Bed bugs are back with a vengeance! They love hiding in clothing, second-hand furniture, suitcases and boxes. Bring home bed bugs, and you”ll get more than you bargained for: infestations, perhaps thousands of dollars in extermination fees not to mention, bites and anxiety. When shopping garage sales and thrift stores or even picking up uncle Marty’s comfy old couch, follow these tips from TheAllergyGuy to help avoid infesting your belongings and home.

1. Carefully inspect the item(s) that you are interested in purchasing. Pay close attention to:

• Bed Frames/Mattresses

• End Tables/Dressers

• Upholstered furniture

• Clothing/Shoes

• Stuffed Animals

• Mirrors and picture frames

2. Check corners and crevices of furniture for signs of bed bug activity.

3. Look for evidence signs of pests: bed bugs (reddish-brown), eggs (white), cast skins (yellow) and fecal dots (black).

4. If you think you see evidence of bed bugs, tell the proprietor and leave!

Better safe than sorry- When you get home follow these steps

• Bring the plastic bags or even better, bed bug laundry bags for any treasures you want to bring home.
• Wash everything that you wore in HOT water 120°≥F and use the drier on HIGH setting for 30 minutes, or dry clean.
• If you buy furniture: inspect it carefully. Very, very, carefully.
• Vapour steam clean your new finds.
• Use prevention and detection tools.

If it’s in the trash, leave it there! Even if it’s the PERFECT picture frame, the previous owner may have thrown it away because it is infested with bed bugs.

Imagine breathing in clean air wherever you go!

Now you can with the Mini-Mate, personal air purifier. It’s wearable, ultra-light and weighs in at 1.5 oz. This powerful new technology delivers clinically clean air directly to you protecting you against the common cold, MRSA, Flu, Smoke, Mould, Dust Mites, Pollen and so much more.

Smaller and more powerful!

Great output, compact size! Leading universities and research institutes confirm that the Mini-Mate Ionic Air Purifier is the most advanced air contamination avoidance technology on the market.

How does it work?

The Mini-mate generates an intense electrostatic wind that charges floating particles in the breathing zone. The particles, be it smoke or other toxins are then substantially repelled away from the user creating a particle free breathing zone for toxic allergens, smoke, dust, viruses and bacteria.

Dr. Gabor Lantos, Professional Engineer and Occupational Health Physician states; “As the airborne concentrations of viruses or bacteria are reduced, the risks of contracting diseases through inhalation are significantly reduced.”

It’s great for basically any confined area where people congregate such as restaurants, movie theatres, cars, waiting rooms, smoked filled rooms – or to lessen allergic reactions while playing with your neighbour’s pet. It’s been a bit hit with travelers; susceptible to the airborne toxins during air, subway or commuter train travel.

Frommers Travel Expert

Robert Haru Fisher former editor of Fodors and assistant editor to Frommers is a world class expert on travel and has written many books and lectured worldwide, has this to say about our AirSupply AS150MM Personal Air Purifier:

”I believe my purifier, Air Supply works” “I wear mine on every flight now.”

Excerpted Quotations from TRAVEL TECH: DO AIR PURIFIERS WORK ON PLANE TRIPS By Robert Haru Fisher Jan 2, 2008

Other Features: Lithium battery (CR123A) included–Comes with necklace cord for easy wear–Compact, fits in your pocket–Covers a radius of 1-2 feet.

To learn more about the Mini-Mate go to theallergyguy.com or call 1-877-411-0053.

Working in the Hospitality industry? Looking to improve and enhance your business? Come to Centrex, Manitoba’s largest foodservice  & hospitality trade show - you’ll find the latest trends from manufacturers, chefs and suppliers servicing the hospitality industry.

Meet owner of RestAssured™ and TheAllergyGuy.com, Lorne Chadnick and learn about the most technologically advanced, non-toxic methods to prevent, manage and eradicate Bed Bugs and Pests. Learn all about Cryonite®, the newest, greenest non toxic and easy to use technology for eliminating crawling insects in all life stages and Bugstop™ bed bug proof mattress covers.

Toll Free 877-411-0053 or send to a friend.

