Mold inspector and expert, Brian Karr, shares tips on how to keep your home mold-free.
This week I sat down for an Instagram Live chat about all things mold with Brian Karr, the co-founder of We Inspect, and host of the Mold Finders RADIO Podcast. Below, he shares his knowledge and experience on how to keep your home mold free.
Over the 4th of July holiday, my family headed-up to Lake Delton, Wisconsin to rent a house for some socially-distanced relaxation and outdoor fun together! While in Wisconsin, I was fortunate to be able to spend a day at Sundara Inn & Spa, located on the scenic outskirts of Wisconsin Dells. Some guests of the spa are referring to Sundara as a “Luxury Quarantine” as it is safely tucked away in the woods near Lake Delton.
My spa day was filled with unwinding, relaxing and of course social distancing. Sundara has taken numerous actions and precautions to ensure wellness, cleanliness, and safety. The entire facility was treated with a Bio Protect treatment which protects surfaces from viruses for an extended period of time. Additionally, guests are monitored with temperature checks upon arrival and other cleaning and health protocols have been added to help ensure guests’ safety.
Sundara is an easy drive from the Chicago area, just about two and a half hours northwest. Our family travels to this area of Wisconsin every year for the beautiful outdoor activities including: swimming, golfing and variety of restaurants and activities for the kids to partake in. While this year’s trip looked a bit different due to coronavirus, we still had a much-needed, wonderful time! Sundara is also within driving range of Madison and Minneapolis. The spa makes for a perfect solo-vacation, couples or group getaway, or wellness retreat.
I booked my spa day to nurture my body, mind, and soul because one could argue that in the era of coronavirus self-care is more important now than ever. No matter where you live or who you are, the last three months have most likely been stress-filled and challenging. And I can’t “stress” enough the importance of taking care of yourself, because as the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
One of my favorite guidelines at Sundara is that the spa is electronic free, so it truly is a chance to unplug, disconnect and focus on healing the mind, body, and soul. With the constant flow of information and news today, a good digital detox is crucial to help regulate our nervous system, calm the mind, and reset our body. As a mom and chronic illness fighter, I know firsthand how important self-care is and that spending a day at Sundara not only benefitted myself, but my family as well.
One of the spa therapies I received was the Sundara Signature Massage. This massage is customized to your specific stress-relief and body needs and includes the selection of an aromatherapy essential oil. I chose the uplifting and invigorating citrus oil for my massage. My other go-to scent is usually lavender, but I wanted to feel refreshed and energetic for the remainder of my day with my family afterwards.
Did you know that there are numerous benefits to massage therapy beyond stress relief and relaxation? Massages help to improve circulation, reduce pain, eliminate toxins, reduce fatigue and improve quality of sleep. Massages can also even enhance immunity for some people. Research has indicated that receiving regular massage therapy can help boost our immune system by flushing toxins and increasing blood flow throughout the body. It can increase the level of white blood cells which help our body fight disease, and also helps to reduce the production of cortisol. (amcollege.edu)
“Researchers working with patients with compromised immune systems have found massage therapy can improve how the immune system functions. Those same benefits can translate to people seeking to fight off the common cold, flu and other seasonal illnesses,” says Jeff Smoot of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
Due to the effects of neurological lyme disease, I often have muscle spams and nerve issues, so the massage helped to soothe my sore muscles and provided a much needed reset and relaxation. I felt very safe throughout the service and the therapist took several precautions including wearing a mask and sanitizing the space before and after the massage.
Sundara offers a range of massage services besides the Signature Massage, including a CBD Massage, Elements Hydrotherapy Massage, and Marma Ayurvedic Massage to name a few. I had the Marma Massage last year and that service was wonderful and healing as well. The Marma Massage even incorporates a ritual foot bath. Before your massage, you are able to relax in one of the peaceful waiting rooms (seen below) where you can curl up with a good book or simply just be.
