I came across a newly found blog focused on children's allergies and the cleaning products, precautions, etc that whould be taken when considering options for your kids. 

http://goinggreenyes.blogspot.com/2007/08/allergies-at-school-are-no-sneezing.html

This post talks about how two million school days are missed a year due to allergies for students across the country.  What can we as parents do to prevent that?  Give it a read!

I've already pretty much done my share of blogging this week but I came across an article that I couldn't pass up sharing with you.

I suffer from seasonal allergies, and I'm embarrased to admit it, but I also suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  IBS is something i deal with on a daily basis and I won't get into it here, but an article came out that links allergies and IBS; people with allergies are more likely to also suffer from IBS than people without allergies. 

I am not sure exactly what this means for me...or others who suffer from both illnesses, but it is an interesting connection.  Read more about it below.

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE320080125032819&Page=3&Title=Features+-+Health+%26+Science&Topic=-162

A lot of you really appreciate the fact that Halo makes "green" products that can clean and disinfect your home without chemicals.  It's becoming an ever-more-prevalent concern for a lot of us out there and all sorts of interesting solutions hvae come about in the last few years and Baby Bam is one of those:

http://www.emediawire.com/releases/organic/baby/prweb641661.htm

A mother of two has developed natural clothing for kids!  Check it out!

Short reviews have been popping up all over the internet and being emailed to us from across the country. What are people saying about Halo Ultraviolet Vacuums?

"My husband is a vacuum freak, we have every kind of vacuum imaginable, so when this one came out, I knew we were going to purchase it. Well, it came the other day. This is the most unbelievable vacuum they have come up with yet. The ultraviolet light provides you with the ability to see stuff that normally you wouldn't see. The only thing I wish is that it was bagless-it would be one less thing for us to worry about (the bags) but their point is that all of the critters that are vacuumed up will be held in a bag so that they will die! I would recommend it highly!"

- LM, Chicago, IL, Best Buy Reviews

"I suffer from allergies, especially from pets. Since I've been using the Halo, my symptoms have virtually disappeared! It is expensive. But if you can afford it, it's worth it. I paid just as much for another high priced vacuum about a year ago, but it didn't kill germs like the Halo."

- Ace07, Best Buy Reviews

"I am so thrilled with my Halo.  The suction is phenomenal, and each time I finish vacuuming, the carpet perks right up and remains that way for several days, which was never the case with my Electrolux.  I can truly see the difference between the way my carpet used to look after I vacuumed it with my former vacuum, and how it looks now after using my new Halo vacuum.  Furthermore, I know that my Halo is protecting my family from the fungus, mold, mildew and dust mites living in our carpet, and I'm thrilled that this technology is now available for my home.   I am an extremely satisfied customer, and will pass along to my family and friends the exciting news about the amazing way in which the Halo Vacuum Cleaner works?"  THANK YOU Halo!!!"

- NL, Email

What do you have to say about your Halo Ultraviolet Vacuum?

To all readers out there, no matter your color or creed, Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!  Here's to everything that Dr. King spoke of 44 years ago that we are still working toward today as a country, as a society and as a human race. 

The office closes early today and I just moved, so I am going to go home and get to unpacking and Halo-ing my new place! 

http://www.totalmom.com/2008newsite/hotpicks/halovaccum.html

Another fantastic mention is featured over at TotalMom.com.  It's Hannah Keeley's Hot Pick!

Keeley says, "Using ultraviolet light, it leaves a safe surface on the carpet for little ones to play without the dangers of chemicals or harmful germs. Basically, it's a healthy mom's dream come true. I love it!"

Don't take our word for it!  Read for yourself!

I can't tell you how many times I have woke up in the morning, blaming the weather for my latest illness.  I have blamed the weather for allergy symptoms, catching a cold and even the ache in my (once-dislocated) shoulder. 

An interesting article came out recently regarding this exact topic that is definitely worth a read.

http://www.kentucky.com/147/story/286639.html

It discusses the best places to live for allergies and asthma, the truth and debunking of what weather affects and what it doesn't, as well.  Check it out!

Our friends in the UK have written up a review and suggestion for buying Halo.  Check it out!

http://www.product-reviews.net/2008/01/16/the-germ-eliminating-upright-vacuum-uses-uv-light-to-get-rid-of-999-of-bacteria/

More and more folks are coming over to the Halo side!

In case we didn't all need another reason to move to the Mediterranean...

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=a6rZpwgia2Dc&refer=uk

A recent study came out saying that women who have a diet consisting of fresh fruit and veggies as well as grains and nuts are more likely to birth healthier children - ones that are less likely to have allergies and asthma.  Read more to learn about how you can improve your diet and help your kids in the long run!

Came across and interesting book today on Amazon called "A Field Guide to Household Bugs" by Joshua Abarbanel.

http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Household-Bugs-Jungle/dp/0452288746

We think it's interesting for the information about dust mites, lice and fleas.  You think it's interesting for the facts about what else is living in your home.  Give it a read and learn more about what lurks in your house!

To stay on our rather "green" path of this week's blog topics, I came across on article about a book that might be helpful for folks out there looking for more earth-friendly solutions for their bodies. 

Read about it.

It's called "The Most Effective Natural Cures On Earth" and while we don't endorse any of these "cures" necessary, and we recommend talking to your doctor before you try anything new, I thought it was interesting how some of the vitamins, herbs, etc out there may be helpful for allergies and other aiments out there.

Thanks to Metro Green+Business for the plug for our Halo UV-ST!

http://www.upstatehouse.com/article.php?issue=55&dept=85

this website, beyond talking up our vacuums, also offers a lot of articles about living and working green - from products to clean, to environmentally-aware decor, etc.  Check them out!

A great article just came out recently about Wyndham hotels and their push to offer more allergy-senstive rooms.  People may get charged a slightly higher rate, but the extra change will be worth it for those with allergies, or children with allergies.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/united-states/hotels-introducing-hypoallergenic-rooms/2008/01/03/1198949968283.html

Learn more and travel healthy!

Going back up to my home state of Ohio really reminded me about the winter months and my allergies that are especially prevalent when cabin fever sets in.  Having the windows shut and the heat on provide the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and closes in cat and dog dander.  Plus with all the guests to your home, you have an even better chance of catching a cold or the flu.

http://www.scnow.com/midatlantic/scp/news.apx.-content-articles-FMN-2008-01-01-0008.html

Take whatever precautions you can and read this article for more great info!