Allergy Consumer Review Issue #63
March, 2004 Dear Everyone,
Perhaps the most intriguing new product we are announcing this Spring is the new Miele ART series vacuum starting at $378.95. It is really an air-driven canister head on a stick (as opposed to a powerhead) for those of you who prefer upright vacuum cleaners. It is only for those with bare floors or very thin rugs. When I first saw the sample come out of the box, I thought it has to be the weirdest looking new vacuum I have seen in along while. However, when I tried and tested it out, it brought a smile to my face. Do go and take a look and also watch the product video. I think Miele has a winner.
Mercia Tapping Disclaimer: Product and solution information reflect information available at the time of publication, including prices, availability, and reviews. To get the latest information, contact us or join our newsletter. |
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Enjoy the good weather!
Important
Features In A Quality Vapor Steam Cleaning System by Randy Zielsdorf, Distributor of Ladybug, Tidyvap and Vaporjet vapor steam cleaning systems.
1. How does the steam cleaner system
produce steam vapor - by way of a high-pressure boiler
or just an enclosed chamber like an iron? 2. Does it matter whether the boiler
on a steam cleaner is made from stainless steel or aluminum? 3. Is the boiler independently secured
to the lower housing or sandwiched between the upper
and lower housings? 4. Does the boiler have a drain plug
mounted on the lowest point of the boiler or must you
turn the system upside down to drain the boiler? 5. Is the boiler insulated, and if
so, with what type material is it insulated? 6. Does the system use an independent detachable steam hose for employing a variety of tools and accessories?
7. Is the base or boiler housing splash
proof? 8. Is the system continuous fill or
are you adding water directly to the boiler? 9. Does the system have a steam volume
control? 10. Does the system have self-locking
tools or do you have to remember to lock the tools on?
11. Does the hose handle remain cool
to the touch even during extended use? 12. Where is the steam volume control located on the machine? Is it easily accessible to the user? 13. Does the system have an over pressure, safety release valve? If so, would it release steam in a dangerous direction through the filler cap, or safely, downward under the system away from the user? 14. How long is the electrical cord?
There are many other things to consider, but this will give you a good educated start while considering a quality Vapor Steam Cleaning System. Choosing a steam vapor Steam Cleaner by price alone may not be the safest decision. Remember, the bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of a cheap price is forgotten. See our Vapor Steam Cleaners Comparison Chart See all the steam cleaners at Allergybuyersclub.com |
On
The Steam Cleaning Circuit
1. The bathtub could not have been cleaned in six months and the dirt was caked on. Using the small round brush on low pressure after spraying the area with Formula 212 spot cleaner to loosen up the dirt, the filth finally came off. It did not do any magical disappearing act like in an infomercial. I still had to use some elbow grease, but I was clear that without the steamer I would not have even begun to make a dent. 2. The toilets were in a similar state, beyond description in polite society. Using the regular little nozzle brush around the rim and other medium round brush below the water line, this time I did produce miracles in a way that was satisfyingly painless. 3. The counter tops in the kitchen had encrusted pools of something dark and sticky like molasses. The large triangular brush wrapped in a towel blasted through that mess in a very efficient manner and lifted it right off. Then I continued with the rest of the countertop, which ended up silky smooth after the steam cleaning. 4. I could not believe that an oven top could get so filthy in such as short time. Using a combination of brass nozzle and small round brushes I manage to get the stovetop to look almost brand new again, but it did take a little time to get there. However, cleaning the microwave was a slam-dunk. 5. My final area of action was the tile floor. No problems in the bathrooms but the kitchen presented a challenge. I stared at it mournfully - stains all along the grout lines and goodness know what else stuck to floor. So I put a brass nozzle brush at the end of the wand and ran it down the grout lines and over the sticky spots. Here I was truly amazed. The dirt really did lift off without effort on my part, and then I went over the whole floor with a towel and the floor brush. My only grumble was I had to back off sometimes and let the pressure build up again to optimum levels, something that doesn’t happen with my Ladybug continuous fill steam cleaner. So I ended up two hours later, sweaty, tired, but triumphant. My husband emerged from the basement where he had been cleaning up and just said "Wow! That thing really makes a difference." And it smelled really clean. Did I ever get to pick flowers or play golf? Sadly no, it started raining and I could feel a nap coming on. Such is life, but I did gain brownie points with my husband. And as for the Whitewing Steam Cleaner, clearly impressive performance for the money. See our Vapor Steam Cleaners Comparison Chart See all the steam cleaners at Allergybuyersclub.com |
Customer Reviews Of Whitewing Steam Cleaner Dear Mercia
-- Henrietta C Dear Jeremiah, What a truly amazing device we have received from you! We tried out the "Whitewing" steamer today for the first time and could not believe the impact that it had on our carpets!!!
Thanks, David O P.S. It has occurred to us that it could
be used to poach eggs - has See our Vapor Steam Cleaners Comparison Chart See all the steam cleaners at Allergybuyersclub.com |
When Nothing Works For Your Allergies "I've Tried Everything: Shots, Puffs, New Pillows and Filters, and My Allergies Still Make Me Miserable. What Can I do?" By Murray Grossan, M.D.
"I have dust-proofed my home, stopped smoking, given up lipstick, got rid of the cat and dog. My medicine chest is full of Claritin, Allegra, Flonase and most other brands as well. I've been to doctors and done shots. Nothing works. It's spring and I'm miserable. How come nothing works for me? What can I do?" says Mrs ML of Houston, Tx. The best drugs in the world will not help
a down allergy sufferer who works plucking ducks. Drugs
will only work if you remove the major sources of allergens
from your environment and help your body to get over
the related problems due to allergies. These include
allergy exhaustion and the negative effects of anxiety
due to your allergies. Step-by-step: The arithmetic. If the outside pollen is high, remain indoors. Plants tend to pollinate at 5am and 5pm during the day. Make sure to be inside with windows closed at these times in high allergy season. Drive with the windows closed and the air recirculated. It is very difficult to get rid of cat dander, even a very long time after the cat is gone. If it is in your rug, nothing will work except thorough intense shampooing. It might be cheaper to remove the rug. Use houseplants as natural air purifiers. Good plants include lady palm, areca palm, rubber plant, English Ivy, dracaena and Boston fern. Use common sense for an allergy sufferer when eating. Spicy food adds to the allergy. Try eating only cooked and canned foods — nothing fresh and ESPECIALLY no salad dressings. Note: this is only during the allergy season and depends on the pollen count. If the pollen count is very low you might be OK with salsa, but not when the pollen count is high. Dry or wet (mold-breeding) conditions are bad for allergy. Fix all leaks, especially where the garden sprinkler gets under the house. Keep the bedroom humidity at 45-50%. Consider a room dehumidifier to help do this for you. Can’t sit on the couch all day. Dust accumulates here and when you sit down the dust flies in your nose. DO NOT use an Ionizer - they tend to spread dust and allergens. Use a Hepa air filter - they decrease allergens and dust. Exercise can help smooth out your autonomic system that controls allergy. Exercise regularly, but not during pollination times, and indoors during peak allergy season. Flushing the nose with Breathe-ease solution removes the pollen as well as the IgE which causes the allergy. Article in the Journal of Allergy and Immunology shows that Hydro Pulse Irrigation is an effective way to remove nasal pollen, nasal IgE and it even lowers the blood level of IgE, thereby reducing allergy symptoms. Published studies claim that one cortisone spray works as well as another and recommend using the least expensive one. The authors feel it is pointless – and expensive - to keep trying various brands trying to find one that works. Better to spend that money on Hepa air purifiers. Other authors claim that the sprays without benzalkonium are best. Cortisone spray or allergy pill? In practice, we see just as many persons who do well on pills as on cortisone sprays. If a simple pill works for you, without side effects, OK. Most patients try both and decide which they prefer. One attractive feature of the cortisone spry is that it only goes to your nose and not to your toes. Hot drinks, especially regular or green tea are desirable. Cold drinks slow your cilia and stop the body from getting rid of allergens. No 24 oz mega-gulps with ice during allergy season! If your allergy is severe you must conserve your energy so your body can rest - take it easy during miserable attacks. If your not sleeping, that’s bad. Does Benadryl 50 mg work for you for sleep? If not, your doctor may have to prescribe a sleep medication. Is anxiety making you worse? Anxiety can re-enforce your symptoms. Relaxation can help your symptoms. Try Guided Visualization for Allergy. Guided visualization is visualizing when you didn’t have the allergy. Use ALL senses:
