I'm sure you have noticed by now the cold and flu season having kicked in.  If it has passed by your home this month, feel fortunate!  I thought we were going to get through November unscathed by illness, and then this past Monday morning, I woke up with a most painful sinus cold.  Ick!

I don't know what kind of options you've chosen to use when you and your family get sick, but myself personally, I don't like to shove a lot of drugs in my body, for a couple of reasons.  One is that I already take enough meds for other ongoing medical problems, and the second is because a lot of over the counter drugs make me feel lethargic and sleepy.

Being only 4'9" and under a hundred pounds, my body size is more like a child than an adult so I tend to look to children's products first when needing some relief from cold and flu symptoms.

Lucky for me, I had been sent some Boiron products for children in the mail last month, that up until now had no reason to use for either myself or Amber.  With a full blown sinus cold and headache, I was ready to start popping anything like candy!

I received three products from their Boiron's children's line to try out the Oscillococcinum (yeah say that three times real fast!), the Coldcalm and the Chestal. 

I decided what I needed to try for my symptoms was the Oscillococcinum.  It is actually for flu-like symptoms like feeling run down (oh I felt like a freight train hit me!), body aches (well my head is part of my body right?), chills and fever. 

Easy to take, the Oscillococcinum comes in a tube, you twist the cap to remove, and have your child dissolve the entire contents in their mouth.  Really similar to eating a pixy stik and seriously as tasty too!

Homeopathic treatments are great for these reasons

* do not contain any of the ingredients under question for use in children
* have no known side effects (not even drowsiness or jitteriness in children)
* don’t interact with other medication
* don’t mask symptoms (allowing doctors and patients to easily detect and respond to symptoms of serious illnesses should they arise)
* are not body-mass dependent (so there’s no need to give more or less medicine depending on body weight), and
* have no risk of overdose

If you are looking to have some products in your home that fit the above, and are ready to help fight the cold and flu in your home, check out http://children.boironusa.com to learn more about them, as well as find a retailer in your area.  You can also download a coupon off their website to help you save money on your purchase.

I received a set of Children's Boiron products at no cost to myself prior to writing this post.

I have often encountered difficulties with my skin. Living in a place that has a harsher winter climate attributes to some of that. A few years ago I was diagnosed with Dyshidrotic Eczema. I have tried so many different prescription and over the counter lotions and medications to relieve the symptoms of this. Some work with varying degrees, and for certain amounts of time, but I have never found one that I can use all the time.

I had the opportunity to try Skin MD Natural, and jumped on the chance. Because of the eczema and the fact that I have not found anything to use on it for the long haul, if you look under my sink, you will find scores of different lotions!
This natural skin care lotion arrived in my home last week, and I have been using it twice a day, every day since I received it.

The lotion is a bit thinner and seems waterier than most that you might be used to, and I was worried that it would require a lot of rubbing to be absorbed by my skin. That was a needless worry though, Skin MD Natural absorbs quickly and leaves your skin silky smooth after applying. It also is fragrance free. And it really is. I've been trying to smell something after I put it on. Many "fragrance free" products that I have used, still have a little bit of an odor to them. Not this one, it really truly is fragrance free.

I think I've found a keeper! One of the reasons I think it will be very effective on the type of eczema I have is because Skin MD Natural is actually a Shielding Lotion. This means, that it keeps irritants out and moisture in. Most lotions try and "add" moisture to your skin by using glycerin. Not so with Skin MD Natural . With Water and Aloe Vera being the top two ingredients in the product, you can see that it will be effective in moisturizing and have healing protection for your skin.

A 4 oz bottle has a retail price of $18.00 (it also comes in a variety that offers spf 15 protection). That might seem like a lot of money, but a little goes a long way. If you use it daily this will last you at least a month, probably longer. It's comparable to buying a large bottle of scented product at a large bath chain store, simply because you will use less to moisturize and hydrate, and it is actually better for your skin. For myself it is a good investment, when I think of all the money I have spent on prescriptions, and lotions that just have not worked.

Please take the time to visit their website. I'm sure that you will be amazed at how this product works to give you healthy skin. There is so much more to this lotion than what I have said about it, and they truly can explain it better than I.

Even better, it's made in the U.S.A. In these struggling economic times, I always like to support American companies when I buy something too. They have a function to find a store near you that sells it (and I'm sure most of you will find a store, since there is even one where I live, and I live in the middle of nowhere!)

Be kind to your skin in 2009!

Buy it: You can purchase Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion on their website for $18.00 & $25.00 for the lotion with SPF 15.

