Category: Motivation

Why Filter Potable Tap Water?

Published on by Nikken

We often take water for granted, especially when we live in areas with free-running tap water 24/7. Then the unthinkable happens and we become more aware. For example, in 2014, there was a water crisis in Flint, Michigan, due to lead contamination. It’s been nine years and the people who live there are still dealing with the after effects. And, as recently as last year, the residents of Jackson, Mississippi, were left without potable water and that problem is ongoing. Even in Canada, a country that has multitudes of lakes, is home to First Nations people who continue to have to boil water to decontaminate it.

What’s going on? Why is potable tap water not the “safe” and convenient choice even in North America and parts of Europe? We’ve long known not to drink tap water in many countries when we travel, and that has added to the rampant use of single-use bottled water.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates public tap water used for drinking. The EPA sets limits on how much of an element that may be harmful to human health is allowed in the water supply. Limits are based on the amount deemed safe for human consumption and how much the water treatment facilities are capable of removing.

According to Sarah Grady, a science analyst at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), “There’s a gap between what is legal and what is safe.”1 She explains that many regulations are based on “old science” and therefore are insufficient to keep current water supplies safe. In other words, even when tap water is considered potable, it might not be completely safe. The EWG therefore maintains their own tap water database with stricter limits determined by peer-reviewed studies, research from state agencies and their own scientists.

Drinking tap water can be risky, not just when traveling to so-called third-world countries.

•          In the United States, about 90% of the population obtain tap water from a public water system. This water comes from a lake, reservoir, river or aquifer, which is piped into a water treatment facility. The “treatment” involves adding chemicals that bind to pollutants that may be in the natural water, so that they can be sifted out.2 This process makes it drinkable, but  the water contains chemicals.

•          The chemicals added to the water are disinfectants such as chlorine and chloramine. These chemicals are known to help kill pathogens in the water as well as any that might be contained in the water pipes themselves.3

•          Water treatment facilities vary in their capabilities, depending on location and funding. A study published in 2018 cites that 21 million people were exposed to tap water that violated federal guidelines in 2015. According to Maura Allaire, a water quality expert at the University of California in Irvine, the most common sources of the violations stemmed from unsafe levels of bacteria and viruses, nitrates, arsenic and harmful byproducts from the disinfectants themselves.4 It’s a catch-22 in that disinfectants are added to address contaminants but they create a whole different set of potentially harmful aspects.

•          Studies conducted on drinking water have shown that PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are commonly found throughout the U.S. These chemicals have been found in our blood and are linked to serious health issues, including cancer. PFAS are pollutants that are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they last in the environment for so many years. The EPA just this year has proposed rules to address PFAS at the federal level in order to try and remove these toxins. Meanwhile, PFAS have been contaminating water supplies for decades.4

•          The EPA has identified and regulates 90 water contaminants. There are many more that are identified and not yet regulated. They include 66 chemicals, 12 microbes and all PFAS, six of which were recently named as specific ones to limit.5 The gap between identifying toxins, providing substantiated proof of harm, proposing regulations, and finding funding to enact the rules is unfortunately huge. Meanwhile, people continue drinking the so-called potable tap water.

Nikken has been a vocal champion of hydration and clean drinking water for decades and now more than ever, our Global Wellness Community is at the forefront of the movement to filter potable tap water for our health and that of our children. The PiMag Waterfall® and PiMag® Sport Bottle are simple to use and help make potable tap water cleaner and better tasting. They provide convenience at home and when traveling.

Now through the end of the month, get PiMag® replacement filters at 20% off!  The PiMag Waterfall filters 900 liters or 238 gallons before replacement is needed, and the PiMag Sport Bottle filters 40 gallons or 151 liters per cartridge. You benefit from clean alkaline water, and help decrease plastic waste!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 National Geographic, Is tap wate rsafe to drink?, Sarah Gibbens, March 20, 2023.