You can visualize going to the prom — when you didn’t have allergy. What you wore, what music you heard, what you ate — how it tasted, what the flowers and perfume smelled like, and how the shoe and clothes felt. Or think of a trip to the forest or beach where you felt fine. This can favorably alter the body chemistry. When all the above fails, it denotes a stage of "allergy exhaustion" and bed rest may be the best answer. In the exhaustion stage, prednisone may also be helpful, but try everything else before heading back to the doctor. In my experience you think you've tried everything, but most patients who really carefully go through all the steps above find a lot of relief. Thanks to Susan Rudy, Nuances of Nasal and Sinus Self- Help for the info on the flowers and plants. Disclaimer: Please note that all advice here is
general: all patients in a doctor's care must consult
their doctor regarding the use of our products. The
use of these products is NOT a substitute for seeing
your doctor for any potentially serious medical condition. Dr Grossan's Hydro-Pulse Nasal Irrigator for sinus sufferers and Breathe-ease solution are available at AllergyBuyersClub.com
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When
Is Surgery Indicated For Allergies
If a patient has a 100% obstruction to breathing due to a deviated septum, and still has a dust and pollen allergy, no matter how effective the dust proofing and the desensitization treatment, he will still end up with 100% obstruction to breathing. Here it makes sense to fix the septum first, and then see if he can be relieved with simple medication. Where is gets difficult to decide, is when the deviated septum is just 50% obstructive plus a known allergy to dust and pollen. If you fix the septum, the person will still have an allergy. If you do the allergy Rx first, he or she still has the deviated septum. Regrettably you will find differences in recommendation here from different doctors. Each doctor tries to decide what is best for the patient, or the patient is given the facts and decides if he or she wants to try allergy desensitization or surgery first. With surgery, we usually include reduction of blockage of turbinates in hopes that, with this reduction there will be less blockage even though the allergy persists. Many persons with allergies are comfortable with the newer allergy pills and cortisone sprays. For a history of painful sinus blockage and infection, if the CT Scan shows blockage of sinus drainage, we recommend surgery to open the sinuses rather than wait for the allergy desensitization to accomplish this task. Likewise, if there is an anatomical blockage often it is best to clear this by endoscopic surgery. If the blockage is purely due to inflammation, medical and pulsatile irrigation treatment is tried first before we go to surgery. If the nose is fully blocked by nasal polyps, first we try to shrink the polyps with medications such as cortisone and antibiotic combination. If this fails, then a CT scan can determine how much surgery is needed for relief of obstruction. Following polyp surgery, allergy treatment may help prevent re occurrence. Nasal polyps will re-occur with exposure to aspirin and aspirin related medications.
However if the nose is crooked, this needed nasal function may not be possible. In addition, in aging, the skin of the top of the nose loses fat, and this causes the tip of the nose to hang down. This in turn creates a blockage by closing off a valve that can obstruct breathing. Fist we try taping the nose up at night to see is that helps. Then the patient can decide to continue using tape at night or to have the nose permanently fixed for better breathing. Nasal/ sinus surgery for an allergy can fail. The number one reason for failure is not appreciating the degree of the allergy that the patient has. No matter how skilled the surgery, when you have completed it, he is still allergic to cats. Another reason for surgery failure is not recognizing an immune deficiency problem. Treatment here is essential in order to avoid another surgery because of repeated infection. Failure to restore cilia function after surgery, not dust proofing the bedroom, not doing irrigation to restore the cilia function, using medications that can harm the nose such as sprays with the preservative benzalkonium are other reasons for failure. Nasal sinus surgery can also fail if the diagnosis is not correct – if sinus pain is due to Migraine or Histamine Cephalgia or referred pain from the neck. Failure can come with an overwhelming infection is present, especially a fungal one. There is no simple yes or no answer to the question of doing surgery for an allergy and asthma and it requires all the skill and experience of the ENT and Allergy specialist to make the correct recommendation.
