Found along the road to health
Staying healthy on the go gets an assist with these new items, which may be available in area stores.
Judi Dash
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Into the mist
Home humidifiers can help combat the dry air that wreaks havoc on skin and nasal passages. But what to do on the road? Take along the Bionaire Personal Humidifier. The portable, 10-inch-high electric humidifier dispenses warm mist from a 1.5-gallon water tank that lifts out for filling. The machine runs about eight hours on a tank and shuts off automatically when the tank runs dry. A removable medication chamber allows for the addition of liquid medicine, such as mentholated inhalants made for steam vaporizers. The humidifier, which weighs 4 1/2 pounds, is designed for rooms up to 400 square feet and stows compactly in a car trunk. For its size, it covers a room well.
Bionaire Personal Humidifier (Model CM1) costs about $30. The Holmes Group, (800) 788-5350, www.bionaire.com.
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Look, Mom, no bacteria
Toothbrushes are a haven for bacteria, and on the road it can be even more difficult to keep them clean. One solution is the lightweight electric Violite Toothbrush Sanitizer, a toothbrush holder/cleanser that uses a germicidal ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms. Just place toothbrushes in the slots (the machine can hold four toothbrushes), push the start button and watch the translucent top glow blue until the sanitizing process is completed. A removable drip cup makes for easy cleaning. The Violite is just 6 inches high by 3 inches in diameter and weighs less than a pound.
Violite Toothbrush Sanitizer (DG-3864) costs about $50 from First Street, (800) 704-1210, www.firststreetonline.com.
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Sole mates
ExerSocks were designed for yoga practitioners who wanted the warmth, padding and hygienic protection of a sock (as opposed to going barefoot) without the slippery soles. But these thickly padded socks, which have rows of tiny rubber bumps on the soles for grip, are also a boon to those engaged in other activities, such as walking and hiking. The bumps provide nice shock absorption as you’re pounding city pavements or wilderness trails. The ankle-high socks also make an alternative to sneakers for indoor low-impact workouts while traveling, and can double as slippers. Available in unisex sizes in several colors.
ExerSocks three-packs are $24.99, from Crescent Moon of California, (714) 399-1450, www.crescentmoonyoga.com.
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Kiddie caddy
The Clean Shopper is a one-piece quilted cotton cart-seat-liner that is worth taking along to the local market as well as on trips when shopping with little ones is on the agenda. The liner covers the entire seating area, protecting children from surfaces where germs may linger. It secures to the handlebars via Velcro tabs and has a safety strap to keep junior from sliding around. It comes with two sewn-in side pockets, loops for attaching toys or teethers, and a travel tote. Machine washable and dryer safe, the liner comes in a variety of bright colors. Also available in a disposable polypropylene model.
The cotton Clean Shopper is $29.95; disposable model is $9.99 for a three-pack, from Babe Ease, (800) 635-3899, www.cleanshopper.com.
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Mini medic
Adventure Medical Kits packs a slew of useful first aid items into a packet it calls Go! Travel. The tri-fold wallet-size kit opens to reveal three plastic compartments stuffed with packets of antibiotic ointment, antiseptic towelettes, butterfly closure strips, Moleskin, adhesive bandages, extra-strength Tylenol, Motrin, antihistamine tablets, antacids and a tweezers/tick remover forceps. The nylon housing fastens via Velcro and has a built-in plastic clip for attaching to a belt loop or key chain. The kit really does have all the essentials for common problems on the trail. And because it’s so small, you’re more likely to keep it when winnowing down the load.
Go! Travel personal medical kit is $9.95. Adventure Medical Kits, (800) 324-3517, www.adventuremedicalkits.com.
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Gear & Gadgets appears monthly. All items have been tested by the author.