Sundara also offers a wide-array of daily wellness activities and classes. Prior to my massage, I participated in a 45-minute Guided Mediation class that was very beneficial for me. The class took place in one of Sundara’s “Tranquil Spaces” called the Woodland Reflection Room. The space is outlined with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forest for a peaceful connection with nature and wildlife. Animals such as white-tailed deer, eagles and birds, and even woodchucks are often spotted in their natural habitat. Wooden rocking chairs and chaise loungers are lined in front of a warming fireplace and serene artwork, which complete the relaxing space.
The guided meditation class was led by an experienced instructor who vocally walked us through the entire 45-minute practice. We collectively chose the theme for the meditation to be gratitude, which spoke to my soul because gratitude is something I try to include in my every day life. Gratitude has positively impacted my life over the last couple years physically, mentally, emotionally, and even financially. I am a firm believer in the power and healing of gratitude, especially when incorporated into a meditation practice. The guided meditation was broken down into three sections which included breath-work and guided imagery. It was the perfect mix of challenging and relaxing for me.
I was thrilled that Sundara offers Guided Mediation because this is a practice I have been trying to further incorporate into my daily life this year. Meditation is said to be exercise for the mind. According to Headspace, there are thousands of studies that have shown mindfulness meditation can positively impact both mental and physical health. Meditation helps to control stress and anxiety, and can help improve sleep and pain.
According to ScienceDirect, an eight-week study showed that mindfulness meditation reduced the inflammation response caused by stress. Typically, mental and physical stress cause increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. This hormone triggers many of the harmful effects of stress, including the release of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. (Those with lyme disease know about cytokines all too well).
Through the practice of meditation, we can work on building-up areas of our brain and actually rewire it. The rewiring of the brain enhances positive traits such as focus and decision-making and helps to diminish harmful traits including fear and stress.
Healthline explains that meditation can even help improve pain in some individuals. A large study looked at the effects of habitual meditation in over 3,500 participants. It found that meditation was associated with decreased complaints of chronic or intermittent pain. While I haven’t personally seen long-term effects on my chronic pain yet, meditation has offered short-term pain improvement and I am hopeful that if I stick with it I will begin to notice more positive physical impacts and changes.
“In everything we do, our mission is wellness and service. We provide a sanctuary from stress, a healing touch, a kind word, a place to reconnect. We set an example of love and respect for the earth. We embrace the joy of wellness in our own lives.”
I highly recommend Sundara to anyone looking for stress-relief, relaxation or simply to unplug. Even though the spa is only a couple hours from home, it really feels like you are in another place away from the world while you are there. They take your health and wellness seriously, which includes precautions surrounding coronavirus. What I loved though is that the precautions in place didn’t take away one bit from the atmosphere and experience of Sundara, they were very intentional and mindful with the implementation of their health and safety protocols.
Since opening in 2003, Sundara’s mission has been wellness in all that they do and remains all the more so today, even during these difficult and uncertain times. In 2019, Sundara was named a “Top Wellness Destination Spa” by Organic Spa Magazine, and one of the “20 Best Destination Spas” by Town and Country Magazine.
Sundara also features a restaurant with chef-prepared cuisine inspired by the farming way of life in Wisconsin. The spa has both indoor and outdoor pool areas for relaxation and socialization, and the indoor pool area includes a swim-up bar. After my spa services and meditation, I spent some time by one of the beautiful outdoor pools where I ordered a healthy and delicious lunch. I opted for a summer salad with spinach, goat cheese, grapes, and pecans and the vegetable hummus spread, which included freshly-cooked green beans, tri-colored carrots, warm pita bread and cucumbers.
While I only spent a day at Sundara, the resort offers spacious and relaxing lodging options so you can choose to spend an entire weekend (or week) focused on self-care, healing, enjoying nature and pampering yourself. To learn more about what Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin Dells has to offer visit the website here.
Sources:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/massage-therapy-may-boost-immune-system-to-combat-cold-flu-300171787.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24395196/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889159112004758
I am honored that I was able to attend the 2019 Global Lyme Alliance Gala with my husband, Nick, last week in New York City. I feel so much gratitude for Global Lyme Alliance hosting this wonderful event, and for the over 700 attendees who came together in Manhattan on October 10th to support lyme disease awareness. This was GLA’s largest fundraising gala to date—way to go!!