Food for Action, Food for Thought

Published on by Nikken

Just as a car needs fuel, whether it’s electric or gas, both our bodies and minds need the proper nutrition to keep them functioning at full speed. Eating nutritious food may help us live longer and healthier lives, but it is also a way to be role models for future generations. Children who develop good eating habits have a better chance of succeeding in multiple aspects of their lives.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that in the U.S., fewer than one in 10 people eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables. Fewer than one in 7 adults and four in 10 children eat enough fruit!1 These sad numbers underscore the importance of re-evaluating our daily diets and committing to improving our eating habits.

Eating nutritious foods not only increases the chances of longevity, but it also helps keep skin, teeth and eyes healthy, supports muscles and bones, enhances the immune and cardiovascular systems, aids digestive system functions and combined with exercise, even helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight.2   Knowing how to eat right is not enough: we need to practice what we know.

The upside of an improved nutritional status is an increase in energy, better concentration and more restful sleep patterns. Outward signs of improved nutritional status include clearer skin, firmer muscle tone, shiny hair, and looking less stressed—mainly because sugar and junk food are companions to stress!

Even people who generally eat the right foods may not eat enough of them, or simply are running on an empty tank in today’s hectic world. We might miss a meal here or there because there’s no time to stop and eat during work hours. We may not have time to meal-prep nutritious food. That’s one of the reasons Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix is so convenient—”two scoops and you’re ready to go.” Convenience is handy but the nutrients in “KVB” make it exceptional.

Many drink or shake mixes contain protein from various sources but also may include other ingredients such as added sugars, artificial flavoring, thickeners and preservatives to prolong shelf life. Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix does not contain any “fillers,” artificial flavoring, preservatives or animal proteins. In fact, it is gluten-free, does not have saturated fats, added sugars, dairy or salt.

What KVB does have sets it apart from commercial brands!

• The “food for thought” aspect of KVB derives from the inclusion of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut milk. MCTs are known as “brain food” because they support cognition and contain properties that help burn fat as well as support metabolic processes.*

• The naturally-sourced protein comes mainly from organic pea, organic rice and organic moringa, which are completely plant-based.

• The formula combines an enzyme-probiotic blend to support the digestive and immune systems.*

• The subtle sweetness comes from zero-calorie organic monkfruit and organic stevia. These expensive natural sweeteners are not commonly found in commercial brands.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

A well-rounded diet requires nutrients from all seven food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and water. Once you mix KVB with the liquid of your choice, you have all seven!

We encourage everyone to be a reader of ingredient lists. Ingredients are listed with the highest percentage first, ending with the lowest. With KVB, it is notable that organic pea protein, organic rice protein and MCTs are listed one, two, three, followed by organic natural vanilla flavor, organic moringa and a variety of vitamins and minerals, organic green vegetables, enzymes/probiotic blend, and fiber.

Whether you want to supplement your current diet, replace a junk food meal or have a nutritious in-between-meal snack, we think KVB is the perfect solution. You can put it in a blender with PiMag® water, plant-based milks of your choice, dairy milks, or add fruit and greens to make it even more filling.

Remember that KVB can help you succeed in your personal Summer Challenge!

1, 2, 3 https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/resources-publications/benefits-of-healthy-eating.html

Summertime: Light and Bright

Published on by Nikken

During the summer, we can spend more time in nature. When the daylight hours are longer and brighter, we have more time to do the things we want to do. We can enjoy the vibrant colors and smells of the fruits and flowers that are so abundant when the weather is warm. We can wear light clothing and feel unburdened and free. Summer is a wonderful time to energize in the great outdoors and to develop healthy habits that lead us to be more active!

At Nikken, we have something for every season of the year, but this summer we have a special Summer Challenge and with it, the Summer Challenge Pack. We want to help you make the most of the hot months—June, July, August—so you can experience total wellness through a Healthy Body and Healthy Mind, two of the 5 Pillars of Wellness that Nikken is founded on.

