DIY Life

HowNow: How to Use a Neti Pot

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-09T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: health and wellness, health

Neti Pots are all the rage these days, especially with sicknesses spreading across the nation faster than we can say "H1N1." To be totally honest, I've never used a Neti Pot, although I've heard great things. Looks like we'll all be learning something new today!:

How To Use a Neti Pot on Howcast

Of course, if you suffer from chronic nose bleeds, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum, talk to a health care provider to make sure using a neti pot won't make your condition worse.

A few tips for using your Neti Pot?
-Extremely hot or cold water and iodized salt can cause irritation and discomfort, so be sure the water is lukewarm and salt-free.
-When exhaling through your nostrils after clearing your nasal passage, don't pinch your nostrils closed (even if blowing into a tissue!).

Neti pots have been used in India as part of ayurveda and yoga traditions for thousands of years. And this season, I think we'll all drink to that!

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Find Swine Flu (H1N1) Shots in Your Area

Diane Rixon — 2009-11-04T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: health

Photo: so.salem, Flickr

Neighborhood Walgreen's not offering the swine flu (H1N1) shot? Never fear. The much-discussed national vaccine shortage is a reality ... sort of. (The government says it's more of a logistical problem than an actual shortage at this stage.) But it doesn't necessarily rule you or your kids out of the running for a dose.

First, though, are you eligible? As of right now, the vaccine is on offer to folks considered high-risk for H1N1: pregnant women, those 6 months old through 24 years, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, and people 25 through 64 years old with certain illnesses.

Important Thing 1: People aged 65 and older are not included in the high-risk group unless they qualify via one of the other risk categories. Babies under 6 months of age are too young to receive the vaccine.

Important Thing 2: Children under nine years old must get a repeat dose four weeks after the first one.

Important Thing 3: The swine flu (H1N1) vaccine is considered safe. If in doubt, read more at WebMD or Consumer Reports.

Important Thing 4: The H1N1 vaccine is not the same thing as the regular seasonal flu vaccine. One does not provide immunity from the other.

So you've determined your eligibility? Okay, now it's time to go searching. Your best bet is the wonderful Flu.gov website. Here you'll find state-by-state clinic information as well as flu FAQs. Note that this government site links you to state websites, some of which are more helpful than others. (Texas: please go back to the drawing board.)

Still confused? Call your primary care physician's office. Chances are his/her staff have fielded so many flu-related calls by now you can get instant answers. Find out whether or not they can offer the vaccine in-house and, if not, where else you might go.

No luck? Call your local county health department next. Chances are, vaccines are being offered there right now for free to high-risk members of the population. Just find out the details before you go, as not all health departments are offering the shots all-day-every-day.

If you work for the government or a large private employer, call your benefits office. Find out if there'll be a workplace-wide drive to provide swine flu shots to eligible employees. The advantage: it might be free and it may save you a time-consuming trip to the health department or doctor's office.

The H1N1 shot should be easier to find as winter progresses. Who knows? In a few weeks supermarkets and drug stores may be offering it along with the seasonal flu vaccine.

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8 DIY Sore Throat Remedies

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-23T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: health and wellness, health

Photo: eHow

I've had a sore throat all week, so I set out to do a bit of research on some home remedies that may fit the bill. Luckily, I stumbled on this article from HowStuffWorks, as I consider it the wellness jackpot. There are many ways listed to combat a sore throat, but here are ten of my favorite:

1. Keep Your Nasal Passages Clear
According to HowStuffWorks, two of the most common causes of sore-throat pain are postnasal drip and a dry throat that results from sleeping with your mouth open when your nasal passages are blocked. Stop the flow with an over-the-counter decongestant and you'll wake up feeling ten times better.

2. Take it Easy
If your sore throat doesn't require the medical attention of a doctor, rest will help get you back on the road to recovery.

3. Gargle
I can't stomach gargling with salt water, so rasberry tea is a great alternative. (HowStuffWorks offers a great recipe for rasberry tea: to make, pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons dried leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Allow to cool.) If you have a fever as well, the gargle can be used as a fever-reducing drink, too. Bonus!

