Humidifiers keep your hair, skin, and lungs happy - here's how to use them

Dry air is the enemy of your body, especially your respiratory linings. It doesn't help your skin or hair either.

In the fall and winter seasons, the weather cools and outside air dries out. Then, when we turn on our furnaces, whatever moisture remains in the air departs. The average heated home is twice as dry as the Sahara Desert! The humidity level may be only half of that considered to be comfortable (around 40-50%).

Nasal and throat linings are excellent barriers against invasion by viruses and bacteria when moist, but this protective function falters as these linings dry out. Dry winter air facilitates upper respiratory infections such as the common cold, sinus infections, sore throats, tonsillitis, laryngitis, and bronchitis.

Your skin too, is healthier and more protective against germs, when it is moist. Your hair looks glossier, is frizz-resistant, and is considerably more manageable when it isn't dried out.

Fortunately, there are readily-available and cost-effective humidifiers that can help us moisturize the air. The problem is that some of them can spread more disease than they prevent. And so, here is a guide on everything you need to know about buying and using a humidifier: