Feb
04
Filed Under (Asthma) by Phillis Booker on 04-02-2010

When my wife and I bought our first home just over a year back, we found ourselves having problems sleeping at night. The prior owners were heavy smokers and that lingered across the house. Since we moved in during the winter months, we were not able to have our windows open and the absence of clean air would cause us to get sore throats and stuffy noses during the night. So we looked into buying a air purifier.

Air purifiers that don’t have filters are called as filterless air cleaners. Filterless air purifiers are as good as the air scrubbers with filters. Almost all of the filterless air purifiers don’t use fans. They work on different technologies. Using filterless air purifiers is constructive, because they save your money that you’ll have to spend on buying or replacing the air filters. They’re divided into four major types, according to the methodologies used. In these air purifiers, dust particles are drawn inside the purifier by fans. These particles are later charged with some high voltage wires, which later get attracted to electrically charged electrostatic metal plates. Many of those air cleaners produce ozone as a byproduct. There are no filter or fans in the photocatalytic air filters. They look like a single coated florescent light bulb. In the photocatalytic air purifier, ultra violet light causes metal semiconductors to supply oxidants. These oxidants are capable breaking the molecular bonds, that exist in the micro-organisms. They remove even tiny dust particles, chemicals, and odours present in the air. They are also called as UV air filters.

The Holmes air cleaner draws in air from the room and runs it through the filter, cleaning out any dust, mold, etc. We ran the purifier all winter and it kept our room smelling fresh till it warmed up enough for us to open our windows and air the room out completely. While I’m sometimes content with the Holmes air cleaner, I am going to admit there are a couple of things I might change about it.

The ionizers in the air filter emit both positively and negatively charged ozone ions inside an acceptable level for humans. With the robust oxidizing agent like ozone produced, it destroys particles and inactivates the micro-organisms by a natural chemical process. Most airborne particles, including bacteria, viruses, mould spores, fungi, cigarette particles, gases and other odours get wiped out using this technique. Plasmacluster ions air cleansers are based on the plasma discharge technology. An alternating plasma discharge is used to split water molecules into oppositely charged hydrogen and oxygen ions. Alternate emission of plasma disunite water molecules into oppositely charged oxygen and hydrogen ions. Air contaminants draw these electrically charged hydrogen and oxygen ions. These ions, together with air pollutants form hydroxyl radicals, which further result in the eradication of the pollutants. It is a useful technology for destroying airborne biological, chemical pollutants, and other pollutants.

One other thing I spotted about our room when we were running the Holmes air scrubber was, although the air was surely much cleaner, it appeared to be drier too. Whenever we run it for a big time period, I’ll always wake up in the middle of the night with a nose bleed. I actually had to start running a humidifier at the same time to fix this problem. Please visit my facebook login page for further info.

My blog can be foundhere and also published here

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Jan
27

Almost 80% of the constituents floating in the air are not good to or for our health. Simple as that. “Normal air” contains over 350 allergy producing air pollutants and contaminants, including cigarette, germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, chemical gases, etc. Amazing isn’t it. We take for granted that the air around is as pure as “the virgin snow”. That is unless we are living in a well known smoggy city. Interestingly it is seldom appreciated that as a simple result, ordinary people may suffer from dizziness, coughing, irritability, sneezing, fatigue, and depression.

Physicians are now developing new solutions to these problems resulting from poor air quality, air pollutants and atmospheric pollution. Although you might think that simple masks or electronic air filtrations systems are enough – they are not adequate by any or all means. It’s like putting dirty water through a paper filter. The water may be clean of particulate matter. However for all your intensive purposes you would not want to drink that water, bathe in it or use it for your coffee or tea. Filtration is not enough to reduce the number of pollutants present in the air. Filters do not reduce odor but they only help pathogens like bacteria and molds to grow. However, germicidal ultra-violet air has been proven efficient in preventing the spread of infection inside the operating room like measles, influenza, smallpox and tuberculosis.