Skin MD Natural is giving one of my readers their own bottle of Shielding Lotion!

To enter leave a comment telling me who in your family will benefit from Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion.

You must do the above in order to be eligible for extra entries.
.
Please leave your email address in your comment if it is not visible in your profile.

Extra Entries! You may do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each.

    * For two extra entries - Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog (http://www.threedifferentdirections.com) and Skin MD Natural (http://www.skinmdnatural.com)
    * Follow my blog
    * Add my button to your blog
    * Subscribe to my blog
    * Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following: "WIN! Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion at Three Different Directions @threedifferent http://bit.ly/YIKMQ" Leave the link to your tweet in your comment. You can do this daily!

This giveaway will end on December 3, 2009 at 11:59 pm cst and open to U.S. Residents ages 18+.  The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail or an alternate winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you are stating that you have read my **About Reviews and Privacy/Rules declarations and agree to them.

The original review post was written after receiving a bottle of Skin MD free of charge.  I received no monetary compensation for writing this post and all views and opinions are mine.

About six months ago I was fortunate enough to win a giveaway on another blog for an Exergen Temporal Scanner.

2. Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (this can be once per day, please leave the direct link to your tweet in the comments). Just click the birdie.
3. Follow my blog publicly.
4. Subscribe to my feed via e-mail or reader.
5. Blog about this giveaway linking back to my blog.
6. Add my button to your blog.

Just thinking of those microscopic germs, now free to enter through my nose, ears and mouth, roaming through my body trying to take it over, gives me the heebie-jeebies.  With the H1N1 virus spreading fast, the reality of this happening is with me everyday.

Should you become exposed to such a pathogen, and you want to eradicate those microscopic infiltrators, there is a product available to do just that.  It's called MyClyns.
MyClyns is an alcohol free germ protection spray that you can use on your face when exposed.  It's non toxic and non burning, and works fast.  It demonstrates a 99.9% reduction in more than 60 potentially dangerous pathogens.

I haven't had a chance to use MyClyns yet and I'm overly hopeful it will travel with me in my handbag or pocket, and I'll never have to use it at all.  The fact that I have it with to protect against the possibility of being exposed is reassuring in itself.

The non aerosol pump is safe for use with children and on open wounds. 

MyClyns has already been used by first responders, law enforcement and medical personnel, and now is being made available to the public in stores this month.  Visit MyGermSpray.com to see which stores in your area carry it.

To enter let me know how else you keep germs at bay.

For extra entries you can (please leave a new comment for each additional entry):

1. Follow Me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway (this can be done daily!) "@threedifferent Enter to win a MyClyns Personal Germ Protection Spray at http://bit.ly/1VjaQ6 #giveaway"
2. Become a fan of Three Different Directions on Facebook
3. Subscribe to my feed via reader or email
4. Follow my blog publicly
5. Become a fan of Clyns Brands on Facebook.
6. Add my button to your blog
7. Post about this giveaway on your blog and link back to it

This giveaway will end on November 1, 2009 at 11:59 pm cst and is open to US Residents ages 18+. The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail or an alternate winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you are stating that you have read my **About Reviews and my Privacy/Rules statements and agree to them.

I received a complimentary MyClyns Personal Spray prior to writing this post.

Not necessarily the funnest topic to be discussing, but generally items relating to sensitive health issues aren't are they?  If you suffer from even occassional bladder irritation you will want to
keep reading.

Research says that ½ of all women will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime, 20% of the women who develop one typically take three days or longer to see a doctor for help.  Are you one of those numbers?  I am.

In the heat of summer while in training for a mission trip at the age of 16, I developed a UTI.  The advice I was given:  drink cranberry juice.  Ever heard of that?  Well yeah, that's a good remedy to help "prevent" UTIs but not such a great one to "treat" a UTI.  Actually once you have one, cranberry juice can exacerbate the symptoms.  Wish I had known that 20 years ago.

I picked up that little bit of info at The Ladies Room Blog, part of the Cystex website.

Cystex is an OTC medication that eases the pain and discomfort of a UTI through the analgesic/pain reliever Sodium Salicylate.  That's not all it does though, it also contains the antibacterial agent Methenamine so it helps control the infection until you can get in to see your doctor.

While I have not had a chance to use this product yet, I checked it out on Drugstore.com where Cystex is sold ($13.99 for a box of 100 tablets), and out of 40 reviews, 39 gave it 5 stars.  Wow! You better believe this is getting space in my medicine cabinet.

One of the many benefits to Cystex is its non staining properties.  Apparently other OTC urinary pain products change the color of the urine.