Traveling for fun or for work?

You never know what critters entered the room before you. Bed Bugs have made a comeback, here are some things you can do protect yourself the next time you’re traveling.

1. Leave your luggage in the hallway- take the time to inspect the room for bed bugs before settling in.

2. Check the sheets and pillows for tiny rust coloured stains these are ‘tale-tell’ signs of beg bugs.

3. Check mattress seams, that’s where these critters like to congregate.

4. Finally check between the mattress and headboard, a favourite bed bug hiding place.

5. Keep luggage off the floor, always place on the luggage rack or bureau.

6. To be doubly sure, cover your luggage and clothes in Bugstop™ and Bugzip™ encasements. These are specially designed to help you access your clothes and belongings easily and keep bed bugs out.

7. Bring a mini flashlight with you so you can inspect your room easily.

Stop bed bugs from hitchhiking a ride with you. Log onto TheAllergyGuy to see which bed bug protection products suit your needs.

Allergy Sufferers- Nasal Washing Easier Than You Think

If you’re an allergy sufferer like me, you tried everything from conventional treatments (cortisteroids, antihistamines and drops) to herbal remedies like stinging nettle and Quercetin. This allergy season, in effort to cut down on your use of prescription medications, try nasal lavage (also know as nasal washing)? It’s easier than you think!

How do nasal washes help with allergies?

Studies show that using a nasal wash regularly during allergy season decreases the amount of allergens in the nose and therefore, reduces the amount of IgE (a protein the body makes in response to allergens) in the bloodstream. The nose is the usual entry point for allergens – like dust, pollen or pet dander. Nasal washes clean and moisturize the nasal membranes, making the nasal and sinus environment difficult for bacterial or viral growth.

Which Nasal Wash do I use?

While there are several quality nasal washes in the market, I use Nasopure® hypertonic wash. The solution is pharmaceutical grade, all natural, has no additives, or preservatives and the unique bottle design makes for a better user-experience.

How does it work?

The salt concentration works by osmosis to shrink swollen membranes, wash out debris and thin thick sticky secretions. The salty flush of water actually draws the sinus contents out of the body. The bicarbonate acts to buffer the solution, therefore making it easier to tolerate and soothes irritated membranes.

What is the difference between hypertonic solution and isotonic solution?

Isotonic means the solution has the same salt concentration as your body. Hypertonic solution is saltier than the body. An example of hypertonic solution is the ocean water.

What are the benefits of hypertonic nasal washes?

· Washes out 80% of the irritants that cause allergies.

· Shrinks swollen membranes.

· Reduces the need for antihistamines and antibiotics.

· Similar to ocean water and is SAFE.

· Can improve both sense of smell and bad breath.

· Creates an adverse environment for viral and bacterial organisms to flourish.

· Improves the filtering mechanisms of the nose by 17%.

Who can benefit from nasal washing?

Anyone who suffers from nasal woes. People with allergies, nasal congestion, a sinus infection, post nasal drip, sore throat, asthma or nasal discharge. Anyone exposed to irritants, people who live in polluted cities, firefighters, lawn keepers, carpenters, smokers would benefit from nasal hygiene.

Is there any proof it works?

Nasal saline wash has been shown in multiple studies over the past decade to be effective for reducing congestion, alleviating sinus pain and preventing the recurrence of rhinitis1. Studies show that regular use of hypertonic solution reduces the need for antihistamines and antibiotics.

If you wish to reduce the number of medications you use, save money on prescription and over the counter drugs, reduce allergy symptoms and reduce sinus and nasal congestion try the Nasopure system.

To learn more log onto http://www.theallergyguy.com/nasopure-starter-kit.html

Janice Besner, Registered Nutritional Consultant

Climb Up Insect Interceptors are an effective and inexpensive way to combat bed bug infestations and highly recommended by pest control experts. A bed bug trapping device the Interceptor works by placing the pitfall trap underneath common bed bug hot spots including bed posts, couch and chair legs and other furniture legs to form a barrier between the floor and the furniture. If bed bugs are either trying to climb up the bed post or crawl down the couch they will be caught in the slick, talc lubricated side walls of the Interceptor and will be trapped.Climb-Ups are a great method to monitor if you have bed bugs.