The Summer Challenge is whatever you make it. You can choose to take time for self-care, develop and stick with an exercise regimen that you enjoy, eat a nutritious diet that includes food you like, and consciously live an active and balanced lifestyle. The Summer Challenge is personal, but Nikken has put together the Summer Challenge Pack to enhance your sense of well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, whether you’re a gourmet cook, restaurant regular or an order-in pro, the Summer Challenge Pack supports your personal activity levels. Three primary nutritional supplements work synergistically for you:

•  Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix can be a meal on its own or a healthy snack in between meals. It provides a quick source of energy, contains nutrients that are “food for action and food for thought.” That means it nourishes your brain as well as your body. MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) support cognitive function while pre-and pro-biotics help digestive and immune system activities.* Sweetened with zero-calorie organic monkfruit and organic stevia, there’s nothing artificial in this formula—there is no added salt, sugar, dairy, preservatives or GMOs. “Two scoops and you’re ready to go!”

• Kenzen Digestion Complex 4-20 contains all four enzyme groups that are needed in the digestive process! The four types of macronutrients come from fats, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber. They include 20 individual enzymes, including amino acids, proteins, soluble and insoluble fiber. Together, these enzymes optimize the absorption of nutrients to be converted into energy.

• Kenzen Jade GreenZymes® Citrus is “nature’s perfect food” with delicious lemon flavor added! Made with the juice of young organic barley grass that is cold-pressed to retain its natural enzyme activity*, it has the highest concentration of vitamins and minerals. This natural formula is naturally alkaline to help counteract acidic foods in the diet and supports skin’s elasticity for a youthful appearance!* It also contains organic inulin, which is known for prebiotic support. It’s so delicious, even kids like it, making it a great way to incorporate good nutritional habits into your young one’s daily regimens!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Summer Challenge Pack with Special Pricing (available June, July, August 2023)

USA 4472/CAN 4473

1 x Kenzen Vital Balance Meal Replacement Mix

1 x Kenzen Digestion Complex 4-20

1 x Kenzen Jade GreenZymes Citrus

Retail: USA $189/CAN $247 | saving USA $59/CAN $76

Enjoy your personal Summer Challenge and make it part of your total wellness lifestyle!

More Than Enough

Published on by Nikken

May is Mental Health Awareness month and the theme for 2023 is “More Than Enough.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness states this is an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability.1

What does “more than enough” mean? Each individual has different expectations for personal behavior and achievements, and how realistic those expectations are, can make the difference between being mentally healthy or not.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness puts expectations into perspective, so that each of us can feel “more than enough.” They state, “We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you, is more than enough.”2

Since mental health impacts every aspect of our lives, we can consciously make an effort to maintain a balanced outlook. Setting mental health goals may be helpful in feeling better overall. Here are some mental health goals that we can choose to set:

•          Manage stress. Not all stress is “bad,” because sometimes stress is simply a feeling of urgency that compels us to get things done in a timely way. However, if we have 10 things to accomplish and we place equal importance on them, our stress levels are sure to skyrocket. Managing stress means prioritizing tasks and even saying no to some of them or extending our self-imposed timeframes.

•          Speak kindly to yourself. We generally think about how to express ourselves to our family members, teachers, friends, employers, acquaintances and business partners, etc. before actually speaking. On the other hand, we generally don’t screen what we say to ourselves. Each of us has an inner voice (sometimes loud, sometimes soft) that we converse with. For mental health’s sake, we need to conscientiously speak kindly when talking to ourselves. Throw out any tendency to self-blame or overly criticize—mistakes make us human and what’s done is done—we have to learn to move on. The faster we can do so, the better our mental state.

•          Get moving. It doesn’t have to be “exercise” per se. It can be walking the dog, practicing dance moves, stretching or parking the car farther away when shopping. The symbiotic relationship between the brain and the heart is one of nature’s special gifts: get the heart pumping faster through movement and the brain starts feeling better! Movement is counterintuitive for people who are feeling blue, but if the first baby step is taken to get up and about, the blues can eventually be dispelled. On the other hand, if you’re a competitive athlete, it’s okay to have a slow day and do a little less without berating yourself. Regardless of the level of movement you choose, KenkoTherm® wraps offer you the type of support that gives you confidence.

