The Bed Condom

I sleep with my dog and two cats. (Don’t tell my allergist/asthma doctor or he will kill me since I am extremely allergic to both).

My top blanket or comforter would always get covered in pet hair very quickly.  I have used my vacuum cleaner to just vacuum the top cover. I also have an attachment that’s used for cleaning couches, curtains, blankets, etc. However the system I like best and use the most is what I call “the bed condom.”

Basically, I went to a store called Savers (similar to Goodwill) and bought a bunch of single flat sheets. Yes, buying used clothes and bedding is gross but for $1.99 per flat sheet, you can’t go wrong. Once I get home I wash them 3 times with plenty of bleach and soap until I’m convinced I won’t get herpes, AIDS and dengue fever.

I put a fresh flat sheet as the top sheet as the top of my bed layers and switch it out to a new flat sheet several times a week. I also put several pillow cases on each pillow so as they collect pet hair I just pull one off and a fresh one is underneath. (These are $.99 cents at Savers). If you use this strategy be sure to switch the opening of the pillow cases so that you don’t pull off more than one case at a time.

As a side note, HEPA filters DO NOT WORK. Sorry folks, they just don’t. If you are serious about getting a high grade filter (which was one of the best purchases I’ve ever made in my life) buy an IQAir. Trust me, after days of research (remember I have O.C.D.) they are the best on the market. They are pricey, $900.00 but considering the amount I have saved in doctor’s visit copays, emergency room visit copays, antibiotics for frequent sinus infections and bronchitis then of course ongoing medications such as nasal and lung corticosteriods, rescue inhalers, over the counter allergy pills, eye drops and prednisone over time the system pays for itself. Plus you aren’t dumping all these chemicals into your system. And you and your pets breathe clean air. Of course, it’s also great if you have other allergies such as to mold or pollen.

Yuck! That’s too sweet! Making your favorite beverages less sweet.

If you have a favorite beverage (or food this would work with) that is too sweet often times they will sell the same beverage unsweetened so you can sweeten it in a way that works for you. For example, the various flavors of Kefir, which is super good for you, is VERY sweet. Also, some of my favorite jugs of ice tea contain a lot of sugar. (Yes I could make my own).  Easy solution, buy the unsweetened brand (not with fake chemicals–just unsweetened) and mix sweetened with unsweetened until it works for you. Slowly your taste buds will adjust to less sugar if you want to decrease your sugar intake.

One teaspoon of sugar has 6 grams of sugar in it. Many popular drinks, etc. have about 30 grams. I believe Dr. Hyman, the guru of low sugar, recommends less than 10 grams per day. You may want to check out his work including an excellent video on YouTube here.

This post is for the ladies…

In case I haven’t scared off some men, I’ll say two words: yeast infections.

I’ll begin by addressing the itching from yeast infections which can be so uncomfortable. ALL of this post is against medical advice so consult with your physicians before doing any of this. (Again, covering my ass).

Topically, you could consider using cortisone cream and/or Benadryl cream. If desperate try doing a layer of cortisone cream first, followed by a layer of extra-strength Benadryl cream. The tubes state NOT to do this and this is against physician’s medical advice.

Another option to use in combination with topical treatments or alone is taking Benadryl internally to stop the itching. This is very effective. For many, this strategy does not work due to drowsiness but if your symptoms are keeping you up at night this may be a good solution. Also, you can try taking a lower dose. For adults it’s 50mg. You can try 25mg or even 12.5mg. For those who are not impacted by this side effect it could be helpful during the day as well.

A third option would be a sandblaster…which I have been tempted to do at times but again, this is ill advised by all clinicians.

You can try taking daily probiotics internally by supplements, yogurt and Kefir which provide a large number of health benefits.  Here is a vaginal experiment I have tried that, once again, is against physician’s advice.  First, purchase some PLAIN Kefir. No sugar added. There should be less than 10 grams of sugar in one cup. (And you will be using far less than one cup).  Sugar increases yeast.  Add some Kefir to your applicator (a small funnel is helpful or a dropper), open a capsule of probiotics (I love Renew Life Ultimate Flora) and carefully pour into the applicator (not with the funnel as the powder will cling to the sides of the wet funnel), stir well with a toothpick. Insert at bedtime. You can even use a pillow to tilt your pelvis upward (as women do when trying to get pregnant). You can do this one or several nights in a row and do it once a month.

I repeat, all of this information is against medical advice.

Not many know that genetics do play a role in chronic yeast infections. Yeast infections can be caused by both diet, environmental factors, medications, health conditions as well as genetics. Should you have a genetic predisposition plus any of the above it could be why you struggle.

Some gynecologists who specialize in treating yeast infections use a protocol offered by a well-known physician, Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, who specialized in effectively treating chronic yeast infections. Her protocol is to pro-actively start someone on 150mg of Diflucan (or the generic) tablets for approximately three days. Then continue to take Diflucan (or the generic) one or more times a week for several weeks then perhaps once per month. This is the general protocol that may be tweaked by your physician should you locate one who uses this protocol. This is not a treatment protocol. Some physicians (as well as myself) believe that Diflucan is not effective at treating infections but rather are better at preventing them.

Happy scratching!

A non-toxic, scent free air freshener you can make at home

Buy a spray bottle or re-use an empty one you have cleaned out.  Fill it up half way with new hydrogen peroxide. Fill up the other half with water.  (Hydrogen peroxide loses its power fairly quickly so sometimes it’s best to buy a few small bottles instead of one large one).

So you now have a 50/50 solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide to create a non-toxic, scent free air freshener you can make easily at home. This works VERY well for that unpleasant smell around the litter box!