And to be honest, I feel grateful that I was physically well enough to travel and experience this inspiring and memorable evening because as many people know, lyme doesn’t take days off, regardless of what our plans may be.
The venue, located at Cipriani on 42nd Street, was decorated by Lawrence Scott Events, and looked nothing short of magical! The photos can’t even fully capture the elegance. The evening commenced with a cocktail hour (hors d'oeuvres provided by Aureole) and red carpet photos, followed by a delicious dinner menu inspired by Chef Charlie Palmer. The main program featured motivational speeches from the host of the evening, Rosanna Scotto of Good Day New York, GLA leadership, and lyme disease survivors and advocates. Dinner was proceeded by an exciting live auction, which raised over $600,000! The night concluded with entertainment by Big Apple Circus, and a musical performance by TONY-Award Winner Santino Fontana.
Some of the program’s speakers included: Global Lyme Alliance CEO, Scott Santarella; GLA chairman, Robert Kobre; entrepreneur and lyme patient, Bob Kelly; former vice-chairman of Millennium Partners and father of three lyme survivors, David Nolan; and founder of WellBe and patient advocate, Adrienne Nolan-Smith;
The gala program also featured a powerfully produced film which depicted the debilitating and often heartbreaking symptoms of neurological lyme disease on a young mother and her family. This short film really hit home to me and raised crucial awareness to the often overlooked symptoms of late-stage lyme. The film was very well produced, and I felt was a very accurate depiction of what a person battling this progressive disease can go through on a daily basis. It is this kind of awareness that is key to getting more people involved in the fight because they can better understand what life is like for lyme patients and why the research is needed.
The gala was an inspiring evening from the beautiful decor and the memorable speeches, to the amazing food, and remarkable conversation. The room was filled with people who are passionate about finding a cure and delivering hope to lyme patients and their families worldwide.
I was able to connect with other lyme warriors from around the world, and meet some of the hard-working individuals who support GLA. The message was spread that lyme disease has no boundaries, and it can happen anywhere and to anyone; regardless of their age or current health status. It is now estimated that lyme disease could impact up to 2 million individuals by 2020.
This is why it is so important to continue to support organizations like GLA who are leading the way with innovative research to not only discover better treatments, but to help diagnose tick-borne disease earlier, and to even educate the general public on preventative measures.
The Global Lyme Alliance provides a strong community for those battling lyme disease and their families during what can be considered the most lonely and unpredictable time in a person’s life. GLA offers invaluable resources including a doctor directory and peer-to-peer mentoring program to help people with lyme disease find the help they need to combat this insidious disease. GLA has helped over 100,000 lyme patients and their families with referrals for lyme-literate MD’s across the country.
They work with some of the top scientists and researchers in the field conducting ground-breaking studies and trials to further advance the testing and treatment of lyme and tick-borne diseases. GLA’s world-class scientific advisory board follows a rigorous process approved by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to award research grants based on scientific standards. The funds raised by this gala and other GLA events throughout the year go directly towards supporting research and programs that will advance the scientific knowledge of tick-borne diseases, and ultimately finding a cure.
“When you have lyme disease there is just something so uplifting about meeting others who “get it” and can truly understand your journey. ”
As my friend and fellow lyme warrior, Katie said, “there are communities of people you never wish to be a part. But, once you become a part of that community, you can’t imagine walking through life without them.” I couldn’t agree more with this sentiment, and words cannot expresses my gratitude to Global Lyme Alliance and all that they have done for my family.
When I was first diagnosed with late-stage lyme disease my husband and I didn’t know where to turn because we had experienced rejection from numerous doctors, hospitals, and infusion centers in Illinois, which forced us to seek treatment out-of-state. We were also abandoned by our insurance company, and even some of our friends and family members didn’t understand the seriousness of lyme disease and the impact it had on us physically, emotionally, and financially. It was around this time that we were first introduced to the GLA community on social media.
I started talking with other lyme warriors online, and my husband and I attended the Chicago GLA fundraisers and connected with others who were going through the same experience as us, and we started to find our strength again, for the first time in awhile we had hope again. And today, I am proud to call those fellow lyme warriors and advocates my friends. I am proud to share my story and advocate alongside these strong, resilient and talented individuals.
Attending the gala only further fueled the passion within my heart to continue advocating and sharing my story to help others find the support, resources and the help they need. Lyme disease is a difficult journey that no one should ever have to take on alone. I am already looking forward to next year’s gala and have begun to challenge myself to try to figure out ways I can contribute to the cause in a more impactful way.
“Once you choose hope, anything is possible!”
My hope in sharing my experience at the gala is that my fellow lyme warriors can find comfort and hope in knowing that there is an incredibly powerful community working on our behalf to not only raise awareness for lyme disease, but to ultimately find a cure! It is amazing what we can accomplish when we’re in it together!
If you’re in need of a relaxing get-away, look no further! Sundara Inn & Spa is THE destination for an ultimate Midwest spa weekend that can destress your body and energize your soul! People travel from all over the country to visit Sundara, which is tucked away in the forest, on the outskirts of the Dells—the property is serene! It is about a 3-hour drive from Chicago, which in my opinion is the perfect distance for a mini retreat—far enough away, but not stuck in the car all day.
I have been under heightened stress the last couple months, so this was the perfect addition to my trip to release tension and supplement my healing journey. Self-care is crucial to healing, because as the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” I have been to many spas over the years, but none of them can really compare to the feeling of wellness and abundance that Sundara offers.
From the moment I arrived for my spa experience, I was impressed by the beautiful aesthetics, peaceful energy and warm welcome from the management and staff. Sundara’s main mission is wellness, and it shows. The spa and resort provides a sanctuary away from stress and seeks to embrace the joy of wellness. While all of the common-areas are electronic and cell phone free (which I LOVE), there are also spaces to connect with light conversation including the Cambrian Oasis with pools, waterfalls, and both indoor and outdoor swim-up bars. You can also dine with friends on the Savana Dining Patio that has a beautiful outdoor fireside seating area.
Speaking of dining, I was also very intrigued by the on-site restaurant, Nava, which serves Chef-prepared cuisine inspired by local farming in Wisconsin. Sundara’s wellness cuisine and restaurant has been recognized in Travel + Leisure and Luxury SpaFinder magazines. The best part to me was that they even have their own indoor garden stocked with everything from kale and tomatoes to a variety of nutrient-packed microgreens. As a certified integrative nutrition coach, I really care about where my food comes from, and I can honestly appreciate the hard-work behind sourcing your own produce, especially in the Midwest with the challenging weather and fluctuation seasons. (see garden pictured below)
After I toured the restaurant and resort area, I headed to the Relaxation Room to wait for my massage. My first treatment was an Ayurvedic therapy known as the Marma Massage. This isn’t like your typical basic, swedish massage. This unique treatment integrates healing energy work. The Marma Massage is a mind/body balancing treatment focused on releasing energy blockages throughout the body using Ayurvedic massage techniques. A massage therapist works with your meridians, chakra centers and marma (vital energy) points to enhance your body’s natural healing abilities.
The treatment also incorporates warm herbal oils to balance your specific mind/body type also known as your dosha. Prior to the massage, I filled-out a brief questionnaire to help determine my dosha. It was no surprise that I checked off many of the qualities of a pitta. There are three main Doshas you can fall under.
From the Chopra Center, “Pittas have a powerful intellect and a strong ability to concentrate. When they’re in balance, they are good decision makers, teachers, and speakers. They are precise, sharp-witted, direct, and often outspoken. Out-of-balance pittas can be short-tempered and argumentative.”
The Ayurvediuc principles are nearly 5,000 years old and focus on creating an ideal state of being through bio-energy and spiritual practices. Following the Dosha analysis, the treatment began with a ritual foot bath. My feet were washed with a detoxing cleansing bar followed by a light application of oils. The authentic Ayurvedic massage uses long flowing strokes to release energy blockages within the body. After the massage, I received a Dosha-specific tea to help further detox any impurities and rehydrate. I felt really good after the massage, I strongly believe in the power of energy healing and I think it is important to work on re-balancing your chakras especially if you are dealing with any sort of illness or dis-ease in your body.
