Tag: care

Winter has finally kicked in on the East Coast. With cold temps and some areas getting several feet of snow and more promising to come, it’s important to make sure that our homes are as energy efficient as possible. There are many ways for families to make cost-effective energy upgrades at home. Changes both large and small will ultimately help protect the environment and, in turn, will save you some money. Many of these changes are simple one-time investments, while others are actions you can do every day.

Get an Energy Audit

Bring in a professional to evaluate your home and make energy recommendations. An energy audit inspection will help you determine how you use energy in your home and where you can make improvements. Energy audits are generally free of charge or can be done for a nominal fee.

Windows and Doors

Make sure windows and doors are properly sealed to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Plug up any leaks that could allow the cold air to get into your home and cause your heating bill to go up.

Make the Switch to LED Bulbs

As your incandescent bulbs burn out, consider replacing them with LED bulbs. Making the switch to LED bulbs could potentially cut general lighting energy use nearly in half by 2030, saving energy dollars and reducing carbon emissions. Quality LEDs have a long lifespan. They have an average life of 30,000 to 50,000 hours or even longer. A typical incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a simple way to save some money and improve the energy efficiency in your home. Once installed, you have the ability to program your heat and/or air conditioning to preset temperatures throughout the day.

Add Ceiling Fans

By simply adding ceiling fans to a few rooms throughout your home you can save dramatically and improve the energy efficiency in your home. During the summer months, a ceiling fan creates a cool breeze, which in turn reduces the need for air conditioning. In the winter a ceiling fan (rotating in the opposite direction) circulates the rising warm air, helping to keep the room comfortable.

Our homes are a major source of energy use, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Taking the time to improve the energy efficiency of our homes will enable each of us to save some money and help to reduce our carbon footprint.

Wi-Fi is such an important part of our everyday lives that we hardly realize it’s there. From smartphones to tablets, laptops, and even televisions, we depend on its signal for many aspects of our lives. But one thing that might surprise you about your wireless router is that it’s continuously putting off radiation. How far does the radiation carry, and does it have an impact on your overall health? Let’s take a closer look.

What’s the Deal with Wireless Router Radiation?

Wireless routers put off a type of radiation called electromagnetic fields (EMF) to send their signal through doors and walls. While it’s not completely clear that EMFs are dangerous to human health, what is abundantly clear is that we’re exposed to way more of it than our grandparents were, and the exposure gets more intense every day. Some research has shown that radiation pollution as a result of Wi-Fi can have dramatic effects on plants.

When Plants Won’t Grow

A student science experiment in Denmark showed that radiation from a wireless router may have a scary impact on plants. The students wanted to conduct an experiment after observing that they had difficulty sleeping with their cell phones near their heads in bed. Although they wanted to see what impact wireless radiation has on human health, they didn’t have the tools to do that, so instead they decided they would conduct an experiment on plants.

To do so, they filled six trays with garden cress plants and placed them in the room with a wireless router and then filled six more trays with the same plants and placed them in a room without a wireless router. Both sets of plants were watered and temperature controlled. The plants were observed for 12 days, and at the end the student researchers noticed that the plants in the room with the wireless router refused to grow, whereas the plants in the other room were lush and green. The mini research study has sparked a debate about the adverse health issues associated with such radiation.

Should These Results Scare Us Humans?

It’s a little more difficult to see the impact of wireless router radiation on humans, but this little study does make you think. And other reports have shown that Wi-Fi can contribute to insomnia. That’s why the students complained that they had trouble sleeping when their cell phones were left by their heads. Animal studies have also shown that the radiation can disrupt cell development and cell growth. Other animal studies have shown that it may reduce sperm counts and fertility. But these are mostly animal studies, and so far there is not a scientific consensus. But since EMFs are such a huge part of our lives, it’s worth limiting your exposure where possible.

How to Protect Yourself from Wi-Fi Radiation

Most routers are strong enough to maintain a signal 100 meters away, and they carry radiation that distance as well. But you can take a number of steps to limit your personal exposure to Wi-Fi radiation.

