Robin Wilson

Allergy Tip of Day: Bedding

Spring cleaning - and its time to pay attention to those spots where dust, animal dander and pollen gather to cause 'wheezing and sneezing' indoors...a tip for your home in a hot spot for cleaning that many do not consider:

Bedding - use pillow and mattress covers that are a proven allergen barrier. Make sure to wash regularly in warm-to-hot water to remove any allergen accumulation. And make sure to wash your pillows every six months and replace after three years (by donating to the local animal shelter).

Source: AAFA.org

CBS: Allergies & Asthma Prevention

Robin Wilson discusses the options for a family whose 18-month child was diagnosed with asthma at a little over a year old.

Simple things that can be done from $10 to $1000 for an apartment or home. 

CLICK on link to see CBS segment 

Cleaning Tip of Day: Mold & Mildew

What is that black spot in the corner of your shower or bath - or at the base of your shower curtain? Typically mildew, but sometimes mold...and the allergic reactions many of us have to mold spores means you have to act now!

Simple solution involves a trip to the health food store for tea tree oil and to the dollar store for a spray bottle. Mix one drop of tea tree oil (do not let the concentrated oil touch your eyes or bare skin) to one cup of water in the spray bottle. Shake. Spray directly onto the mold or mildew area. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse. Repeat if needed.

Shopping Tip of Day: Organic Mattresses

You can trek all over town, the internet or the world, but the BEST source to see it all is in one New York City (or Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine) showroom where the best of the mattress with  eco/healthy/organic/hypoallergenic qualities are showcased. For designers, doctors and  families who want the best, and prefer to lay down on a mattress to feel the difference, instead of just viewing on a website. Visit The Clean Bedroom

Wellness Tip of Day: Allergy & Pollen Counter for You

 As the saying goes, April showers, bring May flowers...and with that Wheezing and Sneezing - a sign of springtime! But there is a handy new tool to review the pollen count prior to leaving home for your daily routine or prior to travel. Review Pollen Counter

In the meantime, do some additional research with the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA.org) to learn more about allergies.

Wellness Tip of Day: Website to locate Allergy Free products!

If you or your children have a sore stomach due to food allergies, there is a solution! A new website helps mommies and families select allergen free products and helps those who suffer from digestive disoreders such as gluten allergies, celiac disease or lactose intolerance. Food allergies can create a challenging situation when grocery shopping - and this is a great solution for those families - check out a pre-packaged tote! Learn more at HappyBellyBags

Wellness Tip of Day: Your Shower, Your Skin & Asthma

The truth is your shower can be toxic - chlorine in water, chemicals in soap products, off-gassing by vinyl shower curtains and most of all...mold!  This does not mean that you should stop taking showers, but it does mean that you should be aware of hidden toxins in your daily experience. Steamy showers can cause your skin become to become dry and the cracks in your skin could absorb chlorine. And if your space remains humid after a shower, it can cause mold issues which will trigger asthma and respiratory problems. Make sure that your space is adequately vented and get a shower filter to limit chlorine exposure. Learn more about Health Effects Of Your Shower

Wellness Tip of Day: Soy or Almond Milk

Soy milk, not just for the lactose intolerant…and Almond Milk is just as Sweet!

Consider switching to soy milk over dairy milk because it contains proteins that prevent osteoporosis. And these proteins also lower cholesterol levels, contain no lactose and fewer people have allergic reactions!  More about soy milk

Almond milk is less known in the U.S., but is fast becoming an option for the wellness set because it causes less flatulence than soy milk. And it also lowers cholesterol with less than 1/3 the calories of milk and no lactose. More about almond milk

 

Wellness Tip of Day: Chemical Stew vs. "clean"

Think of the chemical stew in your home from sprays, air fresheners, pesticides, paints and varnishes with harsh chemicals. Many household products in use have ingredients linked to asthma, allergies, liver damage, kidney and brain damage.  We use them so often in our homes that the fact that these all have strong odors doesn't cross our minds as harmful but clean or thought of as "the way it supposed to smell". For a healthy home use natural products as an alternative which are becoming easier to find, and affordable. Consider METHOD, Ecover or other options

