Mold and Mold Allergies - Get Rid of Mold (Part 2 of 2)

Now that we've learned about what mold is and where it comes from, the real question is: How do you get rid of mold?

Although it's impossible to get rid of all mold spores in your home completely, you can control the spread of it. The best way to prevent mold over-growth and spreading is by controlling moisture in your home. Mold, and mold spores specifically, can not grow without moisture. So moisture is key to getting rid of mold.

Identify moisture in your home.

This can be very simple in some areas and not so simple in others. It's easy to feel and identify humidity in areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. But it's important to recognize that moisture build-up can happen anywhere in your home. Are there any leaks in your plumbing or ceilings? Is there visible mold in areas that do not show visible signs of moisture such as under rugs, carpets or on walls? Any areas that do have leaks and water damage need to be cleaned and dried thoroughly within 48 hours to assure that mold does not form. Once moisture has been identified and the areas have been repaired, cleaned and dried, follow these following tips to prevent mold overgrowth.

• Use an air conditioner and dehumidifier. If you live in a humid climate, this needs to be done all year long. If you live in a drier climate, use during humid months, rainy periods and in rooms with the most moisture. 
• Avoid using carpets in basements, laundry rooms and bathrooms. 
• Ventilate your home by using fans facing/blowing outside. Also, use bathroom fans or open bathroom windows when showering or bathing. 
• If mold buildup has developed on your walls, use mold inhibitors or fungicides in paint, primer and wall paper paste.
• Buy a humidity meter and monitor and control indoor humidity. (Ideally between 30%-50%).
• Vent appliances that produce moisture such as clothes dryers and stoves to the outdoors.
• Use a bleach cleaner for kitchen and bathroom sinks and drains, tubs, shower walls/tile and flooring. (Avoid touching moldy surfaces with bare hands and wear protective gloves when using harsh cleaning agents.) 
• Clean garbage cans and refrigerators at least once a month. 
• Mold can grow in old books, newspapers, clothing and bedding. Get rid of any of these, if possible, or use a vacuum seal kit to seal them air tight so no moisture or oxygen can get in and allow mold growth.

Should I contact a Professional?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), testing is usually not necessary with smaller amounts of visible mold. However, large areas of mold may require the services of a professional who is experienced in mold cleanup. The severity of the mold and your symptoms from the mold can vary greatly from room to room and home to home. If you've followed all the above steps for clean-up and prevention to get rid of mold and are still having an overgrowth of mold, contact a mold removal specialist.

Mold spores, like pollen, are everywhere. If  'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' then using a daily mold remedy, such as Mold Mix is definitely worth its weight. It works with your body's immune system to heal itself while calming mold allergy symptoms. With the summer heat and humidity upon us, feeling symptom-free from mold and mold allergies and keeping the mold spores to a minimum can make your summer just a little brighter.

Previous Mold and Mold Allergies - What is it? What are the Symptoms? (Part 1 of 2)

Mold and Mold Allergies - What is it? What are the Symptoms (Part 1 of 2)

Mold: What is it, where does it come from and what are the symptoms of mold allergies?

Mold is a fungus commonly found in moist areas such as on logs, fallen leaves, in bathrooms and basements. Mold is potentially anywhere there is moisture or dampness. Mold, unlike plants and flowers, produce spores. These spores travel through the air and get inhaled in our lungs, similar to pollen, to create an allergic reaction causing mold allergies. These spores are not visible to the naked eye. They are very resilient and can survive in dry and harsh environments where mold can not grow. Traveling through air, mold spores land on a moist surfaces in humid environments enabling mold to grow. There are many different types of mold. Generally speaking, indoor and outdoor are the two most prominent when dealing with mold allergies.

Indoor mold is often referred to as mildew. This is a particular mold found in the home that is white or gray in color. It is commonly found growing in showers, under sinks, in drains, on drywall, ceiling tiles, carpets, furniture, ducts, wallpaper and around plumbing pipes. Black mold which is greenish-black in color is also found indoors but is not as common. Indoor mold has the potential to cause health problems and can destroy surfaces and objects where it grows and spreads.

