ARTICLE
Top Essentials For Your Winter Survival Kit
April 22, 2024-4 min read
Brrr! It’s cold out there. But don’t let the bitter chill outside dull the vibe at home. Thanks to the latest cold-busting, air-purifying and health-boosting appliances, you’ll not only survive, but thrive this winter. Focusing on your health and wellbeing at home means you’ll stand a better chance of coming out the other end of the cold and flu season unscathed. And if you do catch a case of the sniffles (or worse!), having the right tools in your winter survival kit can help lessen your symptoms so you’re back on your feet in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Keep your home warm
Choosing the Right Heater
Not all heaters are created equal. Whether you’re heating a small room or your entire home, finding the perfect heater depends on your space, budget, and heating needs. Here’s the top things to consider:
Consider Your Space Size
Small Rooms (Bedrooms, Offices) - Electric heaters, panel heaters, or oil-filled radiators work best.
Medium Rooms (Living Rooms, Dining Areas): Gas heaters, fan-forced heaters, or reverse-cycle air conditioners.
Large Open Spaces - Reverse cycle air conditioners are a great option for consistent warmth.
Choose the Right Type of Heater
Electric Heaters - Great for quick warmth in small spaces.
Gas Heaters - Ideal for large areas and more energy-efficient.
Oil-Filled Radiators - Quiet and efficient for long-term heating, great for bedrooms.
Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners - A long-term solution that provides both heating and cooling.
Smart Heating Hacks
Use door draft stoppers to prevent cold air from sneaking in.
Let the sunshine in during the day and close the curtains at night for insulation.
Make good use of Electric Blankets & Heated Throws for extra warmth on freezing nights.
Air Purifier
Why You Need It:
If you’re one of the 2.7 million Aussies with asthma, or if hayfever has you suffering whenever the weather changes, an air purifier could be the salve you’ve been looking for. It removes impurities like pollutants, allergens and toxins from the air so you can breathe more easily.
Top Pick: Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Black/Nickel
Gases, pollen, bacteria and even pet dander stand no chance against this stylish and powerful air purifier, fan and heater in one.
Humidifier
Why You Need It:
Skin, throat and nose dryness, sinus congestion and cracked lips – when your home’s air is dry (thanks for nothing, winter!) things can get uncomfortable. A humidifier provides a simple, affordable solution by misting moisture back into the air which, according to the National Asthma Council Australia, can also lessen your chances of catching airborne viruses.
Top Pick: Breville The Smart Mist Humidifier
With hot or cool mist to suit the season and whisper-quiet operation to keep you sleeping peacefully, this is the perfect humidifier for families.
Essential Oil Diffuser
Why You Need It:
Also known as aromatherapy diffusers, diffusers harness the feel-good power of aromatherapy by dispersing natural oils into the air. “Health conditions that respond to essential-oil inhalation include nervous tension, headaches, respiratory problems, colds, sore throats, blocked sinuses and coughs,” says clinical aromatherapist Kim Ellis of Living Well Essentials.*
Top Pick: Ellia Harmony Ceramic White Cordless Diffuser
Add your favourite soothing, uplifting or healing essential oils for up to eight hours of scented bliss.
Health Tracker
Why You Need It:
Does your motivation to stay fit disappear with the warm weather? An active body is a healthy one, so strap on one of the latest fitness trackers and let it cheer you towards your winter fitness goals. Many will also keep tabs on your sleep cycles, heart rate and even hydration for optimum health and wellbeing.
Top Pick: The Garmin Vivoactive 6 - Black/Slate
Record your heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels, respiration and stress levels.
“Does your motivation to stay fit disappear with the warm weather? An active body is a healthy one, so strap on one of the latest fitness trackers and let it cheer you towards your winter fitness goals.
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Digital Thermometer
Why You Need It:
Body temperature tells us a lot about health, and a high temperature is often the tipping point for a visit to the doctor. “An old-school thermometer will get the job done, but the latest digital thermometers take a fast, accurate reading without touching the skin. Anyone who has ever tried to take the temperature of an unwell, sleeping baby knows this is a game changer! ” says Tania Grillinzoni, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances.
Top Pick: The Beurer Infrared Non Contact Digital Thermometer
Accurately measure body temperature, as well as ambient room and surface temperatures, from 2-3cm away using infrared technology.
Electric Blanket
Why You Need It:
Shivering through winter nights is a waking nightmare, and the exhaustion from sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your immune system. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. So, plug in an electric blanket and let its warming embrace keep you snug through a wakeless, deep sleep. Sweet dreams!
Top Pick: Sunbeam Sleep Perfect Antibacterial Electric Blanket
An antibacterial treatment stops the growth of bacteria and mould that could harm your health, while the Auto-Off feature ensures peace of mind for your safest, cosiest sleep yet.
Steam Cleaner
Why You Need It:
Steam is the non-toxic cleaner you need for winter germ busting at your place. With the push of a button on any portable steam cleaner, you can thoroughly disinfect all of those grubby, often touched surfaces like door handles, as well as sanitise mattresses, floors and other hard surfaces.
Top Pick: The Karcher Steam Cleaner SC2 with Easy Fix 1500W
Lightweight, portable and has interchangeable heads for cleaning hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans.
Massager
Why You Need It:
The benefits of a massage – especially during winter – make a home massager a must-have in any home health kit. Aside from being a godsend for anyone whose arthritis flares up in the cold, massage can also improve circulation, increase relaxation and reduce stress.
Top Pick: The Beurer Shiatsu Massage Seat Cover
Working from home is a real treat with one of these on your office chair! Fire up the heat function to melt away aches and pains.
Ready for winter? Visit us in-store or online to find out more about the products in this article and how the latest health monitoring equipment can help keep you and your family feeling great.
Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before using essential oils if you have health concerns. Information in this article is not intended to be substituted for advice from your health care professional.