4. Drink Citrus
Mix 1 tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice in 1 cup of warm water and sip throughout the day.

5. Take an Analgesic
Plain old aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is a wonderful (and surprising!) remedy for a sore throat. Be sure to take with a full glass of water to avoid a sore throat and stomach ache.

6. Eat a Popsicle or Juice Bar
Not only is a popsicle soothing on the throat, but it will provide the fluid necessary to get you back on your feet.

7. Enjoy Hot Drinks
Coating the tissue in your throat with warm or hot liquids provide a benefit similar to applying hot packs to infected skin.

8. Consume Hard Candy
Some doctors admit that sugar can help soothe a sore throat and the ticklish cough that may come with it. If nothing else, sucking on hard candy will help keep your throat moist, which will make you feel more comfortable.

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Daily DIY: Instant Burn Relief... From Your Pantry

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-23T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, health

Photo: Good Ketchup

Tis the season to be jolly... and cook like a maniac. I find myself spending more and more kitchen as the weather drops a few more degrees, and although I don't necessarily enjoy cooking, I do love the smell of homemade dinner on the oven! What I don't love is the amount of finger burns I've accumulated from my hot cookie sheets, scalding tea kettles and fireside marshmallows. No worries; in my adventures, I've learned a secret tip to keeping those digits pain-free after a burn! Hint: It's in your pantry!

Curious? I'll give you another hint: You put it on a hot dog and it rhymes with custard. Yep --- mustard! But not just any mustard will do the trick; you want to rub spicy mustard on the burn directly. Works like a charm, and I have a funny feeling it heals the wound just as fast as the leading drugstore brand.

First aid from the condiment aisle? Sure!

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8 DIY Home Remedies for Flu

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-14T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, kids, seasonal, health and wellness, health

One herb a day keeps the flu at bay... Photo: Amy Mac

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. And, as it turns out, we're not faring well indoors, either. With an increasingly contagious flu on the loose, we need take important measure to keep our families healthy. Of course, in my home, flu has already taken over our lives and we're currently nursing four runny noses with eighteen tissue boxes. Because we don't like to pop pills every four hours, I thought it may be nice to research a few household remedies for our autumn aches. Want to join along? I've got eight surefire ways to beat the flu -- one herb at a time.*

1. Take Vitamin C to boost immune system and increase the number of white blood cells. However, be sure to get your Vitamin C straight from the source, rather than vitamins. Because the flu reduces your appetite, you're at risk for burning your stomach lining with a vitamin. (I actually burnt my stomach lining this weekend, and trust me, it's not an enjoyable sensation!).
2. Take Zinc lozenges to boost the immune system as soon as your symptoms develop.
3. Take garlic capsules to decrease the growth of the virus.
4. Make a homemade tea with the following ingredients:

* 1 tsp. bayberry bark
* 1 tsp. grated ginger root
* ½ tsp. cayenne powder
* 1 cup of boiling water

Let sit for 20 minutes, then enjoy.

5. If you experience a cough, throat and chest pain, dry mouth/lips and are thirsty, try Bryonia Alba.
6. Try Gelsemium if you have symptoms of chills, aches and/or fevers.
7. Nux Vomica is often used when a simple cold has develop into influenza.
8. Cat's Claw has been known to shorten the duration of the flu.

In addition, drink plenty of water, orange juice and hot tea. Avoid milk and dairy products, as they speed mucus production. And lastly, get plenty of rest! You'll be back to your healthy self in no time.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Of course, it's always best to consult a doctor if you're feeling any of the above symptoms. Call your physician prior to self-medicating with herbs, as they could interact with your current medication.

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Homemade Hand Sanitizer to Fight the Flu

Diane Rixon — 2009-09-30T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: health

Say "no!" to the flu virus. Photo: Lee Carson, Flickr

It's flu season. In addition to the usual viruses swirling about, this year we have to contend with the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus, too. Are you using hand sanitizer and regular hand washing to keep viruses at bay? Hand hygiene is a key way to avoid getting sick from the flu - and from the common cold, for that matter.