•          Commit to getting restful sleep. How many times do we wake up feeling tired because we haven’t had a restful night’s sleep? Even once a week is too often. The human mind simply cannot function at its best without sleep. Ask any mother of a newborn how her brain is doing and hear about brain fog! The Kenko Sleep System is designed to provide you with the comfort and support that helps you obtain a restful night’s sleep.

•          Connect with nature. Even if it’s 10 minutes a day, make it a point to experience the outdoors. Whether it’s walking barefoot through the sand on a beach or wiggling your toes in the grass in a yard, take personal time in a natural space without electronics or manmade interruptions. Do this every day, even when it’s raining. It is guaranteed to make a difference in your mental health. to When you are indoors, use the KenkoGround® that was inspired by nature.

Make “more than enough” part of your daily self-care routine and enjoy your best life!

1, 2 https://authenticallydel.com/mental-health-goals/

We Can Help Curtail the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Published on by Nikken

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is twice the size of Texas, is the largest accumulation of ocean plastic in the world. The patch is bounded by an enormous gyre –the biggest of five huge, spinning circular currents in the world’s oceans that pull trash towards the center and trap it there, creating a garbage vortex.

The Ocean Cleanup initiative estimates there are about 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic in the patch that weigh an estimated 80,000 tons. The majority of the plastic found in the patch comes from the fishing industry, while between 10% and 20% of the total volume can be traced back to the 2011 Japanese tsunami.1

According to the UN Environment Program (UNEP), the world produces around 460 million tons of plastic a year, which will triple by 2060 without urgent action. Globally, only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled, and as much as 22% of all plastic waste is mismanaged and ends up as litter, with large amounts making it into the oceans.2

The Ocean Cleanup has built a huge trash-collecting system, a U-shaped barrier with a net-like skirt that hangs below the surface of the water. It moves with the current and collects faster-moving plastics as they float by, but cleanup is only part of the solution. A study published recently said that without urgent policy action, the rate at which plastics enter the oceans could increase by around 2.6 times between now and 2040.3

More than one million bottles of water are sold every minute around the world and the sindustry shows no sign of slowing down. Global sales of bottled water are expected to nearly double by 2030. Researchers analyzed data from 109 countries and found that the bottled water industry saw a 73% growth in sales from 2010 to 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. In 2021, global bottled water sales reached 350 billion liters and were valued at an estimated $270 billion, a figure expected to soar to $500 billion by 2030.4

Bottled water is popular throughout the world, with the US, China and Indonesia having the largest number of consumers. Countries in the Global South together represent roughly 60% of the market. A report by the UN University’s Institute for Water, Environment and Health showed that the bottled water industry generated roughly 600 billion plastic bottles and containers in 2021, resulting in 25 million tons of plastic waste, most of which was not recycled and ended in landfills.5

Fossil fuels are the raw ingredient for the vast majority of plastics, which have a heavy carbon footprint from manufacturing through to disposal. Around 85% of plastic water bottles, which can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, end up as waste in the ocean, adding to a vast swirl of plastic waste that poses a serious threat to marine life.6

The UN Environment Assembly passed a historic resolution last year to end plastic pollution and create the world’s first global plastic pollution treaty by 2024 – a legally binding agreement that would address the full life cycle of plastic, from its production and design to its disposal.

Each one of us can make it a personal goal to reduce plastic disposals every single day. The easiest way is to break the habit of single-use plastic bottles. All we have to do is make it a matter of routine to use re-usable water bottles and carry them with us. Nikken has outstanding water filters, namely the PiMag Waterfall® and PiMag® Sport Bottle. The replacement filters are recyclable, the water is refreshing and alkalized through the filtration process, and each time we drink from them, we know we are doing our part to live in harmony with nature.

Now through June 30, receive 20% off the PiMag® replacement filters for both the Sport Bottle and the Waterfall, along with the replacement filters for the PiMag MicroJet® Shower Systems and the KenkoAir Purifier®. It’s a win-win as we practice our total wellness lifestyle and help our oceans and marine sustain their survival.