– Choose a router that you can turn off. Some routers have a function that allows you to turn off the Wi-Fi when you’re not using it. This is especially helpful at night when you are less likely to be online. This reduces your exposure dramatically.

– Switch off the Wi-Fi on your devices. You can also switch off the Wi-Fi on your devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and printers when you’re not using it.

– Invest in radiation protection. Companies like EarthCalm have EMF protection devices for your routers and smartphones. It’s unclear how they work, but many claim that by blocking EMFs, you’ll experience fewer headaches, better sleep, reduced brain fog, and a feeling of relaxation and alertness.

– Get away from your router. If possible, put as much room as you can between you and your wireless router. This may not be possible in small spaces, but the more distance you can manage the better.

Since Wi-Fi router radiation has become so ubiquitous, it’s worth taking a few precautions to avoid it where possible. Don’t panic, but if you can reduce your exposure, take the steps to do so. Especially because it’s still so new that it’s difficult to know the true implications.

Staying fit in the modern age requires determination, focus, and plenty of self-discipline. After all, has there ever been a time when we have had access to so many delicious and easily accessible temptations? Fortunately, the 21st century has also brought us some high-tech gadgets specifically designed to help us lead healthier lifestyles. Here are five such devices that could have a dramatic impact on the way you work out.

Smartphones 

Chances are you already have a powerful device in your pocket with the ability to help you get fit. Most of us own smartphones these days, and while they are great for staying in touch with friends and family, not to mention putting a wealth of information at our fingertips, they can be useful for getting healthier too. Both iOS and Android devices now come with preinstalled health apps that can track all kinds of important data, including calories consumed, nutritional intake, and current prescription medications. Other apps such as MapMyFitness, Strava, or Runtastic can also accurately track our workouts and chart performance over time. Those tools will also set goals and challenges to overcome, ensuring we don’t get too complacent in our workouts. Most modern smartphones even act as basic fitness trackers, counting the number of steps you take each day.

Jabra Sport Coach Bluetooth Earbuds 

Many of us like to listen to music or podcasts while at the gym, so why not wear a pair of earbuds that can help enhance your workout too? The Jabra Sports Coach earbuds feature built-in motion sensors that can track distance, pace, cadence, calories burned, and other stats. These are then analyzed by a custom smartphone app that provides smart coaching via audio cues, which can help enhance your performance. Perfect for both runners and cross fitters, these earbuds offer good sound and wireless Bluetooth connectivity too, making them pretty much the best gym partner ever. ($149)

Suunto Ambit3 Vertical GPS Watch

Fitness-oriented GPS watches have been used by pro athletes and weekend warriors alike for a quite a while now, but what sets the latest fitness watch from Suunto apart from the crowd is its ability to accurately track elevation gains and descents. This makes it the perfect option for runners and cyclists in particular, as it will not only register distance and pace, it’ll also tell you how much you’ve climbed along the way. The Vertical can share data with many popular fitness apps, and can receive notifications and text messages from your smartphone too, which certainly comes in handy while out on the road. It will even plot your optimal recovery timeframe as well, helping you to perform at your very best over time. ($469)

Recon Jet Smart Eyewear

Wearable fitness gadgets are all the rage at the moment, but not everyone likes to have a watch or activity monitor around their wrist during a workout. Others would prefer to have their fitness data available at a glance instead, particularly when they are in the middle of a long run or ride. For them, the Recon Jet just might be the answer. This high-tech gadget is a set of sunglasses that comes equipped with a digital heads-up display that lets you see your speed, distance, and pace at all times. The Jet features built-in GPS tracking and can also collect data from a smartphone or other wearable sensors. It can even display text messages, alerts, and maps for navigation, and also has a built-in camera that allows you to capture photos or video. ($499)

SmartMat Yoga Mat 

Designed to help you get the best yoga workout possible right in your own home, the SmartMat features embedded sensors that can automatically detect your posture and positioning and then suggest ways to correct any errors. The mat, which is scheduled to ship to customers in early 2016, connects to your smartphone or tablet to provide guided workouts complete with real-time feedback. Yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world, and this gadget looks to make it more accessible than ever. ($497)

These are just a few examples of tech gadgets that can improve our fitness routines and potentially lead to a healthier life. But as with most things, these devices are just tools to assist us on our journey. For them to be effective, you still need to be focused, disciplined, and ready to make a change. But if you are already committed to getting in better shape, technology can definitely be your friend.

Smartphones have become such an important part of our daily lives. Not only do they allow us to stay in communication with friends and family while on the go, but they help us organize our busy schedules, keep us informed about what’s happening in the world around us, and can even help us find the perfect place for lunch.
But did you know that your smartphone is also a great workout companion? In fact, if you’re not using your phone while exercising, chances are you’re not getting the most out of your efforts. Runners in particular will find these handy gadgets helpful, as they not only provide entertainment (music, podcasts, etc.) for those long runs, but they can also run a number of fantastic apps designed to keep you motivated and make your workouts more efficient too.
Here are a few of the apps that runners will want to have on their radars.

Runkeeper

Need help setting goals, tracking your progress, and staying motivated? Runkeeper is just the app for you. Not only does it provide workout programs based on your specific fitness needs, it also offers personalized routines to help you get to where you want to be. The app allows you to build custom running routes and provides audio cues on your pace, distance, and time. The built-in Runkeeper DJ will even create custom playlists from your personal music collection to help keep you moving. On top of that, the app’s social elements add a bit of friendly competition too, allowing you to challenge friends and compare performances. (Available for iOS and Android)

Strava

There are a number of apps that use your smartphone’s GPS functionality to track the speed and distance of your workout, but Strava just might be the best one available today. Data can be pulled in from external sources as well, such as a GPS watch or a fitness tracker, and performance is measured and analyzed over time. The app even provides suggested running routes, city guides for when you’re on the road, and the ability to challenge your friends’ fastest times. Originally designed for runners, Strava also offers the same functionality for cyclists, making this a great option for those of us who do both activities. (Available for iOS and Android)

Localeikki

Looking for new running routes close to home or while visiting another city? Localeikki can definitely help. The app provides a wealth of data about new routes that are near your current location, allowing you to keep your normal routine fresh or giving you the opportunity to work in a run while you’re traveling too. Localeikki offers information about the type of surface you’ll be running on, the amount of traffic you can expect to encounter along the way, important features such as restrooms and parking lots, and the maximum distance the route will provide. (Available for iOS only)

Zombies, Run!

Who says you can’t have a little fun while you’re out on a run? Certainly not the creators of this app, which drops you into the zombie apocalypse and challenges you to survive based on your performance on your real world runs. You’ll gather supplies, rescue other survivors, and build up your base over time as you make your way through a story that develops across more than 200 different missions. You’ll get progress reports broadcasted through your headphones, even as you listen to your favorite music or podcasts. Run too slowly and you’ll actually hear your undead pursuers closing in. Perform well and you’ll become the hero of the story. (Available for iOS and Android)

Charity Miles

Here’s an app that will help you feel good about your workouts and not just for the usual reasons. Charity Miles keeps track of the distances that you run and donates 25 cents to charity for every mile that you log. You can even choose the charity you’d like your efforts to support before you ever set out, with a wide number of options available. Not a runner, but like to walk instead? The same offer applies. And cyclists can donate 10 cents a mile for their rides too. This is a great way to give back, even as you get healthier. (Available for iOS and Android)
All of these apps are easy to use, have plenty of features, and provide a great mix of fun and motivation. Best of all, they are all free, so you have nothing to lose by giving them a try. You may find they add a nice element to your existing workout routine and give you that extra spark to keep you running toward your goals.

I always thought of charcoal as those little briquettes you use when cooking out during the summer. It wasn’t until the past few years that I began noticing the charcoal beauty trend.

I know what you’re thinking: How could charcoal ever relate to health or beauty? I can attest that I’ve tried quite a few charcoal-infused products and they do make a difference in my skin.

I’ve even had charcoal juices and smoothies, which I must say look extremely weird. Once you get past the black color, you might discover what I did, that charcoal is a must-use health and beauty hack.