If you chronically develop UTIs you may want to check with your doctor to see if continuous use of Cystex is right for you as a preventative measure.

If you're like me you head to the internet to find out about medical issues before you call your doctor (self diagnosing is not a recommended practice lol!).  Make sure if you do that, your information comes from a reputable source.

For things relating to UTIs, Cystex's website has plenty of resources to educate you, as you wait for your appointment to see your physician.  Know Your Bladder Better Videos and The Ladies Room Blog are just a couple of them.

 

For extra entries you can (please leave a new comment for each additional entry):

1. Follow Me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (this can be done daily!) simply tweet 'Enter to win Cystex help for UTIs at http://bit.ly/wmzgH'
2. Subscribe to my feed via reader or email
3. Follow my blog publicly
4. Add my button to your blog
5. Post about this giveaway on your blog and link back to it

This giveaway will end on October 9, 2009 at 11:59 pm cst and is open to U.S. Residents ages 18+. The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail or an alternate winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you are stating that you have read my **About Reviews and my Privacy/Rules statements and agree to them.

Ovarian Cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. This disease often attacks without warning.

The symptoms are vague and so it can be difficult to diagnose. Only 19% of cases are caught prior to the cancer spreading to the pelvic region. 1 in 67 women have the risk of being diagnosed.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and the familiar names of Electrolux and Kelly Ripa are teaming with the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) to help raise money to expedite a cure.

As innovative as Electrolux Appliances, a campaign launching today "Text-a-Thon For A Cause" will raise awareness for the support of research and promote early detection in the field of Ovarian Cancer.

You can donate $5.00 to the cause by texting "KELLY" to 85944 from your cell phone (your standard text messaging rates apply) - or by logging on to www.kelly-confidential.com.

Both the Lysol Sanitizing Wipes and Lysol Disinfectant Spray work great to eliminate germs, in your bathroom and all those other places.

Each pre-moistened disposable wipe kills 99.9% of germs -- even the bacteria that causes odors -- where you use it.  No bottles, no sponges, no mess.  Effective disinfecting has never been faster or easier.

The Micro-lock fiber construction of the cloths help trap those icky germs.

I like the design of the lid.  If you need to reach in to adjust the cloths, the outer cover is easy to take off, meaning no pinched fingers (yes, that has happened to me before with other brands...).

Not only can you use these in the bathroom but in the kitchen as well.  (Although they are not recommended for use on polished, bare wood or porous surfaces).

You can imagine all the uses these would have in a classroom!  When in the stores last week I took a peek at the school supply lists and there were many schools that wanted parents to purchase them.

I used these in our church nursery last week when doing a quick cleaning.  They were very practical for that purpose, and I know that the diaper changing stations are free from lingering germs.

Lysol Disinfecting Spray

                                                 

This is an EPA registered disinfectant that kills more than 99.9% of illness causing bacteria and viruses including H1N1 and the common cold. 

Something new and interesting I learned when I was sent samples of these Lysol products to write this review, is that Lysol Disinfecting Spray can be used on soft fabrics as well.

I went to town around our home with the spray.  Bedspreads, shower curtain, handbags, shopping totes and shoes were all sprayed.  The Clean Linen scent wasn't hard on the nose either.

Backpacks, gym clothes, oh there are so many ways you can eliminate the germs using Lysol Disinfecting Spray.

They even have a "To Go" sized spray, which you all know is coming with me when we travel!

If you want to try and ensure a healthy germ free home this school year, be sure to stop by Lysol.com where they have more resources available like:

• The Germ Information Center (www.lysol.com/germ-information-center/) provides useful information to help families fully understand the threat posed by germs.
• Resources & Downloads (www.lysol.com/germ-information-center/resources/) has a variety of downloads including the “Looking After You” series of booklets, which provide practical information and tips for keeping you and your children healthy from pregnancy through childhood. 

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra entries, you must do the above entry.  Please leave each in a separate comment.

• Follow Me on Twitter & Tweet about the contest. (This can be done daily but be sure to leave the link to your tweet in the comments)

• Add the Three Different Directions Button to your blog

• Add Three Different Directions to your Blogroll

• Follow Three Different Directions publicly

• Subscribe to Three Different Directions RSS Feed by Email or Reader
  

I've never been a huge fan of the dentist, but I do know that the better my toothbrush works for me, the easier those dental visits will be on my sanity.

The SpinBrush Sonic Toothbrush helps with those difficult areas in your mouth that are hard to reach with a manual toothbrush, and it makes your teeth feel clean and fresh when you're finished brushing.

See here....

We actually have one of those $100+ sonic toothbrushes on our bathroom counter, but that's where it stays when we leave home and go on vacation. For one reason we don't know if the charge will last on it for the whole time we are away, and another reason is, who wants to leave behind or lose such a $$ item.

So when I saw the SpinBrush Sonic Toothbrush I fell in love. The replaceable batteries are great for traveling. The same power clean as a rechargeable sonic toothbrush with the convenience for travel!

With one of these toothbrushes you receive: 1 brush head, the base of the brush (naturally) and a set of batteries already installed to start you out. And it's a significant price savings from a rechargeable model since it only costs about $15.00.

The other thing I like about this product is the reasonable cost of the replacement heads, which cost a fraction of what the other models sell them for. If you change your brush head as often as the dentist recommends that's a lot of cash saved! As well as the fact that you should get cleaner teeth from using this compared to a manual toothbrush, which may equate to savings at the dentist also.

I have been extremely impressed with the quality of this for the price. Now the technology of sonic for cleaning your teeth is affordable for everyone.

If you have been wanting to take the leap to a sonic toothbrush, but the cost has held you back, wait no longer, visit http://www.spinbrush.com/Products_SpinBrushSonic.html# and you can download a coupon for extra savings off!

I have a great giveaway. 2 lucky readers will each get a SpinBrush Pro Clean Sonic of their own.

In order to enter this giveaway visit SpinBrush and comment with something you learned there that would make a difference in your dental routine.

For extra entries you can: (the item above must be done first before extra entries can be submitted, please leave a separate comment for each you are eligible for)

1. Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveway (this can be once per day, please leave the direct link to your tweet in the comments).
2. Follow my blog publicly.
3. Subscribe to my feed via e-mail or reader.
4. Blog about this giveaway linking back to my blog.
5. Add my button to your blog.

This giveaway will end on September 11, 2009 at 11:59 pm cst and open to U.S. Residents ages 18+. The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winners will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail or an alternate winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you are stating that you have read my **About Reviews statement at the bottom of this page and my Privacy/Rules declaration and agree to them.

I was provided a sample of a SpinBrush Sonic prior to reviewing & publishing this post. 

About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with a condition called Raynaud's. The condition causes blood to not flow properly to fingers, toes and other parts of the body. I do take medication for it, but my hands and feet are still cold a lot of the time.



You will find me in socks most all of the time no matter the temperature, and I can't go into the freezer without my fingers turning white so I either have to get another family member to get things out or I have to wear gloves. Of the things I most enjoy doing, many of them are stationed right here at my computer.



Those would be surfing the Internet, blogging and playing World of Warcraft. But having my hand positioned on the mouse all day to do those activities is not comfortable with the loss of blood flow to them, and by the end of the day my hand is extremely achy or numb. When I was offered the chance to try an Infrared Ray product from Warm Mouse Heated Keyboards I was eager to try it. Infrared Rays are capable of penetrating deep into the human body where they elevate surface temperature and activate healthy body functions. I chose the ValueRays® Warm Mouse Pad.







When this arrived at my door, I opened it quickly and set it up right away. Two usb plugs are needed to use it. One for the four additional usb hubs on the mouse pad to work and one to activate the heat. The instructions noted to plug the red marked usb cable in to activate the infrared rays to heat the mouse pad, but mine weren't marked. It isn't rocket science though, so it was easy to figure out which cable did what. I am fortunate to have two usb outlets on my keyboard so I didn't even have to get under my desk and behind my computer tower to plug anything in.





This mouse pad really has kept my hand warm while using it. It has a wrist rest on it is as well to ergonomically help you keep a healthy position for your wrist while using your mouse. I've tried using a wrist rest in the past and honestly never felt comfortable using one. The same went for this one. However, I like the heating of the pad so much and it has helped soothe the pain in my hand, so I simply turned the mouse pad 90 degrees to its side and I use it like that. Works great for me that way!



The pad heats up within a few minutes and then stays at a temperature between 99 and 104 degrees after that point. It can get rather hot to the touch so make sure if you have young children around to keep it away from them when it is plugged in.



The four extra USB hubs on this mouse pad are a great bonus and make it easy to connect devices when needed right on your desktop.



This is the perfect device (think gifts here!) for anyone who suffers from conditions like mine (Raynaud's), Arthritis, and Carpal Tunnel to just name a few. Perhaps you are someone who just gets a "cold mouse hand" in winter, again perfect to resolve that issue. Free Shipping and No Sales Tax sweetens the deal!



Speaking of cold hands and computer mice, Warm Mouse Heated Keyboard also sells a ValueRays® Mouse Hand Warmer. This product is a heated mouse cover - an USB mini electric blanket for the mouse hand. It is a low, steady heat with a carbon fiber infrared heating element sewn inside the double layer of fleece.

Please read **About Reviews at the bottom of this page.



Warm Mouse Heated Keyboard has generously offered one my readers to win a ValueRays® Mouse Hand Warmer ($24.95 value)



To enter this giveaway visit Warm Mouse Heated Keyboard and tell me one unique piece of information you learned on their site.

This must be completed first in order to qualify for extra entries.



Extra Entries (leave a new comment for each one you are eligible for)

1. Subscribe to my RSS feed either by e-mail or reader.

2. Place my button on your blog.

3. Follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway (this can be done daily)

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to me and to Warm Mouse Heated Keyboard

5. Visit the Partners Page - Become a ValueRays Fan on Facebook & Follow "Warm_Mouse" on Twitter

6. Visit the Products Page - Which do you like best?

This giveaway will end on July 8, 2009 at 11:59 pm cst and is open to residents of the US ages 18+ only.

South Dakota is in the

Fight of its Life!

Polls are Tied –

We Need EVERY Vote!

Last year when Genius was still in public school, we opted to get our flu shots at a Target Flu Shot Clinic. Now the following is not a stab on Target rather it is on SUMMIT HEALTH the company that was contracted to do the flu shots. We chose to do the shots at Target because the public school was not pleased with you to take your children out of school during the day (HOORAY FOR HOMESCHOOLING) - and our doctor's office only does flu shot clinics from 7am to 11am in the morning.

In any case one year later -- today -- I realize what a HUGE mistake that was.

The shots were advertised at $27.50 a piece (the doctor's office was similar) - and they would file your insurance for it. Excellent, always a bonus. So I signed the form for both of us, and got the shots.

We got home and I remember reading the fine print that I signed stating that if your insurance is rejected they will bill you another $43.00 for the shot. I was not at all worried because I knew our insurance would cover it, I had called first to make sure.

In any case our old insurance company (we have a different one this year), has a 90 day window for person claims (claims that a company is not filing on your behalf) - when it was close to that day, I called the insurance to see if they had a claim - they said they did not. I then proceeded to call the pharmacist at Target to find out whom exactly was filing these claims. She was very kind, and phoned around for me, and called me back stating that Summit Health WAS NOT filing any claims as they said they would. Fine, so I make a personal claim with the insurance company and I at least get $25.00 back per shot .

Today I get a bill in the mail from Summit Health for both Genius and I for $43.00 each -- ????? --- only to find out they did file insurance after that 90 day window, and my claim was rejected because well I had already claimed for it. ARGH. And I'm liable for it, because well, I signed the form, fine print and all.

Now I am not stupid, far from it, and feel I was horribly duped. I had checked not just with one person but with a number of people, all to make sure I would be covered for this shot that in the end cost me $45.50 a piece x2 so that was $91.00 for a shot that we could have got at the doctor's office for free --

What an expensive lesson learned -- seek medical care from your doctor, even if it costs more at least you are putting your money into someone you trust and value and not a big, impersonal, money hungry company.

Fortunately for me, I received this years when I went for my annual checkup at the doctor's just yesterday. Genius will go to the flu shot clinic next week for hers....and I don't even have to take her out of school...which is how this all started....

Paro -- what-y-ia? (pronounced = Paro-nik-ia) -- No it is not paranoia related lol! It is an inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the nail. In particular of my case the big toe on my right foot.

I noticed it Monday evening, thought it was a blister, tried to lance it to get the water out, put a bandage on it, and promptly forgot about it. However, my mom came to visit this past week. That means shopping and a lot of time on my feet, which seemed to aggravate it. I inspected it Tuesday/Wednesday and Thursday evening, and the inflammation seemed to be getting worse, and man that toe throbbed!

I attempted to do a bit of bathroom surgery on it, to relieve the pressure I squeezed on the swollen, inflamed portion of skin, and colored liquid drained out. AACK! Infection!!

Friday morning I called the doctor. The diagnosis? Either Paronychia or the beginnings of an ingrown toenail. Neither sounded like fun! So for 1 1/2 days I've been on Cephalixin and it seems to be working, so I'm guessing the Paronychia has been sent to rest, and hopefully the remainder of the antibiotics will kill it for good.

Note to self.....don't rip hangnails......painful and expensive lesson....