Your Monthly Check-Up: Attacking Your Allergy Symptoms

Spring is in the air, but for some people, that can only mean one thing – the onset of allergy season. Also known as “hay fever,” allergies affect about 40 to 50 million people in the US, according to an article in “Healthy Living Made Simple” titled “Harnessing Hay Fever” by Dr. James L. Sublett.

Generally occurring anywhere from early spring to fall, allergies come with a host of unpleasant symptoms, including sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, congestion and scratchy throat. These symptoms occur due to pollens from trees and grass, weeds and mold allergens, as well as household nuisances such as dust mites, animals and various vermin.

According to Dr. Sublett’s article, allergies are triggered as an immune system response to genetically predisposed allergens and can occur at any age. While it’s a myth that children can outgrow allergies, it is true that allergies can develop later in life after years of being allergy-free. If you are one of these late allergy bloomers, you may mistake your symptoms for the common cold, as they are similar. But, according to Dr. Sublett, a cold will start off pretty minor, peak at around day four and work its way through your system by about day seven to 10. Unfortunately, we’re all familiar with the common cold.

Managing allergy symptoms is like a 3-legged stool, according to Dr. Sublett – education about avoiding what you are allergic to, effective medications and allergy shots. Since only a small percentage of allergy sufferers find adequate relief from over-the-counter drugs, it’s best to schedule an appointment with an allergist or immunologist, especially if you suffer from moderate to severe allergy symptoms. Once a proper diagnosis is reached, the specialist can then recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Whether your allergies are severe, mild or non-existent, improving the quality of your indoor air is a great step toward reducing allergy symptoms. Dr. Sublett outlines 10 things you can do right now to improve your air quality:

• No smoking inside the house
• Measure indoor humidity and keep it below 50 percent. Do not use vaporizers or humidifiers – in fact, you may need a dehumidifier. Vent fans in bathrooms help remove moisture and repair water leaks.
• Remove wall-to-wall carpet from bedroom. Use a central vacuum with HEPA filter regularly.
• Wear an N95 particulate mask when vacuuming, sweeping or doing yard work (CDC NIOSH-rated).
• Keep pets out of the bedroom and use a HEPA Air Cleaner with an adequate Clean Air Deliver Rate (CADR).
• Put mite-proof covers on your mattress and pillows and wash bedding weekly with hot water.
• Install a MERV11 or 12 disposable high-efficiency media filter in the furnace and AC system and change the filter every one to three months
• Leave a fan on to create “whole-house” air filtration
• Have your heating and AC units inspected and serviced every six months            
• Vent gas appliances and fireplaces to the outside and maintain regularly

With just a few simple household changes and a trip to the doctor, you can spend this allergy season breathing easier than ever before.  Read Dr. Sublett’s full article here and check out Hinda’s assortment of fans, HEPA vacuums and air purifiers! 

Merchandise Monday: Shape Up for Summer!

We’re almost a week into spring, and while temps are still on the cool side, there’s no better time than now to start getting in shape for swimsuit season! From duffels to duds and footwear to fitness trackers, you’ll find all your workout necessities within Hinda’s ever-growing assortment!

adidas® Medium Duffel

Perfect for the gym, practice or even a weekend away, the Medium Duffel features four pockets – including a dry/wet storage compartment – a Velcro closure grab handle, padded airmesh shoulder strap and measures 11” W x 22.5” L x 13” H. Fit everything you need no matter where you work out!

adidas® 3-Stripes Piped 1/4-Zip Men's Pullover

This Men's Pullover features self-mock, contrast piping on shoulder and sleeve, contrast adidas® brandmark on bottom-right hem, contrast 3-Stripes tape on back neck and is made of 100 percent polyester French terry with hydrophilic finish. Stay comfortable and dry during your workout!

Escalade® Goalrilla GLR GS III Basketball System

The Goalrilla brings you some of the best components and construction available in the market. It features a sturdy 5” x 5” square steel pole, a height-adjustable 7.5-10’ rim and a 54” W x 34” H tempered glass backboard that provides a superior rebound compared to acrylic or other materials.