Mask Impurities

I hate random blackhead breakouts, and those blackhead strips always leave my face red for hours. I decided to try an activated charcoal mask to see if it worked as well as I’d heard.

I broke open two activated charcoal capsules and mixed that with two teaspoons of aloe vera. I highly recommend doing this at a sink so you don’t get charcoal powder everywhere. Apply it to clean skin and leave on for about 30 minutes. I started with 10 minutes the first time to make sure my skin reacted well.

After rinsing with cool water and moisturizing, I noticed significantly fewer blackheads, and many of the rest went away a few days later.

The charcoal draws away dirt from your skin, so it works well as both a mask and a cleanser. If you’re not the DIY type, most beauty stores sell charcoal masks and facial cleansers.

Whiten Your Teeth

I can’t believe this works, but charcoal is surprisingly effective at whitening teeth. The best part is looking in the mirror to see your teeth temporarily turned black.

This hack is abrasive, so use it sparingly. I save it for important occasions when I need a little boost to my smile. All you need is an activated charcoal tablet.

Apply the powder to a wet toothbrush and lightly brush it over your teeth for at least a minute. Rinse well and enjoy a whiter smile. I had to rinse several times to get all the gritty pieces out of my teeth.

Skip your regular brushing and just use mouthwash after this. It’ll be gentler on your teeth and gums.

Detox With A Smoothie

Doesn’t a nice charcoal smoothie sound wonderful? Ha! I remember making my first one and debating whether I really wanted to drink it. It looked more like dirty oil or tar than something healthy.

I gave it a shot, and I’m glad I did. I recommend playing around with different fruits to figure out which flavor masks the charcoal best for you. I personally prefer pineapple or banana as you don’t taste any charcoal at all after blending well.

The original recipe I used called for:

– Three activated charcoal capsules (find them at any health food store)

– One cup coconut juice

– One cup frozen pineapple

– Small piece of turmeric root or one teaspoon turmeric powder

The final mixture smelled great, but it was very black! It was one of the best detox smoothies I’d ever tried. I actually felt better, and the results lasted for a few days. I only drink one every few weeks at most.

Very important: Don’t drink activated charcoal smoothies or take activated charcoal capsules right before or after taking medications, supplements, or meals. The charcoal expands in your body, absorbing toxins with it. But, it can also absorb nutrients and medications. Best to take it away from anything your body needs to absorb to let it remove the things you don’t want it to absorb!

If you’ve had a little too much fun over the weekend, you might want to try this smoothie, because it’s great for hangovers too. It’s also good for soothing your stomach if you have food poisoning or stomach troubles/gas.

Rinse Away Hair Buildup

Clarifying shampoos are essential if you use any leave-in or styling products. Charcoal-infused shampoos are the new clarifying must-have. I opted to make my own, of course, but you can buy charcoal shampoos in many stores.

For this one, I just added a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder to my regular shampoo. It’s best to use a natural shampoo for optimal results. Shake the shampoo well before each use.

Is It Worth Trying?

In my opinion, charcoal is definitely worth adding to your beauty and health routine. I don’t use it every day, but as a weekly or even monthly addition, I can honestly say my skin, hair, and insides are better than ever!

If you are like me, you might need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, but you are too freaked out to even think straight so you just go blank. We all do it. No matter how organized I am, I can still end up needing to do some last-minute shopping.

I did most of my shopping ahead of time online this year, but I still have a couple of gifts I need to grab. This made me think of all those people who would love to get something special for their fit friends but want to avoid the generic “gift card in a card” bit.

So I got to thinking about some creative last-minute gift ideas. Here’s what I came up with.

1. Gym Survival Kit

Create your own little survival kit for your fit friend with all the tools they’ll need to survive a really great workout. Items that can go in this kit include Advil (for the obvious), Epsom salt (for sore muscles), and an ice pack (another pain-relieving essential). Other fun items can be a really cool water bottle, yoga mat, gym towel, protein bars, supplements, weight gloves, headphones, sports socks (because we’ve all gone to the gym and forgotten our socks), ponytail holders, headbands, straps, fun shoelaces, body spray, and a fitness magazine. Your options are really endless!

You can get as creative as you would like, choosing from fitness products to beauty products. Whatever you decide to get, most of the items you would need to make this one-of-a-kind gift can easily be found at major department stores, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, or discount stores like Marshalls, Target, Walmart, Kmart, Ross, and TJ Maxx. You can make it as funny or cool as you like. Even if you choose the funny route, your friend will see you put some effort into the gift. They may laugh, but they will still likely use every single thing you give them!

2. Motivational Photo Gifts

If you need a personal gift fast, you can get a custom gift made the very same day at the Walgreens photo department. Two of my favorite same-day gifts are the personalized calendar and the 4″X4″ photo magnets. If you choose to do a calendar, just pick out the photos you want to use and customize the text for each month using some of your favorite motivational quotes.

I personally love the magnets, since everyone looks at the fridge every day. Since the magnets are square, you can grab a mantra like my “I Will Beat Her” quote and create a motivational magnet to post on the refrigerator. Or you can make your own motivational image using a fun photo app with text. CLICK HERE for over 200 motivational quotes you can use to inspire your fit friend.

3. Massage

I don’t know one person who works out who wouldn’t absolutely love a massage. People who work out on a regular basis constantly have tight and sore muscles. A massage will not only feel good, but will also help them recover from tough workouts.

If a massage is too much for your budget, pick up a percussion massager like the HoMedics Handheld Massager with Heat for only $39.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond. These massagers are tough enough to do deep therapeutic massage for bad muscle spasms and trigger points, yet they normally have lower settings for gentler massages, too. Almost every department store sells percussion massagers; you should have no trouble finding one at the last minute.

4. Motivational Tees And Tanks

Everyone loves some motivation, and now you can get it anywhere. Even Target has fun fitness tees and tanks for both men and women. If you have a friend who works out on a regular basis, chances are they’d love more workout clothes–especially if they are fun and motivating.

If you don’t find exactly what you want, remember that every fitness enthusiast could use more workout clothes–period. A fitness fanatic can never have too many pairs of socks, sports bras, tanks, or tees. If you aren’t sure what they want, pick up a gift certificate to their favorite sporting goods store or a fitness outlet (so they can get more for their money). Put the gift card in a water bottle so it doesn’t look like an afterthought. Instead, they’ll know you want them to get exactly what they want and need.

5. Gifts For Music Lovers.

One fitness accessory I see in the gym and on the road more than any other accessory is headphones. Gym-goers typically prefer their own tunes to the music playing throughout the building.

If your friend is a music lover, you have a couple of options. First are headphones. My personal favorite headphones are yurbuds, which are available at most electronic stores, like Best Buy. I love them because they have superior sound, and they don’t fall out of your ears while you run and move around. If you want to go all out, you can get your special someone some Beats. I’m amazed at how many people work out with these massive headphones on their head, but they do. Either way, no one can have too many sets of headphones.

Other options for music lovers include armbands, iPods, pocket belts (like the BANDI belt), or an iTunes gift card (so they can buy new music). If your friend works out at home, they may enjoy a portable Bluetooth system to play their music from their iPhone or iPod in their garage or home gym as well.

20 Last-Minute Gift Ideas

– Headphones

– Bright colored shoelaces

– Crazy socks

– Gym bag

– Workout gloves

– Health and fitness magazines

– Protein bars

– Water bottle

– Yoga mat

– Gym towel

– Weight belt

– Straps and/or wrist straps

– Ponytail holders

– Sweatbands and headbands

– Workout clothes

– Massage

– Gym pass or membership

– Blender for those protein shakes

– Measuring cups, Tupperware, and food scales for dieters

– Affordable fitness accessories like a jump rope, fitness ball, kettlebell, dumbbell, bands, or ab roller

It’s no secret that I love my Apple Watch. Ask any of my friends and family and they’ll tell you that I rarely go anywhere without it. The convenience of receiving notifications and text messages right on wrist simply can’t be beat, and being able to check sports scores or get a weather forecast without having to search for my phone is fantastic too. But probably my favorite aspect of the Apple Watch is its ability to track my workouts and keep me focused on my fitness goals. In fact, Apple’s little wearable even managed to motivate me to exercise every day for a full month, which turned out to be both grueling and highly satisfying.

Anyone who has ever used an Apple Watch is probably already aware of its fitness tracking capabilities. When you initially set up the device you can provide it with basic information about your height and weight and a rough estimate of how active you are, which it then uses to set daily goals for the number of calories you should burn and minutes that you spend exercising. The watch also tracks how long you’ve been sitting in one place and will prompt you to stand and move about if you haven’t done so for an hour. These goals are then visually displayed on the screen using three concentric circles, each of which fills in with a different color as you edge closer toward achieving your goals.

Keeping tabs on your progress is a cinch; I often find myself checking in throughout the day just to see how close I am to reaching my objectives. It is a fun and addictive way to stay motivated, which is enhanced even further with the help of various awards that the Apple Watch adds to your fitness profile based on your performance. Those awards, which are viewed in the Activity app on your iPhone, are given for such feats as reaching your goal every day for a week, hitting certain calories-burned milestones, or setting new records for minutes exercised. They are represented by colorful little icons and provide bragging rights when comparing your accomplishments with others.

The Activity app also displays the awards that you have yet to earn, which can serve as motivation to go after them. Case in point is the Perfect Month award, which is given when you achieve your Move goal (calories burned) every day for an entire calendar month. This seemed like an achievement that was out of reach for me. My daily active calorie goal is quite high, making it almost impossible to achieve on a rest day, for example. On top of that, things often come up in a busy month that can prevent you from working out every day.

In October, I mentioned to my wife–who is also an Apple Watch wearer–how challenging getting the Perfect Month award would be, and she suggested that we both try to get that particular achievement during the following month. I was a little hesitant at first as I thought about the daunting task that would lie ahead. For me, it would mean no rest days whatsoever from a workout routine that already includes a lot of running and cycling. I knew that it would be a real grind and that my legs would be dead tired at times. But I was also intrigued by the possibility of adding that particular award to my list of Apple Watch achievements, even though I knew that in order to get it, I’d have to push my body a bit harder than it was used to.

I took it easy in the last week of October to prepare for the challenge ahead, and by the first of November I was feeling fresh and ready to go. Over the course of the following four weeks, however, there were times when I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Without proper rest days, my body ached constantly, and hitting my daily goals came with a sense of relief rather than a feeling of accomplishment.

As the month dragged on we had to deal with a number of challenges, some of which went well beyond simply staying motivated to work out every day. For instance, bad weather can frequently be used as an excuse to skip an outdoor run, but that would mean not reaching my goal for the day. When cold temperatures and rain arrived on the scene, I had no choice but to suit up and head out into the elements. We also had to schedule workouts around the busy Thanksgiving holiday when many friends and family members were in town. Worse yet, we also had to deal with a death in the family and making a 10-hour road trip each way to attend the funeral. But through it all, we stuck to the plan and found time to work out, even when we didn’t really want to.

In the end, we were successful in reaching our goal and added the Perfect Month award to our list of Apple Watch achievements. Along the way we learned a lot about ourselves, and what we are capable of when properly motivated. For example, we discovered that we could find time to work out even when things got hectic and crazy. We also learned that discipline and dedication are a big part of leading a healthy lifestyle, even if the motivation to do so does comes from a tiny electronic device that you wear on your wrist.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter where the motivation comes from, as long as you get the results you are after.

Scented candles have always been associated with all things positive. During the winter holiday months, they provide warmth and a festive atmosphere. When you’re stressed, there’s nothing more relaxing than lighting some candles and drawing a hot bath at home. Whether you’re enjoying an evening yoga class or a romantic meal with your significant other, scented candles help set the mood. That’s why I was sad to learn that many candles can have a toxic impact on indoor air quality, which over time may even cause a number of health problems. But not to worry, you can choose safe alternatives.

What’s in a candle?

Most candles are made with paraffin, the same wax used to soften your hands and feet when you get a manicure and pedicure. But what you might not know is that it’s basically a petroleum waste product created when crude oil is refined into gasoline. Yuck. What’s more, paraffin wax also produces black soot, which can penetrate the deep areas of your most vulnerable lung tissue when it is inhaled.