Making your own hand sanitizer is really easy. Want to give it a try? Well ... then first let me clarify the part about it being really easy!

Okay, on the one hand homemade hand sanitizer is easy to make, requiring just two or three ingredients: an alcohol, a gel to achieve that goopy consistency, and an optional fragrance (usually an essential oil or fragrance oil).

On the other hand, the resulting concoction must consist of 60-95% alcohol to effectively kill viruses. That warning is the official word of the FDA, which recommends either ethanol or isopropyl-based mixes.

If the alcohol content is lower than 60%, you'll have made yourself a nice hand cleanser, not a sanitizer. For example, this alcohol-free recipe posted at Pepper Paints includes witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, grapeseed oil and tee tree oil. Mmm. Sounds deliciously fragrant and refreshing. It won't kill germs though.

So, let's look at the alcohol-based options for DIY sanitizer:

A good basic formulation is this one from About's Frugal Living. Things to like: it contains easy-to-obtain aloe vera gel and isopropyl alcohol. Also, it suggests a high alcohol-content isopropyl, which means the finished product is going to sanitize skin effectively.

This Life Hacker recipe sticks with the aloe gel, too. On the other hand, it opts for grain alcohol and I'll admit I'm still unclear on how grain alcohol stacks up against ethanol and isopropyl alcohols in terms of germ destruction powers. Same goes for vodka-based sanitizer.

Bottom line: do your calculations first. Any alcohol works, just so long as your finished solution contains at least 60% alcohol.

This Wiki How post uses aloe vera gel, but mixes in a little vegetable glycerin as well, along with tea tree oil to make it smell lovely.

As for other ideas ... hair gel sanitizer? Yes, according to an eHow post. Mmm, sanitize your hands while you fix your hair, perhaps? But wouldn't it leave your hands feeling sticky?

Meanwhile, another eHow recipe suggests going green, adding organic aloe vera gel to the mixture. This one recommends grain alcohol, too, which I guess is certainly a less processed product than ethanol or isopropyl.

Don't forget you can go with any fragrance you like for DIY sanitizer. It doesn't have to include tea tree oil! For example, this one calls for cinnamon fragrance oil. Yum.

Finally, to really guard against diseases it's important to use hand sanitizer properly: rub it into the skin as if you were washing your hands with soap and water. This gets the product into every crevice of the skin and around the fingernails, while the rubbing action helps destroy germs, too.

Have a healthy day!

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DIY Detective: PAO Labels and Expiration Dates

Erin Loechner — 2009-09-10T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: bathroom, recalls and safety, health

This mouthwash expires after twelve months. Check your own labels ASAP! Photo: Wikipedia

So, you know you're supposed to pitch that mascara after three months, but what about your body souffle that's been hiding in the back of your cabinet for... oh, a few years. Check the label. Many products have a PAO label, which stands for "period after opening." You can spot the PAO by looking for a number followed by the letter "M", which stands for months (i.e. 36M).

Cool, right? Now if you can only remember when you purchased that souffle in the first place...

Actually, we have a solution for that, too! Simply place a sticker dot with the date of any beauty supply product you've purchased. Keep a few sticker dots in your bathroom to remind you, and you'll never forget another expiration date again.

Try the same trick in your kitchen to combat your son's yogurt-turned-scientific-experiment! Your entire family will consider you a genius, and the food poisoning hotline will happily agree.

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Top 5 Quick & Healthy DIY Breakfasts

Erin Loechner — 2009-08-21T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, health

I've had an extra busy week this week, and my energy just isn't cooperating. By mid-day yesterday, I was ready to throw a pillow on my laptop and call it a day. It didn't take long to realize I hadn't been eating the right foods for breakfast (egg souffle, anyone?), and I vowed to eat healthier next week.

