6 Asthma Triggers That Are Probably In Your Home Right Now

On average, Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors. When it comes to asthmatic triggers, there’s a common misconception that the home is safer than the great outdoors, where ozone and pollen pose a constant threat. However, indoor allergens and irritants play a major role in triggering asthma attacks, which must be treated with inhalers or nebulizers. Here are 6 of the biggest culprits – and how to get rid of them.

Secondhand Smoke – Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, many of which cause cancer. If anyone in your household smokes, the exhaled fumes can trigger asthma episodes and increase the severity of symptoms. The risk is especially strong for children, whose developing bodies and faster respiratory rates cause them to breathe in more secondhand smoke, and therefore be more susceptible to its effects. If you want to rid your home of this trigger, don’t bother opening the windows or powering up the fan: the only way to stop secondhand smoke exposure is to make your home smoke-free. And if you must light up, do so outside.

Dust Mites – These bugs are too small to be seen by the naked eye, but there’s a good chance your house is teeming with them. The critters feed off the dead skin cells that your body sloughs off naturally, and live pretty much anywhere: mattresses, pillows, upholstery, carpet, clothes, you name it (if you want to see what they look like – and they’re not pretty – here’s an interesting video). The mites themselves are harmless, but their droppings contain enzymes that can trigger asthma attacks, even in children who have not previously exhibited symptoms. You probably won’t be able to get rid of them completely, but you can reduce their numbers by washing bedding once a week, using dust-proof covers on mattresses and pillows, and vacuuming regularly.

Mold – Where there’s moisture, there’s mold. These microscopic fungi produce similarly microscopic spores that can trigger an asthma attack when inhaled. Mold thrives in damp, dark environments, and typically makes its presence known; you might see a white, orange, green or black “fuzz,” smell a musty odor, or notice a discoloration in a part of your home with prior water damage. If you suspect that there may be mold growth in your home, first figure out where it is coming from. Then proceed to wash the mold off, clean the area, and let it dry. Be wary that some materials – such as ceiling tiles – may need to be replaced entirely. And wear a mask while you do clean-up, so you don’t inhale the nasties!

Cockroaches – These lovely little creatures spread all sorts of lovely little diseases, and guess what? They’re one of the most prevalent indoor asthma triggers. Enzymes in the cockroaches’ droppings and saliva can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks; ironically, the insecticides you use to kill them can prove just as loathsome to your lungs. Roaches tend to make themselves scarce, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to keep them from crawling into your home – keep your counters, sinks and floors clean, seal up any cracks you find around the house, and make sure to keep all food in airtight containers.

Pets – We all love our pets – but like it or not, if you’re allergic, Fido’s pet dander may be to blame for an asthma attack. The easy fix is to find another home for your cat or dog, but nobody wants it to come to that – so before you take that last resort, take other steps: keep your pet off the furniture and out of the bedroom of the person with asthma, vacuum carpets and furniture regularly, and make sure pets spend time outside. And remember – hairless critters like fish and turtles are great for people with pet allergies.

Household Chemicals – This being the 21^st century, there’s a good chance your home contains at least a few chemical irritants, be they cleaners, paints, pesticides, cosmetics, or air fresheners (schools and businesses also tend to be teeming with them). These irritants can cause an asthma attack, especially when used in poorly-ventilated rooms. Consider investing in products that are Green-certified, and if you must use a product, make sure to open windows and doors. And always, always follow the instructions on the product label.

Sources:

http://www.epa.gov/asthma/triggers.html

Guest Writer: Zoe Camp is an avid blogger for justnebulizers.com and a student at Columbia University who spends her time researching and writing about health.

How to Lose Extra Pounds, Remain Slim and Stay Fit

Extra pounds of weight can give rise to so many health problems and make you very unfit. It also makes you prone to so many disorders and diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, intestinal diseases etc.

To prevent some or all of these problems associated with being overweight, and even cure some of them, you should consider losing those extra pounds.

Besides the physical and health benefits of being fit, there are also some psychological advantages that are equally significant: Knowing that you are fit directly translates into more confidence for you which in turn reflects on your relationships and productivity. This alone should be a motivation for you to burn off those extra fats.

These are some simple tips to remain slim and fit:

• First of all, you must be determined to remain slim and work towards it. Develop a mindset towards it and set realistic goals.

• Make lifestyle changes like giving up alcohol, smoking, avoiding fatty food, and refined food.

• Consume more of fresh foods. Processed foods tend to contain high level of salt and sugar.

• Do not expect immediate results! Losing weight takes time and dedication.

• Never go for crash diets instead reduce weight gradually and slowly.

• Never skip meals (breakfast in particular) as you tend to eat more the next meal.

• Nuts contain a lot of fiber. They are satisfying and cause people to eat less at meal time.

• Take warm lime juice mixed with honey the first thing in the morning.

• Go for skimmed milk.

• As much as possible, avoid weight loss supplements.

• When you have a craving for sweets, take a fruit instead.

• When you have cravings for certain type of food like chocolates or ice cream, once in a while, you can take in small quantities.

• Take fruits and vegetables which have lot of water content such as watermelons, cucumbers.

• Keep yourself engaged as boredom leads to overeating.

• Drink lot of water, at least 8 glasses a day.

• Use the stairs instead of lift. Park the car a little far away and walk to your office. Use every opportunity to be physically active.

• Walk, walk and walk as much as possible. Even if you are busy, go for walk at least 30-minutes-a-day, 5-days-a-week; your health is more important than your work.

• Exercise. Aerobic exercises like jogging, swimming, cycling and running accelerates weight loss.

• Keep yourself free of stress.

• Finally, weight loss is a slow process, so do not get disappointed and give up.

Your health highly depends on the weight your body carries on itself and losing those weights is definitely an advantage to your health as well as your looks. Start today for a healthier and fitter you tomorrow.

CAUTION: Consult a physician before starting any weight loss program.

11 Ways to Stay Healthy this New Year

It is a fresh year and a time to kick away old habits and groom news ones to reflect your lifestyle and stay healthy. Nothing is too small; every habits will go a long way in causing a revolution in your life.

• Think positively: Developing positive thinking is the key habit that will help you form other important habits. Positive thinking by itself will neither reduce your weight and give you the figure 8 you've always wanted nor will it heal you of any pre-existing medical condition, but it certainly goes a long way in motivating you to start and follow-through with habits that are of health benefits. Write down a positive thought the night before, and revisit it in the morning. It will start you off on the right foot. Positive actions yield positive results! 
•  
• Lose weight: If losing weight and getting in shape is a priority, you need start at it first thing in the morning before the responsibilities and business of the day gets in your way. In addition to exercises, make better food choices and eat regular, healthy meals throughout the day.

• Stay in touch: Do you feel like it has been a long to reconnect with an old friend or family member? Call them NOW. Researches suggest that people with stronger social ties outlive their less social counterparts. In fact, a study suggests that a lack of social bonds can actually damage your health just as much as alcohol abuse, smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise.

• Drink two glasses of water before breakfast: Really, it could be before any meal. Water has other noteworthy benefits, like improving your complexion and possibly speeding up your metabolism, so drink up!

• Reduce your sodium intake: For most people 2,300 milligrams is the recommended daily intake but for those who are over 50, those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, or are African-Americans, sodium intake should be limited to 1,500mg per day. Lower your intake by preparing more food at home and eating processed and frozen foods, canned soups, lunch meat, dressings, sauces, and snacks less often.

• Take time to be grateful: Showing gratitude, whether orally or through written reflection, increases our feelings of connectedness.

• Smile: Smiling can dramatically improve one's mood, improve confidence, and help you make friends and excel in you career.

• Exercise: When you are more fit, you will always keep your heart healthy. Good exercise also promotes improved moods and better stress management. Start by taking walks, dusting off the outdoor play equipment, or riding bikes. Make a list of some fun things you all enjoy and do at least some of them together with your folks. Extracurricular activities like sports or dances also count.

• Be kind: Yes, kindness is a habit. And it can be cultivated. Each time you interact with someone, try to be kind, be friendly, be compassionate and try to go beyond small kindnesses to larger acts of compassion, volunteering, to help those in need and taking the initiative to relieve suffering. Focus on it every day and you will see profound changes in your life. You will feel better about yourself as a person. You will also see people react to you differently and treat you better in the long run.

• Forgive: Forgiveness of others and yourself can be said to be the ultimate mind-body-soul detox. Freeing you from negative and damaging emotions, forgiveness stops the energy drain of resentment and guilt. Forgiveness is a powerful give you can give yourself and others.

A year is not good or bad on it's own merit, it's the habits you create and the decisions you make that make all the differences.

Stay active, stay healthy, stay alive.

Enjoy the year.