Then there’s the wick. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, most U.S. manufacturers have said that they won’t use wicks made with lead, but they aren’t mandated to do so. If the candles are imported from other countries (and more than a third are), there’s no telling whether a seemingly innocent wick is laced with lead. As you can imagine, lead doesn’t improve your indoor air quality but actually hurts it. Breathing in even low amounts of lead can do damage to your nervous system. The side effects from lead exposure include hypertension, depression, kidney disease, anxiety, irritability, learning difficulties, problems with concentration, and the list goes on.

What about the scent?

Scented candles often contain phthalates, chemical ingredients that are used to spread scent throughout the air. Phthalates–also found in air fresheners, perfume, plastics, and other personal care products–are known endocrine disruptors that can cause hormone abnormalities, negatively affecting reproduction and even causing birth defects. Artificial scents may appear to be derived from pine needles, pumpkin pie, and sour apple, but often these scents are made from a laundry list of chemicals that in no way come from nature. Many scented candles emit dangerous chemicals like benzene and toluene, two known carcinogens.

Choosing a safe alternative

Finding alternatives to paraffin candles with toxic fragrances is actually pretty easy, you just have to know what to look for. Choose unscented candles that use cotton wicks. Beeswax and soy candles are a popular alternative, but you still have to be aware of how much and how long you’re burning candles in a room. And if you care about whether your products are made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), soy candles may not be right for you (I don’t think I’ve ever seen a certified organic soy candle). Another great alternative is supporting local handmade candle manufacturers that use safe, nontoxic ingredients.

Essential oils can purify indoor air safely

If you really just want to freshen stale indoor air, diffusing pure essential oils is a great alternative to scented candles or air fresheners (which are toxic). They don’t require you to burn anything and can have great therapeutic effects (they are what is used in most fancy spas). There are a number of methods of diffusing essential oils, but my favorites are a nebulizer or ultrasonic diffusers, which seem to work much better at dispersing fragrance. To further clean the air, if it’s warm enough, open the windows daily to freshen up your air. Or consider adding plants to your home that purify the air, such as aloe vera, spider plants, and Gerber daisies. You can also add a Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag to each room in the house.

Most scented candles have no place in the home because they emit dangerous chemicals. That delicious scent may seem like it comes from Mother Nature, but in reality, it’s an artificial scent created in a chemical laboratory. Fortunately, if you educate yourself, you can choose safe alternatives. Beeswax candles add that same romantic glow to your home without known carcinogens like lead, benzene, phthalates, and toluene. Essential oils can freshen stale air in your home and even make it smell like a spa. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, creating a spa retreat at home, or enjoying a candlelit dinner, choose a safer way to enhance the mood.

It’s hard to imagine that snow and ice are coming soon to many parts of the country when temperatures in the Northeast have been approaching 60 degrees in December. There’s no escaping the winter months, which are just around the corner, along with frigid temperatures and slippery conditions.

As snow and ice start to accumulate it’s important to find a way to keep slippery conditions under control.

This time of year conventional snow and ice removal products line the aisles of local hardware stores. Unfortunately, many of those products contain harsh chemicals, including sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium salts. We end up tracking these chemicals into our home on the bottom of our shoes and boots. This puts our pets at risk, because ingesting large amounts of sodium chloride (a common ingredient in ice melting products) can be lethal to dogs. As the snow and ice begin to melt, the chemicals make their way into our waterways, placing plants and wildlife at risk.

Here are a few eco-friendly tips to remove snow and ice this winter.

Find a quality shovel, and shovel often.

Use those muscles and an ice-breaker to break up the ice. Try to remove as much ice and snow as you can without the use of an ice melting product. Find a quality shovel that will help keep you from injuring your back. Start shoveling early before the snow turns to ice.

Use sand sparingly for traction.

Use sand if traction is all that is needed. Sand isn’t recommended unless necessary, since it can clog sewers and lower air quality in areas that use a lot of it. It can also ruin hardwood floors if tracked inside.

Find an eco-friendly ice melt product.