But how can you focus on health when you're strapped for time? Doesn't healthy food take eons to prepare? Not necessarily. Here are my top five favorite health foods that are quick, convenient, and most of all --- delicious:

1. Banana Oat Bran Muffins
You can find the health-conscious recipe right here, and I'd suggest making a batch on Sunday to last you through the week. They stay super fresh in the refrigerator, and are the perfect snack to grab-and-go on your way out the door.
For a complete breakfast... Add a banana, fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and a bottle of water to go.
2. Protein Shake
Blend fresh fruit, low-fat milk and a bit of oatmeal (sounds weird, but is delightful!) before you go to bed and you'll have a great energy-boosting drink for your commute. This is one of my favorites.
For a complete breakfast... Grab some Kashi Go Lean dry cereal.

3. Grapefruit & Toast
You can't beat the age-old duo. Try almond or sunflower seed on your butter for extra protein, and sprinkle a bit of sugar on the grapefruit if you don't care for the sour taste.
For a complete breakfast... Add a glass of water.

4. Yogurt Parfait
Whip up a yummy parfait with fresh strawberries, blueberries, low-fat vanilla yogurt and some Kashi cereal or Grape Nuts. It's quick and delicious!
For a complete breakfast... Add a glass of water and a few almonds for extra protein.

5. Egg White Omelette
Omelettes are much easier to make than you'd think. I love this recipe, which is low cholesterol and high in protein.
For a complete breakfast... Add a slice of whole wheat toast, fresh-squeezed orange juice and water.

With these five easy recipes, you'll be trim and timely all week long!

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DIY Spa: 5 Alternate Uses for Oatmeal

Chris Jordan — 2009-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, health

We all have eaten oatmeal for breakfast at some point in our lives. It is inexpensive, easy to make, and if we believe the health claims, it is exceptionally good for us. Helping to lower cholesterol, fighting diabetes, and reducing the risk from certain cancers, to name a few of its benefits.

But did you know that oatmeal can do more than just make a tasty breakfast?

1) Chicken pox, poison ivy, dry itchy skin? Have an oatmeal bath. Grind a cup or so of plain oatmeal in your food processor. Put it into an old stocking or cheesecloth and tie the open end so it form a pouch. You can hang the pouch over the water faucet so that the warm water runs through the pouch as the tub fills, or you can use the pouch the way you would a washcloth and apply to the affected areas.

2) Make an oatmeal paste. Cook the oatmeal a little thicker than you would for normal eating. Allow it to cool slightly, so that it is warm and will not burn you. Apply the paste with a spatula to the areas of the skin that have poison ivy, shingles, or other type of itchy rash. If possible, wrap the area with some type of plastic wrap. This is not necessary, but will prevent the oatmeal from flaking off as it dries. As the oatmeal dries, it absorbs the oils that make the poison itch and spread.

3) Make a facial mask. 1/2 cup hot, not boiling water mixed with 1/3 cup of oatmeal. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then add 1 egg white. Mix well. Apply to your face. Leave on for about 15 minutes. Then rinse with cool water and pat dry. Your skin will look rejuvenated and refreshed.

4) Make a dry shampoo. No time for the shower? Grind 1 cup of plain oatmeal and mix well with 1 cup baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture sparingly on the roots of your hair. Give it a few minutes to absorb the excess oil, then brush out. You want to go easy on this lest you end up looking like you are wearing a powdered wig.

5) Dieting? Oatmeal can help you control your weight. Replace your regular flour with oatmeal flour. It has less calories and more soluble fiber making you feel fuller longer so you will be less tempted to reach for that second, or third, muffin.

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DIY Skin Care: Timely Tips to Ban Those Rays

Kelly Laffey — 2009-07-28T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: health and wellness, health

*tlc, Flickr

It's summertime, the rain has finally stopped pounding the Northeast, and the sun is shining! Everyone's favorite summer activities involve being outdoors. Yet whether you prefer partaking in high-intensity water sports or a more leisurely walk around the block, you will expose yourself to the sun's harmful rays. And while you may be willing to endure a small sunburn because you know that it will turn into that prized tan, be aware of the more negative effects the sun can have on your skin.

Sunburn occurs when skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. People are primarily exposed to UV radiation from the sun but it can also be found in man-made sources such as tanning beds. It's important to avoid sunburns all together. You may be regretting that perfect tan if your skin starts to prematurely wrinkle!