Dr Grossan's Hydro-Pulse Nasal Irrigator for sinus sufferers and Breathe-ease solution are available at AllergyBuyersClub.com |
Vocal Survival Techniques For Singers Here is an excerpt from the forthcoming book on voice by Rosalie Loeding, a leading voice teacher. "Vocal Survival Techniques for Singers and Professional Voice Users" Welcome Sweet Springtime!
If your allergies first appear during spring the probable culprits are the oak, elm, alder, birch, cottonwood and maple pollens. Other trees to avoid are poplar, sweetgum, sycamore, and pecan. Late summer and fall allergies are usually caused by weed pollens such as ragweed and molds. The pollen grains are light, so the wind carries them for miles. A single ragweed plant generates a million grains of pollen each day. Goldenrod and dandelion pollen is heavier, so they only cause problems when one is in close proximity to the plants. In other words, if you are allergic, have someone else deal with the dandelions and goldenrod. Don’t use zinnias, cosmos and goldenglow in flower arrangements because they are heavy pollen producers. Plant your gardening when the pollen count is low – after a rain shower or on a cool, humid, cloudy day when there is little wind. Plan ahead. It might be wise to wear a mask and take an antihistamine before gardening. Remember to drink more liquids because antihistamines are very drying to the nose and throat. If certain plants cause a rash or itching, wear gloves. If you are allergic to grasses, have someone else mow the grass and stay inside to avoid freshly-mown grass. The most common grasses causing allergic problems are timothy, sweet vernal, Kentucky bluegrass, Johnson grass, and Bermuda grass. First and foremost, keep your grounds and gardens free of flowering weeds. Better still, have someone else do the weeding. Some flowering weeds are very beautiful, but they are also highly allergenic. The worst of the lot are ragweed, mugwort, cockleweed, dock, English plantain, lamb’s quarter, pigweed, sagebrush, amaranth and Russian thistle. Never bring them into the house. Get them off your clothes before you sit on the couch. Most patients benefit by simple or pulsatile irrigation to remove these pollens from the nose and to lower the IgE of the nose. The American Lung Association recommends
the following trees, flowers and
It is usually wise to avoid very sweet smelling flowers because you may be sensitive to the perfume. Better to be safe than sorry – do not have bouquets of sweet smelling flowers in your house. Houseplants are a major source of mold. You may not see it, but it is there. There are many very natural looking silk plants to substitute for live plants. To avoid collecting dust, be sure to regularly vacuum and wipe with a wet cloth. On the other hand, house plants can serve as air cleaners. Use houseplant natural air purifiers such as the lady palm, areca palm, rubber plant, English ivy, dracaena and Boston fern. During the early spring and the fall the mold count is higher. In the fall the lovely, colorful fall leaves drift gently down and begin to mold. Do not rake them without a heavy-duty mask. Remember, mold can be airborne. You may not be able to see it and you may not be able to smell it. Keep windows closed during the late spring, summer and fall when plants pollinate: 5 AM and 5 PM. This is when the pollen is prevalent in the air. Drive with your windows closed and the air re-circulated. In one study in the Journal of Allergy and Immunology, twice a day pulsatile irrigation significantly reduced allergy symptoms by removing pollen and IgE. (Subiza) If you have allergies to pollen and mold, plan your landscaping to be as carefree as possible and stick to the plants, trees and bushes that are least likely to cause problems. More excellent articles by Ms Loeding on Voice are at www.ent-consult.com. Murray Grossan, M.D. |
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