Read the labels before purchasing an ice melt product at the store. Find a product that contains ingredients that are safe for you, your family, and your pets. Over the years, more and more non-toxic ice melting products have made their way onto shelves in the stores.

Don’t use salt.

There’s no question that salt will melt the ice, but it can cause more harm than good. Salt can leach heavy metals, which can end up in our water supply. Salt can also hurt our pets if it gets lodged in their paws or ingested. It can damage our cars and kill our grass and plants. As the ice and snow start to melt, the salt ends up making its way into our waterways and can wreak havoc.

If ice buildup is getting to you this winter, take the time to find a safer alternative. There are plenty out there, it just takes a bit of effort to find a product that meets your needs.

There’s a joke that I always see going around social media that says something along the lines of “How do you know someone is a runner?” and the punchline is “wait a few seconds, they’ll let you know.”

I won’t even try to argue, as this fact is often true.

Most runners are so fanatical about our sport, that we will be the first to tell you alllll about running if you take the time to ask.

Or sometimes, even if you don’t ask.

While most of us have careers and families that don’t involve running, our passion for the sport runs so deep that we like to talk about running, read about running, watch documentaries about running, even cover our cars with running stickers…anything to display our enthusiasm for the hobby we love.

So if you are wondering what sort of gift to get for the runner in your life this holiday season, the answer is pretty simple: something running related.

The trick, however, is finding something unique that they don’t already have. You see, in addition to talking about all things running, we also like to shop for all things running. When it comes to the necessities: shoes, shorts, socks, water bottles, technology…we’ve got it already covered.

But there are a ton of fantastic, thoughtful, and unique gifts out there for runners; items that we’d love to have, but are unlikely to buy for ourselves…because we’d rather spend our money on more shoes, gels, or race registrations. Here are a few ideas:

Medal Display

Does your runner have all of their hard earned medals stuffed into a drawer or a shoebox? Or are they hanging haphazardly on a doorknob or curtain rod? Why not get them a unique, or even custom, medal holder or display. The options are limitless to match the personality of your runner or the interior decor of their home. From laser cut hangers made from metal to crafty hand painted, wood options…and everything in between, there is something for everyone. Check out Allied Medal Hangers, or the popular craft website Etsy for some ideas.

Turn our Bibs into Something Cool

You know those wrinkled pieces of paper we pin to our shirts or shorts before each race? Each one holds a memory, and chances are, your runner has a box or drawer full of them somewhere. But many creative individuals have come up with ideas on how to display those bibs. From custom made handbags, to coasters, to framed artwork, the internet is full of ideas and suggestions.

Jewelry

From commemorating accomplishments, providing motivation, to simply declaring our love for the sport, there are a number of handmade jewelry items out there designed specifically for runners. They range from affordable, workout friendly options, all the way to designer pieces with precious metals and jewels, and everything in between. Check out Momentum Jewelry for their sweat ready Motivate wraps, or Endure Jewelry Co. for something with a little more “bling”.

Box Subscription

At some point in the last few years, subscription boxes have become all the rage. The concept is this: you subscribe to a box with a theme that appeals to you and every month you receive a box full of samples that relate to that theme. The idea is that you get to try a wide variety of new products, without having to commit to a standard full-size item. Of course, the running world is no exception! Subscription boxes like StrideBox and RunnerBox send a monthly package to subscribers full of things like endurance fuels and snacks, electrolyte drinks, anti-blister cream, headbands, electronics, and any other type of accessory that may appeal to runners. Give your runner a gift subscription, and they will continue to receive the gift all year long!

Framed race photo

Every now and then someone actually captures a GOOD race photo and not one that looks like we are minutes from passing out, throwing up, or worse. Yet we are often hesitant to buy them for ourselves because they can be pricey. Did your runner recently set a PR, run a bucket list race, or some other awesome accomplishment? Why not check out the event’s website for race photos, search for your runner, and purchase a print.

Voucher for a Race Registration

When in doubt? Ask us what race we are really hoping to run next year…and buy or contribute to our race entry! Sure it may not be a surprise, and it might feel slightly impersonal, but your support of our running and racing is much appreciated.