Healthy Living - Parenting Healthy

Opinions are my own! This post may contain affiliate links

As spring approaches, nothing feels better than starting off the season of longer days and travels than with a clean and organized home. With so many cleaning products on the market, we have to now consider ingredients and ways to prevent having to use harsh ingredients when cleaning around small children and our pets.

We have 2 puppies under the age of 2 and dog messes happen almost daily. I just had one sneak upstairs and leave a potty mess in the hallway carpet this morning. Even the trained puppy slips at times.

5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Safely for the Dogs

Choosing the right cleaners. Choosing a toxin free cleaner is a must. Our pets are exposed to so much we cannot control such as what they encounter in dog parts, processed foods, outdoor and indoor pollutants so let’s make sure the cleaners we use are safe for them. I use a brand I get on Amazon called Truce. It really works great and they only include about 5 simple ingredients in their products. I am not sponsored by Truce for this feature, I just love their ingredients and want to share that option with you. In addition, constant use of alcoholic sanitizers and antibacterial wet wipes around the house can cause serious health issues for your dog. Products with harsh chemicals and ingredients should alert pet owners. Instead, using plastic-free eco-friendly wipes are a safe option. They are effective against 99.9% of germs and work great on counters, appliances, tables, and tiles for quick and easy cleanup without leaving harmful odors.

The Dog Dishes. Keeping the feeding area clean is so important. I used to pet sit years ago as extra income and I will never forget a home I was in to care for their 2 dogs. They kept their food in a small garbage can in the garage. As I was there I reached in as food was low and scooped up food and looked down and saw it–mold! Luckily, a new bag was available so I could discard that can (I dumped all food, used their hose and soap to wash it out and dry so a fresh bag could be put in). When you store food or keep food bowls full for free feeding you need to wash and dry between fills.
In this family’s case, they would see food get low and pour in a fresh bag so there was food at the bottom that never was circulating into the fresh batch and just sitting there as ‘the bottom of the bin’. With my dogs I use an elevated dish set that is all dishwasher safe (see what I use here). Have you cleaned the feeding area lately?
They will help with spring cleaning by first surveying the home to find all areas the dogs frequent. These professional cleaners will then tailor a cleaning schedule and use cleaning supplies that will be safe for dogs. This will usually involve using vetted and safe cleaning products and vacuuming often to remove any pet hair and dander that could be harmful if inhaled by the dogs. You can visit UrbanMop and find a perfect option for you, and be sure that once they’re finished, you can rest easy knowing your home is clean and safe for your furry friend.

Catch those messes early! With spring, comes wet yards. Having the right items nearby as you let your dog inside will prevent mud and dirt from reaching too far into the home. I keep a towel nearby for muddy paws and natural dog shampoo and soap in the downstairs shower or by a hose for the real messy outdoor play adventures. Taking a moment to wash down and with soap and a shower or yard hose keeps messes and stains from furniture and rugs.

Protect the human furniture. Using furniture covers or even keeping a blanket on the dog’s favorite couch spot really saves the sofas and chairs over time. If you are looking for a quality dog furniture cover that was recently updated in 2019, see these suggestions from DogProductPicker.com

Keep your pet groomed! My dog’s may not shed (we have Whoodles), but all dogs float dander. Keeping your dog groomed helps eliminate excess hair and dander from landing on floors and furniture. Invest in a quality de-shedding brush and if you are spring cleaning your home, make the dogs a grooming appointment. They get out of the house while you clean and when you pick them up, they are not excessively shedding int he clean space. Grooming includes clean ears and eyes so as not to have them rubbing yeast and debris on blankets an rugs.

Another note, if your spring cleaning plans include an upcoming move then consider these tips if you need some extra help keeping your fur baby in mind. Here are a few simple steps that can ease the stress of moving with pets.

Pets are such a blessing, but also can add to the mess of a home quickly. Practicing prevention is how I stay on top of my dogs’ messes. It is an easy routine to get into.

Healthy Living, Parenting

7 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Child’s Next Well Visit

April 12, 2019April 12, 2019 Erin Sluka

During a child’s well visit, the pediatrician will conduct a full physical exam, which includes reviewing your child’s weight and height, as well as body mass index, to determine if your child’s growth-rate, including any weight gain, is on track. Blood pressure, heart rate and breathing will also be checked and necessary immunizations and vaccinations will be administered.

During the well visit, your child’s doctor will ask questions. But a pediatrician is also able to address any concerns you may have, answer your questions or offer advice. Find out how to make the most of your child’s next well visit with these seven tips.