Outdoor mold is most common in damp, dark areas of decomposing plant life. It is often found growing on rotting logs, fallen leaves, grass and in piles of compost. Outdoor molds are not destroyed with the cold and frost in the fall and winter like pollen. Its growth just remains dormant until spring and summer when decomposing plant life is present and provides an area to grow.

Similar to most allergies, mold allergy symptoms include: sneezing, runny nose, itchy, swollen, irritated eyes and ears, hives, rash, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and worsening asthma symptoms. Individuals with mold allergies can have more symptoms and a higher degree and severity of symptoms based on their sensitivity to it, as well as the type of mold they are exposed to. An allergist or doctor can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to a mold allergy. Products like Allergena Mold help the immune system grow stronger and alleviates your mold allergy symptoms safely and effectively when taken daily in the presence of mold.

Next: Mold and Mold Allergies - Get Rid of Mold (Part 2 of 2)

Get Rid Of Dust Mites

You may have heard that dust mites are everywhere- your carpet, your bedding, your mattress, even living on your skin. But is there a way to get rid of dust mites for good?

Dust Mites are tiny insects barely visible to the naked eye that can be found anywhere humans live. They feed on organic tissues such as flakes of shedding human skin and pet dander. They flourish in areas like carpets, mattresses, and bedding especially on pillows. Their presence is often felt with symptoms such as asthma, allergies, cold-like symptoms and even rashes. There is a direct relationship to people who develop asthma and the presence of dust mites in their homes.

Did you know that a mattress will double its weight in 10 years due to dust mites? Gross! So how do you get rid of dust mites?

Hot water.  Dust mites can not survive in temperatures over 130 degrees. Wash all your bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, pillow cases, mattress covers, as well as children's toys and pet bedding once a week.  Items that require a trip to the dry cleaners can be washed less frequently, depending on the severity of the problem, i.e., allergy and asthma related symptoms. In just two years, your pillow's weight will consist of roughly 15% dust mites.  Down comforters and pillows attract dust mites the most. To get rid of dust mites, get rid of any down bedding and replace with machine washable ones. Pillows need to be thrown away and replaced after 2 years. Non-fabric toys can be washed in the dishwasher. Be sure to dry all items in the dryer at the highest temperature to kill any dust mites that survived the wash.  Similarly, make sure to use your dishwasher's heated drying option.

Vacuuming. Buy a vacuum with a HEPA air filter and replace the filter at least once a year. Hardwood and linoleum floors are best to have to get rid of dust mites, but it's not always an option so vacuum often, preferably 3 times per week. Vacuum and flip mattresses once or twice a year or purchase a dust mite mattress cover. If you have pets, vacuum areas where your pets like to hangout every day. Make sure to brush pets outside of your home and brush them frequently. Before re-entering your home, wipe down your pets with a damp cloth to catch any remaining loose dander.  Steam cleaning your rugs and carpets with hot water (130 degrees or higher) every few months is strongly recommended as well.

Co-Habitation. Unfortunately, it's near impossible to get rid of dust mites completely.  They're everywhere in our homes.  Using Allergena Dust+Mite daily greatly reduces allergy and asthma symptoms from unavoidable dust mite exposure.

You are not stuck suffering from cold-like symptoms and wheezing from these parasites forever.  Just by adding Allergena Dust+Mite and incorporating these few simple steps you'll be well on your way to living a healthier and (almost) dust-mite free life.

Are Your Allergies Causing Migraines?

Could be! The term Migraine refers to a large umbrella of head related discomforts.