1, 2, 3 https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/17/world/plastic-pollution-ocean-ecosystems-intl-climate/index.html

4, 5, 6 https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/16/world/plastic-water-bottles-un-report-climate/index.html

Mothers are Our First Teachers

Published on by Nikken

“Our mothers are our first teachers, and we teach others the same lessons we learn from them. As a child, when your mother believes in you, you believe in yourself, and when that happens, there is nothing you can’t do. As a mother, that is the greatest gift we can give to a child.”  Caroline Kennedy

From the minute a child is born, especially a first child, a mother is faced with so many decisions to make, decisions she never had to make before. Breastfeed or bottle? Diaper service or disposables? Traditional pediatrician or alternative care? Homemade food or ready-made when starting solids? Sleep train or co-sleep?

As the child develops, parenting becomes more complicated. How strict should a mother be? How much discipline is considered being overly controlling versus simply teaching good habits and manners? Public school or private? One language or multiple languages spoken at home?

Then there are the teen years, which are full of land mines for mothers to step on. There is the big issue of privacy. Is it okay to monitor your teenager’s phone calls, online activities and choice of friends? Is there a serious boyfriend/girlfriend? Do they know about and practice safe sex? How much can you ask without seeming to pry—and is your teenager even speaking to you? Is your teenager simply moody or suffering from depression, OCD, ADHD and many more possible irregularities? Are your high schoolers type A and pushing themselves too hard as they try to get into the “best” universities?  Every mother is different, yet every mother of a teen wonders even more than before, “what am I supposed to do to be a good mom?”

Once that child is “grown up” and leaves the house, mom does not stop worrying. The difference is now she sees them less often and no longer has a front row seat to view their successes and foibles. By this point, blessed moms may have become friends of their offspring. Friends get together and the teaching aspect of the relationship may even out in that the child may be imparting advice and knowledge to the mom as much as the other way around. Mom may be taken care of in many ways—role reversal begins when you’re blessed to be a friend mom.

When your daughter becomes a mother herself (or when your son becomes a father), that huge milestone changes the parenting dynamic yet again. Your “child” may actually show gratitude on a regular basis—there’s nothing like first-hand experience to teach or learn the lesson of parenthood: you no longer come first when you’re a parent. As we navigate into the different phases of our lives, mothers especially have to walk through fire before realizing we cannot take care of everyone else unless we take care of ourselves. This counterintuitive lesson is something virtually every mother struggles with.

We have many moms at Nikken, both who are Consultants and staff members. Being part of Nikken influences how mothers develop their parenting styles over the years and as the children gradually mature. Regardless of the wide range of parenting choices, Nikken Consultants and staff members cannot help but be guided by the 5 Pillars of Wellness, and this becomes integral to how we guide our children—to live fully with healthy body, mind, family, society and finances—in harmony with nature. These children will in turn impart this conscious and gentle lifestyle to the next generations.

May 14 is Mother’s Day this year— let’s show the true heroines — the mothers in our lives— how much we appreciate their teachings, patience, love and sacrifice! Let’s mindfully and intentionally do something to help take care of the beloved mothers in our lives every day of the year as they continue on their heroic journeys as mothers.

May is the Month to Make Our Recommitments

Published on by Nikken

May is the third and last month of the spring season in the northern hemisphere. In the United Kingdom, it’s known as the “smile month.” May is named after the Greek goddess of fertility, Maia, and the Romans called her Bona Dea. In the 1400s, the word designating the fifth month of the year changed from Maius to May.

In North America, May is known as National Recommitment Month! Its significance is as a time to reevaluate the meaningful areas of our lives and to see if we’re on the right path. Have we honored the commitments we made earlier in the year? How are we progressing with our goals for 2023? Are our relationships with family and friends where they should be?

Throughout our lives, we make goals and commitments, and before the middle of the year approaches, May is a good month to step back and assess how we are doing. No matter what the commitment—largely encompassed by any of the 5 Pillars of Wellness—healthy mind, body, family, society or finances—it’s time to take a look at where we stand.

Some practical ways to recommit are to examine our goals and see which ones are on track and which need more work or to be eliminated. If the original plan was too complicated to execute, then it’s time to simplify. If there were too many goals, it’s time to reset priorities and stick to the critical ones—our chances of success are higher when goals are realistic.