1. Plan to Be There

When you work outside of the home, it can be easy to ask your child’s grandparent or babysitter if they wouldn’t mind taking your child to his appointment — but that’s not usually the best plan. Your child will likely feel much more comfortable if you attend the appointment with him. Plus, there may be questions or issues that arise during the well check that someone else cannot effectively handle. And, last but not least, by attending the appointment, you’ll have firsthand information about your child’s health — instead of relying on your child’s grandparent or babysitter to give you all of the details.

2. Write Down Your Questions

Before you go to your child’s well visit appointment, take some time to sit down and think about any issues of concern you may have about your child’s health and development. If you write down your questions now and take the list with you to the doctor, there’s less of a chance that you’ll forget to ask.

Don’t be afraid to write down things you don’t think your doctor can help you with — such as emotional issues your child may be having. Your child’s pediatrician can not only serve as a resource for you but also as a referral to another health professional who is better suited to address your child’s particular need.

3. Be Aware of What Questions Might be Asked of You

If your child is younger, the pediatrician will definitely ask questions regarding his development. To help this part of the well visit go smoothly, you should research these questions in advance and consider your answers. By knowing what your doctor might ask in terms of development, you’ll be able to find out from your child what he can and can’t do — if you don’t already know.

For example, when children are 18-months-old, developmental milestones include being able to do things, such as stack three blocks, follow directions using “on” or “under” and be able to point to at least three body parts on command.

4. Prepare Your Child in Advance

Unless your child sees his pediatrician frequently, you might want to spend a little time preparing your child for the upcoming well visit. This is especially important if you have a younger child who might be scared about going to the doctor.

There are storybooks you can check out from your public library that can help ease your child’s fears. You can also help your child by planning a small activity after the appointment, such as going for ice cream or stopping by the playground. Having something to look forward to could make the whole experience less stressful for both you and your child.

5. Arrive on Time

Just as with any appointment, it’s important to be punctual. Doctor’s offices operate on schedules, and if you are late, you will potentially lose out on part of your appointment time. This could reduce the amount of time that you will have to ask questions.

Leave for the appointment early. Even if you choose to sit in the parking lot for a few minutes before going in, you’ll still be there and not stuck in traffic.

6. Avoid Potential Distractions

If you can, leave other children with a relative or babysitter while you are at the well-check appointment with your child. Other children will inevitably be vying for your attention appointment, and your focus should be on the child that’s having the well check and the pediatrician. Because these type of appointments occur typically only once per year, you might not have an opportunity to consult with your child’s doctor again until your child needs to be seen again.

If you happen to be seeing a new doctor for the first time, make an appointment for the well check instead of hoping for a walk-in appointment. This will allow the doctor’s office to prepare for your visit. According to Pediatriccenter.com, “Forms can be completed, insurance coverage can be verified, and the visit will go more smoothly.”

Giveaways, Healthy Living

PureGuardian® Large Room Hi-Performance Tower Console Air Purifier Giveaway

March 30, 2019June 6, 2019 Erin Sluka

Welcome to the Air Purifier Giveaway

Spring is well on it’s way and I couldn’t be happier to see things warming up a bit! Spring IS my favorite time of year, but with all of those wonderful April showers, comes along moss and mold growth too! (Ickies!) Moss and mold triggers allergy symptoms for the nearly 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies. What’s worse is there’s nowhere to hide either! The fresh air outside is full of pollen and allergens, while the air inside is full of a myriad of indoor pollutions. What can we do?

About Indoor Air Pollution:

Indoor air pollution can pose a problem in many homes. From pollen, mold and dust to animal dander and tobacco smoke, these indoor pollutants can create asthmatic and allergic reactions. To help reduce allergens and improve air quality, an air purifier with the AHAM Verified® seal is recommended. Guardian Technologies tower air purifiers, including the new AC9400, all carry the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) Room Air Cleaner Certification.

The new AC9400 has the highest Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating of all the Guardian Technologies air purifiers. The CADR is used by AHAM to measure a filter’s efficacy. The CADR indicates the volume of filtered air an air cleaner delivers, with separate scores for smoke, pollen and dust. The higher the CADR number for each pollutant, the faster the unit filters the air.

The AC9400 CADR numbers are 259 (smoke), 263 (dust) and 275 (pollen). It circulates room air 4.8 times per hour, and is recommended for large rooms up to 402 square feet. It also carries the Energy Star rating, so although it packs power in improving indoor air quality, it does so efficiently.

The AC9400 has a myriad of other features that make it unparalleled. Common household allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander are known to trigger an allergy or asthma attack. The 360° HEPA filter captures 99.7% of airborne particles .3 microns and larger, reducing the airborne allergens in the home. With the activated carbon layer of the filter, the AC9400 helps reduce common household odors including those from smoke, cooking and pets. The optional ionizer can enhance its ability to remove particles from the air. To keep the filter performance optimized, a filter indicator lights up on the display when it’s time to change the filter.

Because indoor air quality can change during the day depending on the room conditions, an air quality monitor set in auto mode detects the amount of particulate matter (2.5PM) in the air and adjusts the fan speed to keep air fresher throughout the day. The numeric value of particulate matter is displayed while the light on the front of the unit changes color providing a quick, visual status of the air quality in the room.

AC9400 users can choose from three speeds or select the turbo speed control for maximum airflow. No need to turn off the purifier at bed time. Light sleepers can let the purifier run through the night. When selected, the sleep mode feature will turn off the display lights, dim the power and switch to the ultra-quiet low speed.

Visit 7 Ways to Minimize Allergies this Spring

for more ideas on overcoming seasonal allergens.

Also visit Top 3 Allergen and Odor Reducing Air Cleaning Systems to find the right unit for your space.

ENTER TO WIN a PureGuardian® Large Room Hi-Performance Tower Console Air Purifier (AC9400) from Guardian Technologies! The AC9400W contains a unique 360 degree HEPA filter that relieves allergies by capturing 99.97% of dust and allergens as small as .3 microns in size. It’s large activated carbon filter attacks common household odors including those caused by smoke, cooking and pets. AND, it works to reduce the many VOC’s that are emitted by common household products and cleaning . The large room purifier includes an Air Quality Monitor that detects the amount of particles in the air and automatically adjusts the speed to optimize room air quality when in auto mode. An ionizer option is built into the unit and can be turned on to boost allergen control. The ionizer emits negative ions that attract microscopic allergens to form larger particles that can be easily trapped by the HEPA filter.

Specification and additional features: The purifier stands about 27 inches tall, has a timer up to 12 hours and a touch display with child lock. It provides powerful air cleaning and is ideal to use in rooms up to 402 sq. feet.

ENTER TO WIN!

One Lucky Winner Will Receive a

PureGuardian® Large Room Hi-Performance Tower Console Air Purifier (AC9400) (APV $429.99)

The giveaway is open US Only, 18+

The giveaway ends 4/19 at 1159 pm est

Be sure to come back daily for more chances to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mommy’s Playbook Giveaway Rules: This giveaway is Sponsored by Guardian Technologies and hosted by Mommy’s Playbook. Victoria and/or Mommy’s Playbook, Participating bloggers, are not responsible for prize fulfillment. By entering this giveaway you are giving the giveaway host and/or event sponsor permission to retain your email address for future communication, you may choose to opt-out of such communications at any time. This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by any social media outlet including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Please contact Victoria (at) MommysPlaybook.com regarding any questions you have pertaining to this giveaway.

Healthy Living

Salonpas of the Best Pain Relievers for Back Pain

March 27, 2019March 27, 2019 Erin Sluka

What do you turn to when you are sore or have the aches? You probably are reaching for the oral systemic pain relievers that over time can cause major side effects to certain organs of you body. From GI issues to liver damage, OTC oral pain relievers need to be kept at a minimum to prevent these damages to your body. I always keep Salonpas® on hand because they work so well as topical pain relievers that do not need to be consumed or processed through any major organs. You can simply, spray, rub on or patch the painful area and let the topical analgesic do its job at the spot.

The popular Salonpas® -HOT is now packaged in a more convenient 3-pack. Salonpas® HOT releases capsaicin, a natural, odor free pain reliever, for long lasting pain relief up to eight hours. Capsaicin, the compound found in chili, cayenne, and jalapeno peppers, is used topically by many medical professionals to help relieve minor pain associated with arthritis or muscle sprains and strains.

When you purchase the 3-pack, keep in mind that they are the same large size for your back but are folded to make packaging a reasonable size. Just take a patch, unfold a peel to tick to your sore spot. Use Salonpas as one of the best pain relievers for back pain.

You can find the new Salonpas®-HOT 3 -packs at retailers nationwide.

Comment: I was sent product for feature. Opinions are my own