Category Archives: ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Tips from fixing the room to finding health remedies in the kitchen.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

How To Protect Your Windows From Flying Debris In A Storm

How To Protect Your Windows From Flying Debris In A Storm

Windows are a crucial part of any home, providing natural light and ventilation. But during a storm, they can also be a significant source or almost magnet for flying debris that can cause damage to your property or even injure someone.

When a storm comes, it’s imperative to have the best protection on all the glass-plugged openings of your home, whether it’s having impressive Impact-resistant windows or trying another resource to prevent glass from shattering if it happens to get hit during the storm.

The following article will discuss some tips on how to protect your windows from flying debris in a storm.

Photo by Josh Sorenson

1) Hurricane Shutters vs. Impact Windows

Which is the better investment?

If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or other severe storms, then you may be wondering whether hurricane shutters vs impact windows are the better investment. There are pros and cons to both options, so it really depends on your specific needs and budget.

Hurricane shutters can provide excellent protection for your windows during a storm. They are typically made of metal or plywood and can be installed quickly and easily. However, they do require some maintenance and storage space, and they can be expensive.

Impact windows are a newer option that is becoming increasingly popular. These windows are designed to withstand flying debris and high winds, making them ideal for protecting your home during a storm. Impact windows are also energy-efficient and can help reduce noise levels. However, they are more expensive than hurricane shutters and may require professional installation.

Which option is right for you?

It depends on your budget and your specific needs. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, then impact windows may be the better investment. However, if you are on a tight budget, then hurricane shutters may be a more affordable option.

No matter which option you choose, protecting your windows from flying debris is essential. By taking the time to prepare your home before a storm, you can help keep your family safe and reduce the risk of damage to your property.

Read: HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSE FOR WINTER IN JUST 8 STEPS

2) Cover Your Windows With Plywood

Covering your windows with plywood is the next best option if you don’t have hurricane shutters or impact windows. Plywood is strong and can withstand high winds and flying debris. It’s also relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

To cover your windows with plywood, start by measuring the width and height of each window. Cut the plywood to size and then drill holes along the edges. Finally, attach the plywood to the window frame using screws or nails. Be sure to use enough screws or nails so that the plywood is securely attached.

Once all of your windows are covered, tape any seams or gaps with duct tape to further secure the plywood. And that’s it! By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your windows from flying debris during a storm.

3) Apply Window Film

Another option for protecting your windows is to apply a film to the glass. Window film is a clear adhesive film that can be applied to both residential and commercial windows. It’s designed to hold the glass together in the event of breakage, making it an ideal solution for protecting your windows during a storm.

Window film is available in a variety of thicknesses, so you can choose the level of protection that you need. Thicker films offer more protection, but they are also more expensive.

In conclusion, there are a few different options for protecting your windows from flying debris during a storm. Hurricane shutters, impact windows, plywood, and window film are all effective solutions. The best option for you will depend on your budget and your specific needs. By preparing your home before a storm, you can help keep your family safe and reduce the risk of damage to your property.

​Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

What’s The Best Herbal Remedy For Anxiety?

What’s The Best Herbal Remedy For Anxiety?

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Looking for an easy way to treat anxiety, but don’t want to rely solely on medication? Certain herbal remedies may be just as effective as helping you overcome anxiety. Below are just a few herbal remedies worth trying.

Chamomile

Most people are familiar with chamomile tea. This is a tea made from dried chamomile flowers. On top of having a fragrant refreshing taste, chamomile tea is renowned for its soothing properties. If you suffer from anxiety, a cup of chamomile tea could be just what you need to calm your nerves. Chamomile tea can also help to improve sleep quality – a cup before bed could be worth trying if you struggle with insomnia. 

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a herb from the mint family. Like chamomile, it has relaxing qualities. Many people experience increased calmness, memory and alertness under stress when taking lemon balm. Like chamomile, lemon balm is also commonly consumed as a tea, however, there are many other ways to consume it. In fact, lemon balm can be incorporated as a herb into many forms of cooking helping to provide a lemony flavour to everything from salads to curries. 

Valerian

The root of the valerian plant is a popular herb used to reduce anxiety. Evidence shows that it has been consumed since the 2nd century AD. Valerian root tea is the most common way to consume this herb, although there are many other valerian herbal products you can try including pill supplements and tinctures. Like many other herbs used to treat anxiety, valerian makes for a great sleep supplement – if you don’t want to get too tired, you should keep the dosage low. 