Focus. Multi-tasking is often presented as a desired skill when in reality, focusing on one goal at a time tends to produce a higher success rate. When we work on many things at once, chances are none of them will get done in a timely way. In other words, we don’t need to spread ourselves too thin. This holds true not only for work goals but also relationship goals.

Be mindful. Mindfulness is a means to an end. It helps ensure commitments are honored by decluttering the brain. Mindfulness requires our full intention as well as freedom from self-imposed anxiety, pressure, negativity and fear. Meditation is a form of mindfulness, but even without an actual meditation practice, we can take a few minutes every day to be quiet internally and renew our commitments and intentions. Meditation and being silent helps us consciously repel self-demeaning thoughts and emotions by emptying the mind. Mindfulness is positive self-talk and an essential component of self-care.

Prioritize. This is a no-brainer, but too often, we forget to do it. Since change is constant, we need to prioritize every day. That actually is what recommitment is founded on—as priorities change, our commitments change. What is most important to do today? And then, for the week?

Be flexible. Depending on each person’s personality, flexibility may come naturally or be a goal in and of itself. Just because we have made certain commitments and want to fulfill them doesn’t mean it’s always do-able or even practical. Sometimes we just have to go with the flow and adjust accordingly. On the other hand, sometimes we do have to stick to our plans even if they go against the general consensus. Exercising good judgment in that way is also part of recommitment.

What are you recommitting to this month? Are you hydrating and making sure you are breathing in fresh air? Are you exercising daily? Have you connected with your elder family members? Did you walk the dog today? Whatever your priorities are, remember to be kind to yourself.

As you recommit to prioritizing your health, be sure to take advantage of the 20% off filters promotion that Nikken is running now through June 30, 2023. It’s a great savings and the perfect time to purchase a spare for your PiMag® Sport Bottle, PiMag MicroJet® shower systems, PiMag Waterfall® and KenkoAir Purifier®! Each filter helps decrease your carbon footprint and gets your closer to being in harmony with nature!

Is it Hay Fever or a Common Cold?

Published on by Nikken

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms. These may include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance the body identifies as harmful, known as an allergen.1

Common allergens that can trigger hay fever symptoms include pollen and dust mites. Pet dander made up of tiny flecks of skin or fur shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with “hair” or feathers also can be allergens that cause hay feverlike symptoms.

Hay fever cannot be transmitted. In other words, it’s not contagious; however, hay fever can rage for weeks, months or even year-round. Colds generally last a week or less. Why is that?

If you are allergic to a seasonal environmental trigger such as pollen, your hay fever symptoms may be limited to particular seasons of the year. If you’re allergic to dust or smoke, symptoms may last all year long.

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Colds are generally caused by rhinoviruses and are highly contagious. Colds spread easily from one person to the other via coughing, sneezing and touching infected surfaces.

Cells in the nasal cavity recognize foreign substances and once they detect a bug or irritant, they activate “T cells” (a type of white blood cell that helps protect the body from infections) to search, find and destroy the culprits. This process is known as an immune response—and it occurs whenever you catch a cold or any other virus.

With hay fever, the irritant triggers the same T cells as it does with viruses. But with hay fever, the irritant also causes the release of IgE antibodies and histamines which produce ongoing symptoms, such as a plugged nose, losing the sense of smell and even nasal inflammation. Hay fever also produces itchiness on the face, especially near the eyes and throat, something colds do not.

Hay fever and colds share other symptoms: extreme fatigue, postnasal drip, coughing and runny noses. Hay fever sufferers tend to have watery runny noses, while those with a cold may have yellow or thicker discharge. Hay fever produces a dry cough whereas colds may have “productive” coughs that are phlegmy. 

One major difference between hay fever and the common cold is the sore throat. Hay fever may produce the effect of an itchy throat; in fact, the whole mouth, from roof to throat may itch. The sore throat is virtually always a precursor to a full-blown cold.