Wellness Product of Day: Fan without Blades

WOW! A fan without blades?  The future has arrived thanks to the innovative designers at Dyson...it looks like something out of Star Trek. No blades, yet powerful airflow and cooling capabilities using an airfoil shaped ramp. The air is drawn in and forced out (think jet engine!)  It's a safe option if you have children and pets and eco-friendly because it is easy to clean (no fan blades for dust accumulation!) and it has a control to set the perfect airflow level.  Click to view Dyson Air Multiplier

Wellness Tip Of Day: Air Quality on Diabetes & Asthma

Did you know that a neighborhood on a major traffic corridor has an increased disease risk...from both diabetes and asthma?

Pollution from vehicle exhaust affects your neighborhood air quality, making it a danger for your lungs (asthma) and small pollution particles can affect insulin resistance (diabetes). We recommend an air purifier in your home, limiting outdoor exercise on high-risk days. And most importantly, find out where your neighborhood falls in pollution limits. Check AirNow website

Product of Day: Electrolux Bagless 2-in-1 Vacuum

Ever wondered how to fit a vacuum into your small apartment space? And it has to be lightweight, bag-less, wall-mountable, cordless and store easily. Have you heard about the Electrolux Ergorapido 2-in-1 vacuum  which is designed for hardwood and non-carpet surfaces - and it also cleans low rise carpets.  With a detachable unit for cleaning upholstery, pet hair or countertops, it is perfect to keep your small space clean.  And best of all, it is EnergyStar rated ! Learn about the Ergorapido

2010 Top 5 Holiday Gift List for Pets!

Many of you know that I have allergies, but braving the possible wheezing & sneezing yielded some great ideas for my friends during a Pet Products Expo in New York City, hosted by animal expert Charlotte Reed. There were a lot of amazing gadgets, toys and a few pets, but I want to give you my top 5 list of products for the holiday season... 

1. Furminator is a grooming tool that keeps your house sparkling with a long and short hair version of a comb that helps your animal from having hair balls or matted fur.    Purchase on Amazon
2. Invincible Dog Toys is a series of toys with squeakers and eco-friendly dyes and most importantly, a fan club among my friends who own pets! One of my friends said that his dog would not put the Snake Toy down providing hours of enjoyment. Purchase at PetStore.com
3. Jax & Bones Chew Toys  offers a chew toy which is very important to those with both small and large dogs who like to destroy furniture while teething. It was phenomenal to meet the inventor, Tina Nguyen and to hear the story of her puppy and the fact that everything in the collection is eco-friendly including the scrap rope and eco-dyes. Purchase at Jax & Bones.com
4. Remember those Fisher Price toys we had as children! Well, these classic childrens toys are now part of a new PETS line. One of the RWH team has the Chatter Pup Telebone (pun intended!) Toy with a rope cord and chewable receiver and an enticing peanut butter scent. Our tester dog is reported to carry this toy around his home...fun! Purchase at PetSmart
5. Non-toxic Safe-T-Pet ice melt is now made by Morton Salt - and from what I have seen, both cat and dog paws become sore when pets are taken outside for a walk. This ice melt is non-toxic and safe for both paws & stomachs & your family if it is tracked inside. Vet approved and available at Morton Salt

So, this is my top 5 list and hope that you will provide me with a few more of your ideas!

Flu Shot Locater by zip code

Please know that flu season is upon us - and many people who are risk, such as children, elderly and those with asthma need to know the nearest location for flu shot providers. The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America has created a locater...just put your zip code in the box in the top right corner (...see the locator)

Haute Living Insiders Guide to New York by Robin Wilson

As Labor Day weekend approaches, and we are all off to other spots in the world, there are a few of you who are sticking around New York City - and also visitors - and you may have time to check out a few hot New York spots...here is my list! (...get list)

2010 "Greenest New Yorker" will win a FREE vacation!

Do you think that you have what it takes to be  considered the "Greenest New Yorker"? Write a 250 word essay and you might be the winner...  Enter at the Greenest New Yorker website by April 8, 2010.