Directions,

It is recommended that you leave an Interceptor in place for at least 21 days to allow enough time for the trap to work. Bed Bugs can go weeks without feeding so some will hide out and unsuspecting homeowners will assume the problem is gone. If during this time you notice bed bugs being trapped by the talc use a soft cotton ball to safely remove the insect from the trap and dispose of it in a small plastic bag and then throw the bag in the trash. If you are cleaning the Interceptor protect your hands and rinse out the trap with warm soapy water and flush the residue and bugs down a toilet. When this is done carefully reapply the lubricating talc to the dry walls of the Interceptor and place back under the bed or furniture it was before.

The Vapamore MR-100 is a multi-use home and residential use Vapor Steam Cleaner that uses the power of steam vapor instead of harsh chemicals and detergents to clean and sanitize. The Vapamore Vapor Steam Cleaner includes all the attachments needed to clean virtually anything in and around your home. Remove dirt, grease and grime while wiping out germs, mold, allergens, dust mites and more.
A Vapamore MR-100 stainless steel boiler was incorporated for durability, corrosion resistance and longevity. The MR-100 produces dry steam and pressure like that of commercial grade models. The accessories are specially designed and tested for ease of use. Interlocking assembly tabs and multiple o-rings are used, providing a secure fit and seal. Safety is also a key concern. The Vapamore MR-100 is ETL certified to UL standards, ensuring consumer safety and protection.

The Vapamore Features include: * 1500 watts of power * 7 cup capacity stainless steel boiler for up to 60 minutes of 250 degree F/120C steam vapor cleaning * Adjustable steam pressure control for delicate items * Detachable hose for easy storage * Convenient on-board accessory storage compartment * ETL Listed and Approved,Approved by the Queen Of Clean.
The best steam cleaner for the money.

The Allergy Guy now carries Perma- Guard Diatomaceous Earth an all natural product to help control bed bugs.

Diatomaceous earth is a fine white powder, made from the ground up fossilized remains of diatoms, a kind of sea algae. The edges of each grain of powder are so sharp that they make tiny cuts in the hard exoskeleton of any insect upon contact, causing the insect to dehydrate and die within a matter of hours. Since the action is physical, insects don’t build up a resistance.
For bedbugs, dust the bed frame and the mattress, under the bed and around the bed, including cracks in the floor and where the wall meets the floor. You can also dust the carpet and vacuum it all up a few days later when the job is done.DE is safe for human or animal consumption and is 100% natural.

Bugstop Advantages
*Bugstop mattress encasement’s have a special tight zipper ,patch and inner lining that don’t allow bed bugs and their eggs in or out even if the zipper is not 100% zipped. This means that bugs cannot escape, not even if the zipper slips open.
* Smooth Silk Feel Fabric,  Our fabric is smooth, and comfortable and very soft! No seams, pockets, or folds. Bed bugs can hide and lay eggs in seams, pockets, and folds. Not with Bugstop, our encasement’s have no seams, pockets, or folds, leaving bed bugs no place to hide.
* Bugstop Armour Membrane Our encasement’s are bed bug bite-proof and escape-proof because the inside of the entire encasement are coated with special Membrane- all sides! The Membrane is a polyurethane-based product that is bed bug escape-proof and bed bug bite-proof water proof and allergy proof. Some other products only use a membrane on the top side of the encasement, Our are 100% effective even if they turn the mattress
* Zipper and Patch Design Our encasement’s have tiny zipper teeth . This prevents bed bugs and bed bug eggs from slipping through the teeth.Our Bugstop patch at both ends will not allow bed bugs and their eggs in or out even if it is open a bit.
*100 % Protection at the best price Bugstop is Dust mite proof, Bed Bug proof, Waterproof & Air Vapor Porous. Please choose either from our full bed Bundle packages[1 Bugstop mattress cover,1 SMS box spring cover and 2 pillow encasement's,] or if you don’t have a box spring please select your mattress size and depth from Mattress Covers Alone section