Fitbit® Flex™ Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband

Wear this slim, stylish device all the time – even in the shower – and get the motivation you need to be more active. It tracks steps, distance and calories burned and shows you how you’re stacking up against your daily goals. At night, it tracks your sleep cycle and helps you learn how to sleep better.

Jawbone® UP™ Fitness Tracking Bracelet

Wearing UP captures a complete picture of your day so you don’t have to guess how active you are. UP tracks your steps, distance, calories burned and time spent active vs. idle. It also tracks your sleep, your mood and discovers hidden connections and patterns in your day-to-day activities.

Mizuno® Impermalite Hyper Rain Jacket

This soft-touch, ultra lightweight waterproof jacket features Japanese technology that delivers the ultimate in rain protection. A super thin membrane provides lightweight performance while a loose liner allows movement against bare arms when worn directly over a base layer. Don’t let the rain stop you!

Nike® Lunar Ascend Men's Golf Shoes

These men’s golf shoes feature Hyperfuse technology which combines synthetic leather, mesh and TPU, a Lunarlon cushioning in heel, full-length comfort sockliner, full-length TPU Integrated Traction and the Nike® Power Platform. Stand out on the course in this ultimate summer shoe!

Trek® Gary Fisher Collection Dual Sport Bike

This go-anywhere machine is road-bike fast, trail-bike capable and fun everywhere. It sports an aluminum frame, Bontrager wheels and multi-surface tires. A 63mm travel fork has on-the-fly suspension lockout, hydraulic disc brakes and the confidence of all-conditions stopping power!

Zume™ Flying Dizk™

This great-grip flying disc is super tough with a comfortable soft touch. The unique design allows the Dizk to fly, float and flex and the center hole creates more ways to catch. Dizk measures 10.5” L x 10.5” W x 1.5” H and is suitable for ages 6-plus. Great for the beach, family picnic or any open field!

Hinda Welcomes Mike Donnelly

Hinda Incentives has announced the appointment of Michael J. Donnelly to the position of executive vice president and general manager. Donnelly reports to Brett Tharpe, president and chief executive officer for Hinda-TharpeRobbins. 

Donnelly most recently served as president and owner of Donnelly Creative Partners, Inc., where he provided consulting services to businesses, including full-service marketing and communications services. Previously, he served as an executive with Maritz Inc. There he held leadership positions with Maritz Rewards, Maritz Motivation Solutions and Maritz Loyalty Marketing.

“With Mike’s years of experience in the incentive, loyalty and marketing industries, we are honored to have him join our team,” says Brett Tharpe. “He comes to us with an extensive and diverse background and will work closely with the Hinda team to ensure that it continues to be the undisputed leader in the incentive and loyalty industry.”

"I am excited and eager to take this leadership role and work with a talented group of individuals,” says Donnelly. “We have tremendous opportunities ahead of us and I look forward to guiding this respected organization into the future."

Mike has received several industry honors including awards from the St. Louis Direct Marketing Association and the national Direct Marketing Association and he is a winner of the William E. Maritz Award from Maritz, Inc.

Merchandise Monday: Spring Cleaning!

What could be better than cracking the windows on that first warmish spring day and letting the fresh air in for the first time in months? Only the latest selection of spring cleaning items currently available at Hinda! Time to turn off the binge TV, come out of hibernation and overhaul your home and backyard for the warmer months ahead.

Briggs & Stratton® 1700psi Electric Pressure Washer

Wash away winter with this pressure washer, featuring a 2-tank adjustable strength soap system, pressurized hose reel, soft-grip touch points, intuitive controls, adjustable spray wand, RotoScrub nozzle, long-life induction motor and axial cam pump. Salt, mud and other unseemly sidewalk and driveway dirty-ers don’t stand a chance against this powerful cleaner!

Dyson DC58 Handheld Vacuum

Powered by the Dyson digital motor V6, this handheld vacuum features a 350W motor, two Tier Radial™ cyclones and a re-engineered nickel manganese cobalt battery combined to provide powerful suction. With a higher wattage than other Dysons, the V6 motor contributes to the ability of the machine to produce powerful suction power.

Dyson DC59 Digital Slim Animal Cordless Vacuum

With more suction power than any other cordless vacuum, the DC59 brings you the combination of Dyson’s digital motor V6, Tier Radial™ cyclones and a re-engineered nickel manganese cobalt battery – making this amount of suction power possible. A re-engineered floor tool helps the vacuum suck up as much dust as a corded version.

Poulan Pro® 21-inch 3-in-1 Push Mower

Poulan Pro offers push and front drive self-propelled units as well as high rear wheels models for better maneuverability. The push mower features a Briggs & Stratton® 550 Series 140cc engine with auto-choke, 21” deck, 3-in-1 mulch, bag and discharge, push drive, 8” front and 12” rear wheels and 5-position height adjust.

Poulan Pro® 22-inch 2-in-1 Front Wheel Self Propelled Mower

With Poulan Pro’s multi-function deck designs, you can quickly and easily switch between mulching, bagging and discharge modes without tools. The front wheel self propelled mower features a Briggs & Stratton® 625 Series 150cc engine with auto-choke, 22” deck, 2-in-1 mulch and bag, 8” front and rear wheels, 9-position height adjust and deck wash.

Poulan Pro® 22-inch Cut Wheeled Trimmer

Poulan Pro lawn mowers ensure there is a unit perfect for all mowing needs, boast industry-leading engines with the power to tackle the toughest jobs. The wheeled trimmer features a Briggs & Stratton® 625 Series engine, 22” cutting width, 1.6-3.04” cutting height, dual exit fixed line advance, .155” line diameter and 12” wheels. Let Poulan Pro polish up your yard this spring!

Wagan® Euro Waxer

The Euro Waxer features random orbital action that provides a swirl-free finish with 2900 orbits per minute. The 10” orbital polisher features an applicator and buffing bonnet and contoured, over-sized handles provide for multi-position hand placement. Permanent magnet motor helps maintain OPM under load. Your car will shine in the spring sun!

Worx 12-inch Grass Trimmer 120V, 4.0 Amp

This trimmer features a 180-degree rotating shaft that instantly converts to an edging function. The telescoping shaft adjusts to a user’s height and posture and the handle adjusts for maximum comfort and control. A steel wire edging guard protects flowers and garden gnomes. Other features include twin automatic line feed, a 12” cutting diameter and 4-position tilting shaft.

Worx 15-inch Grass Trimmer 120V, 6.0 Amp

This corded electric trimmer features a tool-less conversion to in-line edger. Its innovative, 2-in-1 design also includes built-in edging wheels. It also features a telescoping shaft, a pivoting head with a foldable spacer guard to prevent damage to foliage or lawn ornaments, a 15” cutting diameter and 6-amp motor. Package includes a dual-line spool of WORX trimmer line.

Worx 10-inch 20V Li-ion Battery Powered Trimmer

The cordless lithium-ion trimmer converts into edge function with a 90-degree tilting shaft and adjustable handle for maximum comfort and control. It features automatic line feed, twin wheel guide for edging, a telescopic shaft that adjusts to user’s height and posture, a steel wire edging guard that protects flowers, two wheel positions and is Energy Star® certified.

Worx 24-inch Hedge Trimmer, 120V, 4.0 Amp

The electric hedge trimmer features dual-action blades, soft-grip handle, a slim body design for easy maneuverability and comfort and is lightweight and ergonomically balanced to easily operate with one hand. The 120V/60Hz trimmer also features .75” max cutting diameter, 24” max cutting length and weighs 5.7-pounds. Show your backyard who’s boss with the latest from the Worx line!

Merchandise Monday: Sizzlin’ Grills

Last week was golf, this week it’s grills – are you noticing a theme here? We’re over this long, cold, snowy winter and are gearing up for warmer weather with new merchandise to match the impending spring season! We’ve added a bunch of new grills and grilling accessories just in time for you to come out of hibernation and get into the fresh air!