Symptoms can be similar, so it can be difficult to tell hay fever from a cold, especially since some people don’t develop hay fever until adulthood. This can result from a genetic predisposition that pops up when there is an unusually high level of airborne pollen, a major change in your lifestyle, moving to a different city, state or country, and even changes to what and how you eat. Although hay fever recurs and may last a very long time, about 50% find symptoms decrease as they get older and 10-20% outgrow it at some point in their lives.2

Anyone who suffers from hay fever or frequent colds can attest to how important it is to be proactive to help minimize symptoms. One tried and true method is to use an air filter year-round to improve air quality. At Nikken, we offer an effective and eco-friendly air filter known as the KenkoAir Purifier®.

The KenkoAir Purifier helps improve your indoor air quality to a higher level with an ultra-clean three level filtration system that captures up to 99.95% of 0.3 micron particles in the air. A pre-filter acts as a physical barrier or trap to remove large particles, an activated carbon absorption filter removes airborne gas and solution molecules, while the HEPA filter helps to remove ultra-fine particles such as airborne allergens. Negative Ion Technology replicates the clean, refreshing air found in natural settings, such as by a lake or a forest.

You can replace the filter every six months and the prefilter is re-usable, leaving a smaller carbon footprint. Environmentally-friendly, the KenkoAir Purifier is made with recyclable materials. At Nikken, we believe “To breathe is to live” and to live well is to be in harmony with nature!

1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20373039

2 https://theconversation.com/health-check-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-hay-fever-and-the-common-cold-104755#:~:text=How%20you%20tell%20the%20difference,in%20hay%20fever%2C%20it’s%20clear.

Embracing Spring Cleaning and Warmer Weather

Published on by Nikken

Spring is here and that usually means warmer weather, more sunshine and frequent but short showers—all helping flowers to bloom and foliage to grow. That adds up to more outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, swimming, yard work and picnics. While outdoors, we’re breathing in a mixture of pollen, clean and polluted air, and depending on the location, possibly industrial waste.

Spring is also a time of renewal and part of that is the universal embrace of spring cleaning. In fact, in many parts of Asia, spring cleaning involves not only one’s house but also the gravesites of ancestors. It’s a way to celebrate the gifts that the spring season brings to the living and remembrance and honor to those who have gone by keeping their resting places swept and clean.

The average American spends 80% of their lives indoors, where the air quality may actually be worse than the air quality outdoors! Depending on where we live, clean air and potable water can be valuable commodities rather than the norm. The rite of spring cleaning addresses indoor air pollutants and the need to hydrate more as the climate changes.

Even when outdoor air is breathable and water is potable, we run the risk of bad indoor air quality that can cause respiratory issues or other ailments. Air pollutants can range from contaminants brought in by pets, dust mites, spores, mold and mildew, or even harmful gases like carbon monoxide and radon, or volatile chemicals emitted from conventional cleaners and cooking.1

These air pollutants and allergens can cause respiratory problems and flare-ups in people who already have breathing issues. Children, people with asthma and the elderly may be especially sensitive to indoor pollution. These same people often do not stay well hydrated and other health issues can arise.This is why it’s so important to use water and air filtration units.

Nikken is committed to creating environmentally-friendly products that are in harmony with nature. They help us to breathe clean air, to live a a wellness lifestyle and to keep hydrated with alkaline water. When we’re spring cleaning, it’s the perfect time to make sure all our water and air filters are changed in a timely way!

  • The KenkoAir Purifier® exceeds the measured efficiency of capturing up to 99.95% of 0.3 micron particles in the air. It’s 35% more efficient than standard models and saves a minimum of 215 kilowatt-hours per year. Unlike typical air filters, this advanced system helps generate negative-ions similar to those found in natural environments.

Nikken recommends changing the filters every six months. Be sure to clean the reusable prefilter when the other filters are replaced. Choose Item #1444.

  • The PiMag® Sport Bottle uses state-of-the-art filtration technology that exceeds NSF standards for reducing particulates, chlorine, chloramine, taste and odor, cysts, lead, bacteria, VOCs, MTBE and more.

Nikken recommends changing the filter approximately every 40 gallons or three months of average use or up to an estimated 250 refills per filter. Choose item #13503 for the Replacement Filter Pack.