Lavender

Lavender is a potent stressbuster – the scent of lavender alone can help to reduce cortisol levels. Lighting lavender candles, burning lavender oils or using lavender spray around the home can help to make it a more relaxing environment. Consuming lavender orally can also help to reduce stress. The most common way to do this is to brew lavender tea or to take lavender pills. On top of relieving anxiety, lavender is very effective at helping people to sleep better.

CBD oil

CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant. However, unlike whole cannabis, this oil will not get you ‘high’ as it has little to no THC. Instead, CBD oil simply provides the health benefits of cannabis – which includes pain relief and of course anxiety relief. It’s worth shopping for this herbal remedy at an online CBD store where you’ll find it available in a variety of forms from tinctures to gummies. Decide what is the best method of consumption for you.

The HHC system uses CO2-enriched water to grow plants. Studies have shown that CO2 can help reduce anxiety and insomnia by slowing down your heart rate and blood pressure. CBD, the active compound in cannabis, is naturally found in higher levels in plants grown with CO2-enriched water. This makes CO2-grown plants a better source of CBD than plants grown with traditional methods. Many people who experience anxiety and insomnia find relief in CBD products. If you are looking for a natural and organic way to treat your anxiety and insomnia, then CO2-grown cannabis may be the way to go, and you can buy some from delta 8 online, a legal shop with many to choose from.

One of the newest discussions for legal, natural relief is from the THCa flower. Despite its name, the product is non-psychoactive and does not actually contain any THC until it has been heated, so none of these effects will be produced if it is ingested in a liquid form or something similar, but the option to heat it is there if you would like to try a stronger option. It’s been known to have wonderful anti-inflammatory effects on chronic pain and can help reduce anxiety, making the THCa Flower a good option to consider if you need to relax and calm your nerves.

Ashwagandha

This evergreen shrub is sometimes referred to as ‘Indian winter cherry’ or ‘Indian ginseng’. It is typically recommended to people with anxiety because of its proven ability to lower cortisol levels. You can consume ashwagandha in many forms including a powder or capsule (you can find these supplements at herbal pharmacies). Like many other herbal remedies listed above, ashwagandha is also an effective sleep supplement.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Getting Covid Antibody Testing

Getting Covid Antibody Testing

Covid is on the rise again as we move into warmer weather. Oddly enough, a spring flu is hitting many parts of the world, too. Home tests have become the easiest way of testing after being exposed, but how accurate are home tests?

Home Testing

Rapid testing is simple to do, but how accurate is the home test? Some studies show that home tests are 91% accurate, while others only claim 75%. Some scientists believe that you will only test positive on a home test when you are contagious even if you are symptomatic.

When I got strong symptoms a few weeks ago, I took a home test. I wasn’t mentally prepared for it to be the dreaded Covid. So, when the test was negative, I sighed with relief. The doctor said it could be the new flu going around, but just quarantine to be safe.

The Symptoms Of Covid

The symptoms were a mix of every symptom listed on everyone else’s covid list. Runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, body aches, headache, blurry vision, jitters and a bad smell up my nose. It sounds much like the flu, but felt slightly different.

It took about a week to feel better, and when I did, thank God, I was great! I continued to quarantine for another few days. When I emerged from hibernation, I wore a mask. It’s important to have compassion for others, even if it was the flu. All I know is that the sickness I had going on wasn’t a picnic and I wouldn’t want to share that with anyone else.

Concerns

Now, that I was feeling great, did I have to be concerned with my immune system being low and watch out for Covid, if this was, in fact, the flu? Was it covid and I now have covid antibodies? I researched the Covid Antibody test.

It had to be done at a lab. You don’t need a doctor’s script to get one, but if a doctor doesn’t prescribe it, you may be responsible for the payment.

Got The Script

I asked my doctor for the script and took it to the lab. I was able to walk in without an appointment since I was no longer contagious. It was a few easy questions followed by a simple blood draw.

Results

The results for Covid Antibodies only takes about a day or so to get the results. It won’t tell you how many antibodies are there or the level of immunity, but it will say that you have been vaccinated or had covid within the last 3-4 months. If you weren’t vaccinated recently, it’s easy to come to the logical conclusion.