Broil King® Baron™ 340 S Natural Gas Grill

At the heart of the Baron 340 S is the legendary Broil King cooking system: heavy-duty cast iron cooking grids, stainless steel Flav-R-Wave™ technology and powerful stainless steel Dual-Tube™ burners. Easy to maintain, with urban styling and a performance package that rivals any other grill, the Baron series is in a class by itself.

Char-Broil Four-Burner Gas Grill with Sideburner

This 40,000 BTU cooking system with four burners has 480 sq. in. primary and 660 sq. in. total cooking area. It features a 10,000 BTU lidded side burner, porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grate and swing away, electronic push-button ignition, stainless steel lid, handle, control panel and fascias, painted metal side shelves, front panel and a temperature gauge in lid.

Cuisinart ® 3-Piece Professional Grill Tool Set

The Cuisinart® 3-Piece Professional Tool Set turns any griller into a pro with high quality, good looking tools. This set includes spatula, tongs and fork and is constructed of durable stainless steel and rubber ergonomic grips. The Cuisinart logo is embossed proudly across the tools and each tool is comfortably long enough to use safely at the grill without being bulky.

Cuisinart Chef's Style Stainless Tabletop Grill

This grill goes from box to burgers in less than 10 minutes with no tools required. Once set up two stainless steel burners combine for a total of 20,000 BTU's of meat searing heat sparked by a simple TwistStart ignition system. Feel free to show this grill off while tailgating or camping as well since this unit travels as well as it cooks.

Cuisinart Grilluminate Universal Grill Light

The Grilluminate Universal LED Grill Light is a fully customizable light designed to brighten up any grill when the sun goes down. This light features a unique dual mounting system - the C-clamp adjusts and mounts the light to most full-sized grill handles while the magnetic base allows you to prop the light firmly on any magnetic surface. 

Cuisinart Wireless Grill Thermometer

Monitor the grilling temperature of six different types of meat – beef, veal, lamb, pork, chicken and turkey – from up to 100’ wirelessly. Simply select your meat and desired taste, insert the probe and grill away. The handheld unit will monitor the meat temperature and even alert you when it's done. This thermometer also features a convenient timer option and built in flashlight for grilling at night. 

Weber® Barbecue Mitt

The Barbecue Mitt is a reliably protective mitt at the grill and is a must for safe grilling. This mitt is extra long to protect hands well beyond the wrist. Well padded for extra protection and sized to fit most hands.

Weber 3-Piece Tool set

The 3-Piece Tool Set includes a spatula, tongs and fork. Textured handles allow for easy gripping and better control of tool. The angled spatula neck allows you to reach over the edge of the grill. Get ready to become a barbecue pro this season!

Merchandise Monday: New in Golf – Part 2

Check out Part I of our New in Golf article here.

Nike® VRS Covert

Fairway Wood

The Nike® VR_S Covert 2.0 fairway wood features an enhanced cavity back design with a lower center of gravity, delivering a higher launch angle and reduced spin rate for greater distance with every shot. With all-new Fly-Brace technology, the rear portion of the club is reinforced so more energy is transferred to the face at impact. And the weight of the club is redistributed from the center toward the heel and toe for increased stability.

Hybrid

The hybrid improves on its predecessor with a reengineered High Speed Cavity Back design for increased distance and more stability. With all-new Fly-Brace technology, the rear portion of the club is reinforced so that more energy is transferred to the face at impact, resulting in longer and straighter shots. The redesigned NexCOR face incorporates variable face thickness for a faster, hotter face and more ball speed.

VR X3X Wedge Dual Wide Grind

The wedge features new, improved X3X grooves that offer a stronger, more aggressive edge and deeper channels for ultimate stopping power and distance control. An extremely wide sole near the toe and a very narrow sole at the heel allow you to easily get the ball up out of the bunker and rough. Dual sole designs enable you to open the face and maintain a low-leading edge for visual confidence and an all-satin chrome finish.