More importantly, prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase your chance for developing skin cancer. According to the The American Cancer Society, over one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. They've put together a Sun Safety 101 information site as well as tips for protecting yourself from UV rays. While it's impossible and unrealistic to completely limit your sun exposure, there are a few basic tips you can follow to curtail the damaging effects.Cover Up! Wear as much clothing as possible when outside. Be aware that your skin can still get burnt through clothing. Dark colored and tightly woven clothing is best. As a general rule-of-thumb, if you can see light through the fabric, UV rays can penetrate it. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat will protect your head, face, neck, and ears. Also, be sure to invest in a pair of sunglasses that block UVA and UVB radiation to protect your eyes.

Use Sunscreen! SPF measures of sun protection. The larger the SPF, the more the protection. However, note that SPF is not related to the amount of time you can spend in the sun before you will get burnt. The SPF scale is also not linear. An SPF of 45 does not provide three times the protection as an SPF of 15. In general, sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher are ideal but no sunscreen provides 100% protection. You should reapply at lease once every two hours and more frequently if you're swimming or sweating.

Limit Mid-Day Sun Exposure! Solar intensity is highest in the afternoon and therefore it takes less time to be exposed to a great amount of solar energy. Solar intensity also increases at lower latitudes and on clear days. Clouds absorb solar energy, but you can still be exposed to the sun on a cloudy day.

Unfortunately, sunburns do happen. While time is the only 'cure' for sunburn, there are a few home treatments for soothing the symptoms.

Use Aloe. It can soothe the pain and calm the burn. I keep mine in the fridge and the cool liquid feels great on the burn! It's like I'm giving my skin a huge drink of water.

Be aware that sun-burned people are prone to headaches and fevers. Try to lie in a cool, quiet area to help the headache.

Drink a lot of fluids Sunburned people tend to get very dehydrated

Use an anti-inflammatory (such as ibuprofen) for the burn's redness and pain.

Avoid more sun exposure. It's best to cover up with clothing because applying sunscreen may irritate the burn.

Do not break blisters. They are a part of the healing process. However, be on the lookout for signs of skin infection while the blister is healing.

If you feel that the symptoms are more severe or more frequent, seek medical attention.

Don't let fear of sun exposure keep you inside! Cover-up as much as possible and enjoy your summer days.

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14 Tips for Staying Cool Without AC

Kelly Laffey — 2009-07-24T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: health and wellness, health

Leo Reynolds, Flickr

You don't have to suffer in a home without air conditioning any longer! Even if you have central air, turning it off is great for the environment -- and your energy bill. It is possible to be comfortable in summer's soaring temperatures. Below are a few quick and easy tips on how to be cool.

1) Most importantly, think water. Water in any medium, for example a drink or shower, will bring immediate relief from the heat. (Read on for more water tips.)

2) Remember to stay hydrated. Drinking water is best because it replenishes fluids lost to perspiration. Try drinking beverages high in electrolytes too. They'll help to make sure that you don't lose vital minerals through sweating.3) Sweat! I know it's kind of gross and smelly, but sweating helps to cool your body. Heat is released and evaporated into the air.

Try wetting wrists and other pulse points with cold water. This will help to cool off the entire body.

4) Get in the water. Don't have a pool? Jump in a friend's. Or, invest in a plastic wading pool and place it under a tree. Grab some sunglasses, suntan lotion, and a great book and you're in business! Check out the U.S. National Park Service's website for a list of National Parks in your area. Many of them have beaches and lakes and they're generally very cheap (about $5 per car).

5) Take a cold shower. Consider decreasing the temperature of the water as you get used to it. If you repeat this until you are sufficiently cool, your body will remain cool for a while after you get out. For people who fear wasting water, plug the drain and recycle the collected water -- wash your dog, water the plants, or clean your car.

6) Hold a cold object to your neck. Even a soda can will work! This helps to cool the blood that is traveling to your brain.

