humans even when the plant is dead! Urushiol bonds easily to human skin and is very difficult to remove. It can stay on tools, clothing and animal fur... Continue reading

It was one of those moments of serendipity when a very good idea comes to mind while performing a mundane chore on one of those very cold afternoons. I was folding my laundry when I came across a favorite old funny pair of soft, woolen socks that had seen much better days. "I should toss these out," I told myself. But I hesitated, like I so often do over socks made from wonderful, warm, soft wool that are--save for one little spot on the heel--perfectly fine. And yet, that one little thin spot made them useless for protecting the back... Continue reading

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: To prevent colds and flu, wash your hands frequently, don't touch your face, cover coughs & sneezes, etc etc etc. But there are a few other tips recommended by doctors and nurses that really can make a difference. An email with these tips has been making the rounds--and I'm adding my 2 cents--since I've learned just how helpful these tips are. I urge you to check with your health care folks about these additional tips, recommended by health institutions: 1. "Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or... Continue reading