That's Fit

I don't know what it's like in your area, but where I live spring allergies are in full force. According to a doctor from the Michigan Sinus Center and the University of Michigan, nasal irrigation is an easy way to get relief. In fact, the doctor states that it's a good first line treatment and is often more effective than medications.

You can buy saline sprays over the counter, but this doctor recommends a solution made with a quarter-teaspoon of kosher salt, eight ounces of warm tap water, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda. You can administer the solution using a squeeze bottle and squeezing four ounces into each nostril. If you open your mouth and make a "K" sound the solution will properly exit through the other nostril.

So tell me... is it just me, or does the thought of this give you the heebie-jeebies, too?

I don't particulary relish sharing my hygiene rituals with people but here's one I'm willing to report on because I wonder how many of you out there also know about this. I'm talking about nasal irrigation using a Neti Pot.

Wait ... you're reaching for the mouse ... don't scroll down! Seriously, have any of you tried this?

I was introduced to the concept last year by a friend who was living with us. I watched her perform this intricate head-tilting waterfall act daily, always swearing I'd never try it. Then I got a severe cold and sinus infection in March and I was desperate to try anything, anything, to soothe my sinuses and just be able to, I don't know, breathe. So I bought the Neti Pot and saline packets and, although it took me a time or two to get the technique down, I can say that it's turned into a sufficiently addicting habit that I do every day. Well, almost every day.

Basically, it works like this: You fill the Neti Pot with warm water, add a saline packet, and stir to dissolve. You then plug one nostril to form a seal with the Neti Pot, then tilt your head so that the water travels through the plugged nasal passage and exits through the free nostril. Tip: Do this over your bathroom sink and keep a towel nearby to catch the inevitable drips.