Getting an antibody test isn’t difficult to do. So, when in doubt, and if your doctor agrees, get the test to give you peace of mind. The virus is still out there mutating and causing major illness, so remember to be safe, mask up, sanitize and vax if you want. Keep up with CDC guidelines and information. Not everyone has a stellar immune system, so it is about keeping yourself and others safe while this virus adapts into a common cold, eventually.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Allergy Season Got You Down

Allergy Season Got You Down

Seasonal allergies are the worst! Over 50 million Americans suffer from sneezing, headaches and watery eyes each year. Taking over-the-counter meds to combat the symptoms can be daunting. Some medications can leave you drowsy or groggy, while others don’t seem to work.

There are some natural ways to tackle seasonal allergies that might work or that can go well with taking allergy medicines.

Know You Triggers

Allergies can be triggered by certain environments or elements. Knowing what makes your body overreact and staying away from it can help ease your symptoms. For example, if trees are your kryptonite, then don’t go to the woods to have a picnic in the height of spring.

Clean The House

Keeping the house clean will help prevent allergy attacks. Opening a door or a window will allow pollen to enter each time. So, dusting and mopping will reduce the chances of that pollen getting onto your hands and into your respiratory system.

Gargle

Gargling with salt water can help disinfect and keep your throat clean of pollutants.

Use a 1/4 teaspoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of room temperature or warm water.

Gargle and spit.

Saline For Your Nose

Keeping your nose clean and moisturized with saline solution will keep irritants from sticking in the nostrils and getting into your system. Buying a premade mix is affordable and easy. However, if you want you can make your own saline.

Eat A Healthy Diet

Many food allergies or intolerances can cause other allergy sensitivities. Get tested for food allergies if you are suffering from seasonal allergies. There are certain foods that are known to help with allergies.

  • Citrus and foods that are high in Vitamin C and work well to boost the immune system.
  • Ginger is an anti-inflammatory that can help reduce many allergy symptoms.
  • Turmeric is another anti-inflammatory that can drastically reduce swelling as well as booth the immune system.
  • Bee Pollen and Honey has been known to relieve allergies. However, only if you aren’t allergic to bees.

Call The Doctor

If you are struggling with seasonal allergies and finding no relief, call your doctor. Swollen canals can lead to infection. Having a doctor in the loop can keep you healthy. If you feel confused, light-headed, tightness in the chest or having difficulty breathing, seek emergency help right away.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Small Tactics That Can Save You A Lot Of Energy.

Small Tactics That Can Save You A Lot Of Energy.

There is no reason not to want to save energy around the home when you think about it. After all, less energy usage means less of a strain on the environment and your wallet! The good news is that you don’t have to move to a custom-built, sustainable home to lower your energy usage. There are many small actions you can take that will all add up to a massive energy saving. Read on to find out what they are. 

Get smart with your TV

Not many people realize that most TVs’ brightness settings come up to the max when you first get them from the supplier. Of course, this means you can waste a great deal of energy without even realizing it. 

To that end, be sure that you access your TV’s menu and turn the brightness setting to a more appropriate level. Additionally, if your TV has a clever piece of tech known as an ambient light sensor – turn it on! This is because it can adjust the brightness of the screen according to how light or dark the room is, so you will always achieve the perfect level, and save energy at the same time! 

Replace less energy-efficient windows 

The next way you can save energy around the home is by switching out old, energy-inefficient windows for ones that are designed to reduce your energy consumption. 

The good news is that there are plenty of windows, including the ones on offer from renewal by Anderson on the market designed to do this. This is because they use SmartSunâ„¢ Low-E4® glass which helps keep the temperature stable inside your home, something that means you need to use less energy in heating or cooling it. 

Ditch your printer 

Home printers are notoriously unreliable, so many of us would jump at the chance to get rid! Of course, they use loads of energy and create plenty of paper waste as well, which is also bad for the environment. 

With that in mind, opt for the digital QR versions of aeroplane tickets, and information booklets, and you can save plenty of energy. 

Stop opening the oven door to check on your food 

While it is tempting to crack the oven door to take a peek at how your cake is baking, doing so wastes a great deal of energy. This is because as heat escapes the inner temperature of the oven drops, and additional power is required to raise it again. 

That is why it’s best to opt for an oven with a glass door that allows you to check the progress of your meal, without needing to open it. You can even get some suggestions on how to keep your oven door shiny and clean so you can clearly see what is going in inside, in the video below. 

Final thoughts 

Whether you choose to follow one, or all of the suggestions above, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you will be making your home more energy-efficient, and saving money on bills at the same time! 

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow-on Twitter or Instagram.