After my massage, I headed to the Radiance Room where I sipped on fruit-infused water and relaxed on one of the private chases. I received the Organic facial which is naturally healing facial customized to your skin care needs—in my case that included treating residual dryness from the winter and some minor dark spots from sun damage and hormones. My facial included products from the Eminence line, which I absolutely LOVE and use at home myself. I have been using Eminence skincare products for almost five years now and have been very pleased. They are plant-based, organic products that feel luxurious and smell delicious, the strawberry-rhubarb mask is one of my favorites!
Your skin is the largest organ, so I always tell people they should be mindful of what they put on it. Staying away from chemical-based skincare is not only better for your skin, but your overall health and wellness. The duration of the facial was about an hour, and it was very relaxing with a mini-massage and mask treatment. My skin was smooth as a baby’s bottom and naturally-glowing for a few days after.
After my facial, I was able to check-out the Himalayan Salt Room. I have been to salt caves/rooms back home before, so I was already familiar with the many benefits. This room was refreshing and vibrant. I can’t quite describe the relaxing feeling of having that pink salt below your feet—similar to walking on sand at the beach. Using salt for wellness benefits is also known as halotherapy.
The negatively charged ionized salt and trace minerals that are present in the salt room’s atmosphere are said to help to naturally draw toxins and impurities out of the body, reduce inflammation, and even improve respiratory ailments like asthma or bronchitis by clearing the lungs. Some skin conditions can also be improved with halo therapy including psoriasis, rashes, eczema, and acne. Many people also receive stress-relief and similar benefits to meditation from the deep relaxation provided. Sundara has one of the only Himalayan Salt Rooms in the area.
Some other notable features at Sundara include the yoga room and purifying bath ritual. The multi-purpose yoga room is outlined with floor to ceiling windows which overlook the forest, and on a good day you can truly be one with nature including many deer and other wildlife. I did see several deer just outside the window while I was in the room. (yoga room pictured)
Throughout the week, Sundara offers a full-schedule of activities and fitness classes beyond yoga including cooking lessons, meditation and water aerobics, to name a few. There are many different comfortable seating rooms you can relax in throughout the resort—the perfect place to curl up with a good book, practice meditation, or maybe even take your first nap in years!
Another feature unique to Sundara is the “Purifying Bath Ritual”. It is a five-step self-guided proprietary treatment designed to cleanse the skin, and clear the mind before spa services, or can be enjoyed anytime as an overnight guest of Sundara. It includes a rainfall shower, exfoliation (with Sundara’s signature sandstone body polish which uses ancient Cambrian-era sand discovered at the spa’s excavation site as the exfoliating agent), steam room, cooling rainfall shower and rotation between a hydro-jet hot tub, and cold pool for circulatory and muscular benefits. For the ritual, you follow a circular path, repeating the steps (above) as much as you desire, and it is recommended to allow yourself at least 30-minutes to compete the ritual.
If you would like to extend your spa experience beyond a day, Sundara offers suites and overnight packages for individuals, couples, and even group retreat options. If you book, maybe I’ll see you there because I know I will definitely be heading back. Even though I only spent a day there, the benefits are still lingering over a week later, and I am grateful for the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes experience at the spa! If you are interested in learning more about Sundara or the types of services offered, visit their website.
It’s no secret that magnesium is a crucial mineral for overall health and wellbeing. About half of Americans don’t get enough magnesium from their diet and supplementation can offer benefits for many people. Magnesium is well-known for its stress relieving and calming properties. Its list of benefits ranges from preventing migraine headaches to insomnia.
I have used supplemental magnesium into my daily routine for over a year now, and I have first-hand felt and experienced the benefits. I don’t skip a single day of taking magnesium, because I know how powerful and important it is for my body. In the spirit of embracing a more restful and relaxing 2019, I was given the opportunity to try out a magnesium supplement called Natural Vitality CALM. I was very impressed with the quality, taste and ease of the product. Below I share more about my experience and the proven benefits of adding magnesium to a wellness routine!
Natural Vitality CALM Magnesium Supplement
Natural Vitality CALM is a fruity, light, dissolvable powder that promotes healthy magnesium levels and balances calcium intake when mixed in with beverages—helping you to feel more grounded and calm throughout your day, or as you rest and go to sleep. Magnesium is a vital mineral supports so many important bodily functions that keep you healthy from day-to-day. The award-winning product is made with high-quality ingredients. It is sweetened with stevia (a plant-based sweetener), and is verfied non-gmo. The light-weight powder is naturally flavored raspberry-lemon, so it is a great addition to a green smoothie or to liven up a plain glass of H2O!
Many magnesium supplements I have seen and tried are what I call “horse pills” because they are such large capsules that they are very difficult to swallow, and I have had to crush them or break them in half, which is just a mess and as you can imagine tastes awful! Being able to take the Natural Vitality CALM magnesium in a dissolvable form has been a much-welcomed change to my wellness routine! You simply just add the power to a drink of your choice or glass of water.
I started taking magnesium when I was diagnosed with frequent migraines from undiagnosed lyme disease. I was a little skeptical at first about how a simple supplement could really help the awful migraines I was experiencing a few times a week, but to my surprise once I was taking magnesium regularly for several months I did notice a reduction in my migraines. Some other benefits I experienced fairly quickly were less muscle spasms, and the ability to relax in the evening and fall asleep easier when I was stressed out or my body was in pain.
As a certified integrative nutrition coach and chronic illness warrior, I am a big fan of this product and utilizing magnesium as a part of a self-care routine to help combat stress and other health issues.
Magnesium can be taken in the morning or evening depending on your own personal preference and routine. It can help you to jumpstart your day in a calm state-of-mind, or help you wind down in the evening and relax your muscles and body, so you can more easily fall asleep. There are so many benefits to adding magnesium into your daily regimen. How and when you decide to take it, is up to you!
Magnesium can boost your mood and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that people who have a magnesium deficiency are more likely to develop depression, anxiety and mood disorders. In fact, it has been shown that magnesium can work just as well as an anti-depressant in some cases.
Magnesium helps control blood sugar levels. Many studies have shown that higher levels of magnesium in your body are correlated with a lower risk of developing diabetes.
Magnesium is also crucial for your bone health. Along with Vitamin D and calcium, magnesium helps support the building of healthy, strong bones. Some experts say that boosting your calcium levels without increasing your magnesium could render the calcium ineffective. It is crucial to keep a balance of 2:1 with calcium and magnesium in your body.
Magnesium is also said to lower you blood pressure, however it is important to note that studies have found this is only true for people who already have high blood pressure, and that magnesium may not have a preventative impact on those with normal blood pressure levels.
Additionally, some people, including myself, use magnesium as a migraine preventative. Studies have shown that many individuals who have migraines are actually magnesium deficient and therefore supplementing with the mineral decreases the frequency of their migraines and headaches.
Magnesium also is said to have some anti-inflammatory properties. People who have chronic inflammation many times are also magnesium deficient. Adding magnesium to your regimen when you suffer from a chronic inflammatory condition can potentially help improve your symptoms.
If you have any questions about Natural Vitality CALM or want to experience the benefits for yourself you can visit https://naturalvitality.com or Amazon to learn more or purchase the product today!
Natural Vitality CALM Magnesium mixed in with Tropical Green Smoothie
Tropical Calm Smoothie Recipe (shown above):
1 cup almond milk
1 banana (cut into pieces)
1 handful of kale chopped
1 handful of spinach leaves
1 small peeled kiwi
1/4 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup frozen pineapple
1/4 cup frozen mango
2 tsp Raspberry-Lemon Natural Vitality CALM magnesium
I always blend my smoothies in layers to get the best taste and texture! I blend the banana, almond milk and magnesium powder first to create a smooth consistency. Next, I blend in the greens, and lastly I mix-in the fruit one-by-one. Blend until the smoothie has an even texture. It may take an extra couple minutes to do it this way, but I can promise the better quality is worth it! Enjoy!
If you have questions regarding your magnesium levels or whether or not magnesium is right for you, be sure to consult your doctor or health care provider as this article is not to be taken as medical advice.