TaylorMade® JetSpeed

Driver

The JetSpeed is the first driver with a Speed Pocket, which promotes more distance on hits low on the face. Low-and-forward CG promotes faster ball speed and lower spin-rate for more distance. A shallow profile allows ultra-low CG to deliver more distance. Additionally, a 12-position loft sleeve allows for full adjustability, a streamlined head shape delivers optimal aerodynamics and a matte black crown reduces glare.

Fairway

This is TaylorMade’s longest and most playable fairway wood ever. A new and more efficient Speed Pocket design promotes fast ball speed for long distance. Low-and-forward CG promotes fast ball speed and low spin for optimal launch conditions. An ultra-high strength JetSteel face promotes fast ball speed for long distance, and a low-profile head design with shallow face promotes easy launch for outstanding playability.

Hybrid

The hybrid’s new and more efficient Speed Pocket design promotes fast ball speed for long distance. Low-and-forward CG promotes fast ball speed and low spin optimal launch conditions. An ultra-high strength JetSteel face promotes fast ball speed for long distance and a low-profile head design with shallow face promotes easy and high launch for great playability. The Matrix Velox T shaft-weight varies by flex to promote maximum feel.

Bet you can’t wait for the big thaw so you can try out some of these new clubs – or any other item in Hinda’s golf assortment – at your favorite course! 

Merchandise Monday: New in Golf - Part I

While most of the country is buried under mountains of snow, the good news is that spring is a mere 31 days away, which means it’s not too soon to talk about what’s new in golf! Hinda has been busy buying the latest items and stocking up on old faves in time for your first outing of the season. As an added bonus, the selection we’re featuring today all appear on Golf Digest’s 2014 Hot List!

Callaway® Big Bertha

Alpha Driver

Everything Callaway has learned about adjustable drivers has led to this: introducing Big Bertha Alpha, the total performance package of distance and forgiveness. Bertha’s Hyper Speed Face is more robust than ever, increasing ball speeds across the face for longer drives more consistently. And, for the first time ever, players can adjust backspin independently of launch angle with Gravity Control Adjustability. 

Driver

So epically long, the Big Bertha driver deserves to carry one of the most legendary names in golf. It’s faster and more robust with Adjustable Perimeter Weighting for maximum distance more consistently. The Advanced Adjustable Hosel adjust loft in 1-degree increments (up to +2 or down -1) in Draw or Neutral to optimize launch, backspin and shot shape. It maximizes distance with more accuracy.

Fairway Wood

This is what you get when you use the same face technology in the hottest fairway woods in golf, and then add advanced adjustability. Bertha’s Hyper Speed Face is thinner, lighter and more robust to provide faster ball speeds across the face for more consistent distance and playability. Improved Internal Standing Wave precisely locates CG for a more consistent launch, spin and distance across the face.

Cobra® BiO CELL

Driver

The all-titanium BiO CELL driver is equipped with MyFly8™ and SmartPad technology that features eight adjustable loft settings, allowing you to tune the driver for maximum distance to match your swing. It also features new Crown CELL weighting and forged E9™ BiO CELL face technologies that reduce the weight in the crown and face to deliver a much larger sweet zone™.

Hybrid

Easily gap your long game to optimize your distance with BiO CELL MyFly8 technology. Forged thin, shallow, high-strength steel face inserts enable more face flex for faster ball speeds, longer distance and higher trajectory. New BiO Cells combine with E9 face technology to remove more weight from the face and crown to reposition it low and back, delivering the best combination of a super low CG and high MOI.

Irons

Long and mid irons feature heavy tungsten in the heel and toe for forgiveness while short irons feature tungsten centered behind the hitting area for added distance and control. The largest unsupported face of any Cobra iron creates more face flex at impact for increased ball speed and extreme distance. Bio Cell and E9 Face Technology™ create a low CG and high MOI.

Stay tuned later this week when we bring you the latest assortment of Nike® and TaylorMade®!