  • The PiMag Waterfall® is the eco-friendly Sport Bottle’s counterpart for the home and office. It also exceeds NSF standards as mentioned above.

Nikken recommends changing the filter every 3- 6 months or 900 liters/238 gallons, whichever comes first. Choose item 13845. Mineral stones should be changed annually. Choose item #13846.

  • The PiMag MicroJet® Shower System has also been tested according to NSF standards and been proven to effectively reduce chlorine exposure. While most chlorine-reduction systems in shower filters merely trap chlorine or add other chemicals to counteract it, the PiMag MicroJet uses a reduction/oxidation process to neutralize chlorine ions. The MicroJet injects air into the shower stream to increase the electronegative potential of the water for more effective filtration. Micro-bubbles are released through the nozzle to provide an exceptional cleansing action.

Nikken recommends changing the filter for the hand held model every 5,000 gallons or three months, based on average use. Choose Item #14661.

Nikken recommends changing the filter for the wall mount model every 10,000 gallons or six months, based on average use. Choose Item #13831.

Pet Love Equals Better Health

Published on by Nikken

April 11 is National Pet Day, and those of us who live with pets can attest to the multiple ways they enrich our lives. The truth is that the benefits of having pets are scientifically proven, not just our emotional bias. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) gathers the latest information on the positive health effects pet companions have on their humans.

Pet love is known to provide emotional support and in doing so, to help reduce stress. Cortisol is a hormone activated by stress, and studies have found that being around animals can decrease cortisol levels.1 Being around pets has proven to be so effective that some workplaces and schools are allowing dogs to be present.

Pets are also known to help with hypertension. A study of stockbrokers found that having a dog or cat helped lower the spike in blood pressure that happens when a person is stressed. Another study of hospitalized heart patients found that dogs decreased the patients’ blood pressure by about 10%!2

Cats specifically have shown they are able to decrease the likelihood of a stroke by more than a third! Researcher theorize that petting a cat can lower stress. They also surmise that the type of people who own cats might tend to be more stress-free naturally.3

Pets require care and can be a lot of work; however, even that ends up being helpful for our health, especially mentally. Whether it’s a daily wellness routine of walking, grooming or feeding, our labor of love provides a sense of purpose that overflows into other parts of our lives. This sense of purpose and the ability to take care of a loved pet can alleviate some mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety and depression.4

A 2016 HABRI study explored the role of pets in the social networks of people managing a long-term mental health issue and found that pets contribute to a stronger sense of identity, provide a sense of security and routine that reinforces stable cognition and serve as positive distractions from internal distress signals.5 For these reasons, pets are now widely used as support and therapy animals.

Even caring for fish can have positive effects. A recent study showed that caring for fish helped teens with diabetes better manage their disease. Researchers had a group of teens with type 1 diabetes care for pet fish twice a day by feeding and checking water levels. The caretaking routine also included changing the tank water weekly. The researchers tracked how consistently the teens checked their blood glucose levels compared with teens who didn’t have fish to care for. The teens with fish to care for were more disciplined about checking their own blood glucose levels, a key to maintaining their health.6

Considering that cats and dogs all have pet dander, a seven-year study of almost 500 children produced some interesting results. Children exposed to dogs and cats as babies were half as likely to have allergies and risk factors for asthma as they grew up than those who had no pets. Infants with more than one pet in the home had the lowest risk of allergies!7

There are so many animals available for adoption and waiting for a loving home. When you save an animal’s life, it will repay you and end up saving yours in so many other ways! Why not check out your local shelters, rescues and pounds and welcome one or more new family members!

1, 2, 3, 7 https://www.animalhealthfoundation.org/blog/2012/10/8-health-benefits-of-having-a-pet/?gclid=Cj0KCQjww4-hBhCtARIsAC9gR3bsJF3jJTRin9pp3bUSRqhD6-XKfEgrM-teCN9TNSKKQGrfpY_FgAEaAkOpEALw_wcB

4, 5 https://www.onehealth.org/blog/10-mental-physical-health-benefits-of-having-pets

6 https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets