On this blog, we talk a lot about what an HSA is and how to use one, but there is a purpose for HSAs that we talk less about, and that is the health and wellness HSA-eligible products support. One of my good friends, Natalie, was kind enough to be willing to share her wisdom and experience with us on this very topic! Join us in learning about what you can do to shorten the length of your cold symptoms!

humidifier misting the air

Hello Friends! Hoolio here! We have a special treat today! On this blog, we talk a lot about what an HSA is and how to use one, but there is a purpose for HSAs that we talk less about, and that is the health and wellness HSA-eligible products support. One of my good friends, Natalie, was kind enough to be willing to share her wisdom and experience with us on this very topic!

Natalie is a mom with a passion for clean and quality products, and she has learned much as she raises her family! So without further chit-chat, let’s dive in and learn together!

Feeling a Cold Coming On? Try this…

By Natalie
Spring is finally here! Wahoo! (Don’t get me wrong—I love a good winter, but I’m ready for this welcome change.) Some of my family is already experiencing allergy issues. Funny how cold season is past, but we are continually dealing with congestion that can still lead to sore throats and coughing. I also have a son with a deviated septum (that’s when the inside of your nose is crooked), so he seems to always be getting sore throats and colds because his sinuses just don't drain well. So, winter or not, it’s helpful to know how to shorten these symptoms.

It can be summed up with one word: humidifier. I've learned through the years how important these are. To put it simply, having one is VITAL. If you’ll put a humidifier in the child’s (or adult’s) room at night as soon as you recognize cold/congestion/sore throat, then my experience is that you’ll cut the length of the cough at least in half, and possibly skip most of it. Very rarely has this not worked for us. (Maybe twice in 15 years.)

The reason a humidifier works so well is because it soothes dry air passages and softens the mucus so you can cough it up easier (I know—gross). I also believe this whole process leads to less overall mucus formation because you’re not aggravating your airways as much.

Remember these guidelines:

℘ While a cool mist humidifier penetrates deeper into the lungs, the water from them drops quickly to the ground, leaving a wet spot. I prefer a warm mist humidifier that fills the space.
℘ During colder months, be sure to line your windowsills and runners with towels to soak up the condensation from the cold glass.
℘ Close the door to the room so the steam builds up and stays in the room.
℘ Air out the room properly during the daytime. (You don’t want to encourage mold.)
℘ Distilled water is best. You can use tap water if you don’t have access to distilled water. However, in order to take care of the hard water deposits, you should soak the inside of the unit in vinegar before putting it away.
℘ Lastly, please remember: sugar feeds infection, lowers your white blood cell count, and acidifies your body. So while you’re sick, lay off the ice cream binging.

Disclaimer: my credentials don’t end with MD or NP. They are simply put as MOM. I’ve done research and study and learned many things the hard way. You should probably take the advice of your doctor over mine.

 

Thanks so much for reading! Feel free to check out our online store to see what you can find that could enrich your life: we have incredible humidifiers at the HSA Depot! There are a few options to choose from, depending on your needs. All of our humidifiers are currently cool mist humidifiers, which create smaller water droplets to get even deeper into the lungs of those little babies at home that can't speak for themselves. Come and shop with us for an easy experience using the funds in your Health Savings Account!

Have a great day, Friend!

Sincerely,
Hoolio

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