As a great alternative to AC, fill a glass with ice. Hold the glass close to your face and gently blow on it. The air will cool drastically when it reaches the ice cubes, leave the glass, and hit your face. You can try this method on a larger scale too. Try filling one (or multiple) large bottles with ice and place them in front of a fan. In the same way, the air from the fan will cool when it hits the ice bottles. Be sure to put them in a bucket to catch the water as they melt.

7) Eat spicy food. Who'd have thought that hot food can cool you off? But, the food increases your perspiration which cools the body as it evaporates.

8) Dress for the heat. Be sure to wear loose clothing made from natural fabrics (such as cotton, silk, and linen). A lot of the body's heat escapes through the feet, palms, and scalp so by keeping these areas cool (take your hat and shoes off while inside), you'll keep your whole body cool. Lighter colored clothing helps to reflect sunlight and heat.

9) Use mint-flavored lotion or body scrub. It refreshes the skin and gives you a nice cooling sensation.

10) Avoid direct sunlight and try to avoid going outdoors at midday.

If you choose to spend the hotter parts of the day inside, know that warmer air is less dense than cooler air so higher floors of the house get increasingly hotter. The best place to be is in the basement.

11) Keep the air flowing. If you have ceiling or box fans, keep them on. Open the windows in the evening to create a nice cross breeze that circulates the outside air with the inside air. Think about whether or not you want to open the windows during the day. If you shut them early in the morning and pull the shades, you may be able to keep the cool night air inside the house. At the very least, you'll help to block out the relentless midday sun.

12) Turn off electrical heat sources. Stoves, ovens, lamps, and computers can all be sources of heat. Definitely avoid cooking on a hot day. For more ideas on how to avoid heat build-up, check out the U.S. Department of Energy.

13) Remember to think cool. It won't physically make you cooler, but concentrating on polar bears and Alaska may make the heat less overbearing. You can also try taking a vacation or making time for a staycation. Having fun with friends and family may help to keep your mind off of the heat. Check out DIYLife's ideas for a fantastic staycation.

14) Indulge in a frozen treat. Who knew that beating the heat could be so delicious? For quick and easy popsicles, pour your favorite drink into a paper cup and insert a popsicle stick. Place the drinks into the freezer until frozen. Then, rip away the cups and enjoy!

For more great at-home tips, check out WikiHow. But, sometimes you just really need air conditioning. (Trust me, I've lived in North Carolina!) Turn unbearably hot days into shopping trips to the local mall. Most large stores are all air-conditioned and there's nothing wrong with indulging in some free AC now and then. If you need to work from home, why not bring your computer to an air-conditined coffee shop with free wi-fi? Lastly, if you'd like to have AC in your home and are on a tight budget, check out these tips for paying for it.

No air conditioning? No problem. Stay cool, readers!

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(Don't) Scratch That: Banish and Baby Those Mosquito Bites

Kelly Laffey — 2009-07-17T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: health

It's summertime and many of us have gotten slaphappy ... literally. Lovely July evenings are all too often interrupted by the ominous buzz of the mosquito, forcing us to spend the night swatting and scratching.

Mosquitoes don't actually bite; they draw out a small amount of blood. 'Bites' itch because our immune system releases histamine, which irritates our nerve endings, in order to combat the foreign substances that subsequently enter our body. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to prevent mosquito bites and even more remedies for soothing the resulting irritations.

Wouldn't it be great if we didn't get bug bites at all? Surprisingly, there are many quick and easy ways to prevent being bitten. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has an extensive list on how to best ward off pesky insects and on how to treat bites.

Follow the below guidelines and you'll be well on your way to enjoying a bug-free barbecue!

1. Apply insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. DEET is very effective in repelling insects but does not kill them. Although there has been some speculation as to the potential health risks of DEET, the The Environmental Protection Agency (which regulates insect repellents) has determined that DEET does not present a health concern when used properly.

2. Limit your outdoor exposure dusk to dawn -- peak mosquito time. Also try to avoid heavily wooded areas. Be aware that mosquitoes breed in standing water, and this includes flower pots and outdoor pet dishes. For a more complete forecast on mosquito activity in your area, check out Weather.com's Mosquito Activity Forecast.

3. Cover yourself as much as possible but be aware that mosquitoes can still bite through flimsy clothing. Wearing light-colored clothing can also deter mosquitoes but bees are attracted to bright-colored clothing.

4. Avoid wearing perfumes or using scented bath products.

5. Light citronella candles to help de-bug outdoor parties.

If you're 'sweet-skinned' like me and inevitably get bitten, there are a number of ways soothe your skin. While most mosquito bites are merely an annoyance, be on the lookout for symptoms of a serious reaction including a rash, swelling, and wheezing or difficulty breathing. If you suspect a health problem, seek medical attention immediately.

Otherwise, the below tips should help to alleviate itching.

1. Put a cool compress or ice pack on the bitten area.

2. Take an oral antihistamine. Be advised, however, that oral antihistamines can have some, albeit minor, side-effects such as drowsiness.

3. Use an anti-itching cream like calamine lotion (the same lotion used to soothe the effects of poison ivy and chicken pox).

4. Try a home remedy (after all, we are a DIY site!). A number of home remedies for treating mosquito bites also exist. If you have a lot of sores, you can try bathing in colloidal oatmeal. You can also try making a paste out of baking soda and water or rubbing a slightly wet bar of ivory soap over the area. For more DIY remedies, check out TipNut's list of 40 mosquito bite itch relief ideas.

5. Most importantly, avoid scratching the area! We know this is so much easier said than done, but scratching only causes more histamine to be released and thus increases the itching. Scratching the area can also lead to an infection if you break the skin.

Enjoy your outdoor summer activities, but if you feel like you're being 'eaten alive,' there's no harm in heading indoors for the latter part of the evenings!

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Homemade Frozen Treats To Help You Chill

DIY Life Staff — 2009-06-30T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, seasonal, health

By Anna Sattler

The ever-frugal Linsey Knerl wanted to help her family stay cool this summer, so she went on a hunt for homemade frozen treat recipes that could help her to save a little money, and keep her kids from consuming too much sugar.

You can make your own frozen fruit juice bars and homemade ice cream bars. Save yourself some calories this summer: try making your own homemade pudding pops.

I must admit, my favorite of the treats that Linsey shared is the banana dipped in melted chocolate...yum! What is your favorite frozen treat?

[via: Lifehacker]

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BBQ Green This July Fourth

DIY Life Staff — 2009-06-26T21:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, seasonal, staying green, entertaining, cleaning, health

By Debra McDuffee

Green? I bet you thought red, white, and blue would be the appropriate colors for an Independence Day BBQ, not green.

Think again. Clearly, most people are interested in doing even little things to help keep their families healthy and preserve the environment in this age of toxins and pollution. Here are some things you can do to help while throwing a bang-up July Fourth party:

Skip the plastic plates and cups. Go for anything recyclable or reusable, even bamboo.
Natural gas grills pollute the air less than charcoal grills.
Don't shoot off polluting fireworks at home. If you'd like to enjoy the big boomers, find a town celebration nearby.
Serve up local, organic food, which causes less transportation pollution to the environment -- and your food will be super-fresh.
Throw a potluck party to share resources.

You'll find more details on how to have a greener Independence Day in Greenzer's article. So fire up that barbie with a clear conscience!

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Get Rid of Fruit Flies

DIY Life Staff — 2009-06-23T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: household hacks, in the kitchen, health

By Ilona Peltz

That decorative bowl of fruit on the end of the table has suddenly become a haven to a horde of ravenous fruit flies. You get rid of the over-ripe fruit that attracted them, you clean down the area, but you still have the little wretches. You can swat them, but wouldn't it be fun to trap them?

The people at Chow.com have a great tip for making a fruit fly trap, which involves a small dish of wine, a sploosh of water, and a drop of soap, stirred up with a finger. It would take about 10 seconds to put together.

One of the commenters suggests putting plastic wrap over the surface of the bowl, and making pin pricks in it -- apparently the flies can get in the holes, but are too stupid to get out again.

In fact, once you've watched the video, read the comments. There are a few more very creative fruit fly trap ideas there, too!

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Don't-it-yourself: man blows up apartment in bug spraying mishap

Diane Rixon — 2008-07-23T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: recalls and safety, Don't-it-yourself, health

Here's a noteworthy story I just spotted on the Reuters website, titled "Man blows up apartment spraying for bugs?" The New York Daily News originally reported the story about a New Jersey man who, while spraying insects in his apartment, somehow let the contents of the spray can ignite. (Spraying near a lit gas burner, perhaps?)

The mishap caused an immense blast that blew the windows out of the unfortunate man's kitchen. The explosion then started a fire that destroyed eighty percent of his apartment. The man, Isias Videl Maceda, was unhurt.

I guess the question mark in the title of the article indicates the incident is still under investigation, but I think it's fairly safe to say that whatever this gentleman was doing, he was doing it all wrong! The episode is a good reminder for all of us that chemicals -- especially those contained in aerosol cans -- must be kept away from heat sources.

[via Reuters.]

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Get rid of fruit flies

Ilona Peltz — 2008-07-21T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: household hacks, in the kitchen, health

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Homemade frozen treats help you chill

Anna Sattler — 2008-07-17T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, seasonal, health

For the last couple of days, the weather has been humid, without much wind to cool it off. It was hot enough outside that I had to split the lawn mowing into two days. I will not complain, though, as I will take the heat, sans humidity, any day of the year.

Unfortunately, it gets pretty hot in my house too, as we don't have much shade or air conditioning. It wasn't enough that I had cold water to drink: I needed something more to help cool down my body temperature. I wasn't prepared, but next time, you can bet I will be with these 6 simple frozen treats I can concoct myself.

The ever-frugal Linsey Knerl wanted to help her family stay cool this summer, so she went on a hunt for homemade frozen treat recipes that could help her to save a little money, and keep her kids from consuming too much sugar.

You can make your own frozen fruit juice bars and homemade ice cream bars. Save yourself some calories this summer: try making your own homemade pudding pops.

I must admit, my favorite of the treats that Linsey shared is the banana dipped in melted chocolate...yum! What is your favorite frozen treat?

[via: Lifehacker]

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Aloe vera for healthy skin

Ilona Peltz — 2008-07-08T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: in the kitchen, health

I'd taken the kids to their grandparents' some years back, and my eldest managed to brush her hand against a hot element on the stove. It was a mild burn, but painful!

While I was racing for an ice cube, Grandma simply reached for the plant in the window over the stove, snipped off a bit of its pointy leaf, gave it a squeeze so that some clear goop oozed out, and then rubbed the damp innards and goop of the leaf onto my daughter's hand. Grandma repeated this a few times that day. It seemed to do the trick.

"It" was an aloe vera plant, of course. Not only did Grandma use it for burns, but for mosquito bites, bee stings, and just about any other surface skin pain. I always wondered if this was just psychosomatic: My kids all believed 100% in the healing properties of Grandma's "magic plant", but a little research shows that it really does do all that stuff! (It's also pretty effective as a laxative. Who knew?)

It turns out they're not hard to grow, either. It's best to get yourself a large one. Not only are the larger ones more potent in their healing properties, but the plant grows slowly. Don't hesitate to nip off a section of leaf as needed, though: even as it heals your skin, the plant heals quickly, too!

If you'd like to grow your own aloe vera plant, Tipnut provides some sound basic information.

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Make an "Alvin" vacuum sealer

Kelly Smith — 2008-07-08T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, organization and storage, health

We've all seen those vacuum sealers on the infomercials. Sure, they might be handy, but at those prices you might as well just buy the minimum amount of food and not worry about food storage. But thanks to the DIY imagination of Eric Foreman, you can make your own vacuum sealer for about $30!

The parts list is pretty simple:

A brake bleeder / vacuum pump
A Tila FoodSaver Mason Jar adapter
MasonJars with lids

Obviously this won't allow you to leave out spoilable foods, but it's a great way to keep other things fresh. Use it to store things like tea, your expensive coffee beans, pasta, and bulk spices. And if the survivalists are right, this will turn out to be a very handy contraption to have!

[Via instructables.com]

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