Clearly allergies cause sinus congestion, watery nose and eyes, coughing, sneezing, fatigue. All of these symptoms happen in your head. Here's the thing... the exact cause of migraines is still not well understood, but the problem is considered to be neurological (related to the nervous system). It is believed that brain chemicals, blood vessels, and nerves of the brain are involved. Allergies are an immune response. Immune response can impact your entire body including your brain... in your head. That's where your migraine is, Right? Let's take a look at the Miserable Migraine!
I'm no doctor, but let's look at this logically from info publicly available.

Migraine Symptoms:

• Throbbing pain on one side near the temples, forehead, and eyes. 
• Light sensitivity
• Sound sensitivity
• Quick to fatigue during activities
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vision problems (such as Aura:  flashing lights, wavy lines, or dots, or they may have blurry vision or blind spots)

There are time when I've had similar symptoms and people have asked me, "Do you have allergies?" Sometimes, the serious allergy over-the-counter meds help. I've never been diagnosed though. Do I actually not have allergies, but a migraine instead.  Boy, if I had to pick...?

Triggers for Allergic Reactions:

You can have an allergic reaction to things Ingested, Contacted or Inhaled.

• Ingested symptoms can include: hives (red, itchy, inflamed skin) abdominal cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea accompanied by a rash, swelling of the lips or eyes which appears and disappears quickly, or, in very rare cases, anaphylactic shock.
• Contact symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling, scaling, or blistering of the skin near and surrrounding the contact location.
• Inhaled symptoms can include: sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, itchy throat, stomach ache, itchy skin, hives, fatigue, irritability

I'm not saying these are one in the same, but your immune health absolutely comes into question when you are experience any of these symptoms. Allergena promotes Immune Function in Response to Inhaled Allergens.

Triggers for Migraines:

Flashing Lights

Anxiety and Stress

Lack of Sleep or Food

Hormonal Changes

Headache foods: MSG, red wine, cheese, chocolate, soy sauce, and processed meats.

Tyramine: a substance used at high levels in Aged, fermented, and stored foods

Allergies and Migraines have totally different triggers.

If you suffer from Migraine symptoms you probably want it to stop. Take time to track your triggers. Keep a journal. Include fact tracking data:

• Date
• Time
• Location
• Activity
• Environment (weather stuff)
• Recent sleep
• Recent meal
• Symptoms and level of discomfort. Use a 1 to 10 Scale.

When you decide to see a healthcare provider, you will have a good collection of data to talk about.

AAFA Report the 2015 Worst Cities for Allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2015 worst cities for allergies has been reported. 

The data measured and compared each season includes:

• Pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed
• pollen and mold spores)*
• Number of allergy medications used per patient
• Number of allergy specialists per patient

The value of compiling this list is to help guide a pollen sufferer to local, geographical areas that may provoke and worsen their seasonal symptoms, which impacts their quality of life. Immediate personalized treatments can include prescription medication combinations, mono-therapies, or long-term treatments.

Looks like Allergena
will be Selling a lot of
Zone 2 Soon!

For a complete list of the 2015 Worst Cities for Allergies View this PDF

Beginning with Number 1
         Jackson, Mississippi, scored 100/100, 
2. Louisville, Kentucky, scored 98.34/100
3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, scored 95.64/100
4. Memphis, Tennessee, scored 94.64/100,
5. Knoxville, Tennessee, scored 94.51/100,
6. McAllen, Texas, scored 89.56/100,
7. Wichita, Kansas, scored 86.43/100
8. Dayton, Ohio, scored 86.15/100,
9. Providence, Rhode Island, scored 86.06/100,
10. Richmond, Virginia, scored 85.79/100,
11. Little Rock, Arkansas, scored 85.46/100,
12. Tulsa, Oklahoma, scored 84.59/100
13. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, scored 84.3/100
14. Chattanooga, Tennessee, scored 83.91/100
15. New Orleans, Louisiana, scored 82.04/100,
16. Columbia, South Carolina, scored 81.25/100
17. Birmingham, Alabama, scored 80.29/100,
18. San Antonio, Texas, scored 79.17/100
19. Dallas, Texas, scored 79/100
20. Syracuse, New York, scored 78.97/100

Here are a few Survival Tips:

1. Learn your allergies: Which trees, weeds and grass pollen are you allergic to.
2. Wear cotton: Synthetics cause static and pollen to stick to your clothing
3. Exercise early, or exercise late: Pollen counts are lowest before dawn and in the early evening.
4. Immunotherapy: Drops are easy on your body and the effects are long lasting.
5. Keep your home clean. There’s a reason for the term “spring cleaning.”
6. Eat the right foods. Certain foods naturally have ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat allergies. Munch on apples, broccoli and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (certain fish, like salmon, and nuts), or consider adding more garlic and the spice turmeric to your cooking. Yogurt can also help by improving digestion and making your immune system more effective.

Information gathered in part from The Weather Channel

How do you know if your pet has allergies?

Have you ever considered your furry family member may have Pet Allergies?

You probably think it's funny or cute when your pets sneeze. Is it funny and cute when you sneeze? Especially not if you are sneezing because of allergies.

Allergies experienced by our pets are different from those we experience. Pet Allergies symptoms are often:

• Watery Eyes
• Sneezing
• Scratching leading welts, open sores, and loss of hair.
• Dogs can also get ear infections

Pet allergies can come from:

Atopy: also known as seasonal pollen allergies Symptoms:

• Chewing at the feet
• Constant licking of the flank (side) and groin area
• Rubbing of the face
• Inflamed ears or recurrent ear infections
• Recurrent hot spots in dogs and pinpoint facial scabbing in cats
• Asthma-like wheezing and respiratory problems (more likely in cats)

Contact Dermatitis: allergies to carpet, cleansers or plastic

• Red itchy bumps or blisters on sparsely-haired areas of the skin and those exposed to the allergen such as the belly, feet, or muzzle
• Intense scratching
• Hair loss (in chronic conditions)

Food Allergies: often when experiencing other kinds of allergic reactions you animals will have an allergic reaction to common food.

• Itching, especially face, feet, trunk, limbs and anal area
• Ear problems, often yeast-related
• Skin infections that respond to antibiotics, but then recur as soon as the antibiotic therapy ceases

True Food Allergies are marked in dogs by increased bowel movements and regularly soft stool. Be cautious of food intolerance which causes diarrhea and vomiting.

Allergena for you Pet's Relief

Relief with the Netty Pot

Have you thought about using a Neti Pot?

You've probably heard stories about people finding their nasal relief miracle in a Neti Pot! Personally, I think it sounds like water boarding yourself...but could so many people be wrong?

The word "neti" is from the ancient Sanskrit from India. It literally traslates to nasal cleansing. The equipment to perform this technique has evolved over time with materials and production technology. 

Use of the Neti Pot is for the most part safe. 

About 10% of Neti pot users report discomfort or headaches after use. There have also been stories of contaminated water placing dangerous micro bacteria into your soft nasal passages causing severe illness. This is not the norm, however. Aside from the cleanliness of most water available, it is recommended to use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water. 

Frequent use of a Neti Pot can promote good sinus and nasal health if you have chronic:

• Sinusitis
• Facial pain
• Headache
• Halitosis
• Cough
• Anterior rhinorrhea (watery discharge)
• Nasal congestion

For a complete, simple explanation of Neti Pot use watch this:

These are the recommended steps:

1. Mix about 16 ounces (1 pint) of lukewarm water (distilled, sterile, or previously boiled) with 1 teaspoon of salt. 
2. To make the mixture gentler, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to buffer the solution.
3. Highly recommended to use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution.
4. Once you've filled the Neti pot, tilt your head over the sink at about a 45-degree angle. 
5. Place the spout into your top nostril, and gently pour the saline solution into that nostril.
6. The fluid will flow through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril.
7. Liquid that begins to run down your throat, simply spit into the sink.
8. Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining liquid.
9. Refill the Neti Pot and repeat the process on the other side. 
10. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.