There are a lot of people experiencing what has come to be called “Sick Building syndrome”. “SBS” has become termed as an illness mostly found on employees working in highly sealed air-conditioned modern office buildings, towers and skyscrapers. . However, SBS can be cured and even eliminated by the use and practice of UV light systems that are directly installed within in office ventilation systems.

Embedding UV light in your air-condition system are cheap but the effect on employees are huge. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is certified by several private and government agencies like Centers of Disease Control, the Air Institute of Respiratory Education and the Air & Waste Management Association. Through great results in reducing air pollution, several hospitals and other health care facilities are using UVGI to sterilize their locations.

Embedding UV lights at home ventilation system is important. It will avoid spores and dust mites that can trigger asthma. Modern homes at Canada are now sealed to maintain heat, as well as electrical cost. Dust mites typically lie in beddings and hot water cleaning is the only way to eliminate them. On the other hand, embedding UV light on your ventilation system can aid in reducing asthma, plus a lesser energy cost used in washing beddings. UV light units have plastic case, UV tube, and light indicator. A durable gasket is included at the back of the base to avoid UV light to escape. UV light also has two light probes with different functionality. The longer probe is use to kill airborne microorganisms, while the other light tube is designed to prevent molds on air conditioner evaporator coils. Molds can affect smell on office or home ventilation system, and it can contribute to frequent occurrence of allergic reaction. UV lights last for three to four years. No matter what the cost, UV light has a huge contribution in family’s health.

Ask Us About UV Lamp Filter Disenfectant Systems Swine Flu

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Jan
15
Filed Under (Allergy) by Manuel Vintagoli on 15-01-2010

Mechanical devices known as ozone air purifiers have been around for decades. They are patterned after the concept of the fresh outdoor smell that follows a thunderstorm. The smell you get is ozone. It is formed by the presence of a pale blue unstable gas. If you begin with an oxygen molecule, that has two oxygen atoms and add a third atom of oxygen, you get ozone.

When ozone is created in a home air purifier, the unstable molecules of ozone attache to nearby surfaces and settle out of the air. This removes foul odors, kills mold and destroys mold in homes and businesses. The action of ozone molecules also affects the soft tissue of the body in the same way. Exposure to ozone will damage health and will cause death in some instances.

Professionals use ozone with safety measures in place. Pets and humans are not exposed to the high levels of ozone needed. Strong measures are required when there is incidents where sewage backup, flooding disasters or other situations where there is odoriferous or decaying materials in the environment. Professionals will use masks or protective breathing apparatus to prevent lung damage.

The technology involved that creates the ozone has also improved the process of filtering the created ozone out of the environment once it has done its work. Any home air purifiers that use ozone or an ionization process also need to ensure that the filter is working correctly. If you can smell the ozone when the purifier is working, chances are good that the ozone production level is high enough to cause breathing problems and potential for headaches.

Regulatory agencies backed by federal laws and regulations have determined the level of ozone that will be tolerated in the workplace, in the home and in the atmosphere. Workers exposed to dangerous levels of ozone for extended periods must also be provided with protective equipment. Manufacturers of home medical units are required to keep ozone emission below a stipulated level.

Danger and damage due to ozone can come from two avenues. A high exposure to ozone for a brief period can be reversed by the natural healing processes of the body. A low level of ozone in the lungs over a lengthy period can be just as dangerous, since the body doesn’t have time to recover before the next exposure to ozone occurs.

Outdoors, an ozone level of fifty to eighty parts per billion (ppb) is deemed to be the maximum acceptable amount. Indoors, top levels are set at 50 ppb. Even a high level of ozone decreases as you distance yourself from the source. Beyond a distance of 10 fee3t, there is less likelihood of danger from exposure. If you must use a unit, place it where it is at a safe distance, or leave the area until the unit has done its work.

If you must use ozone air purifiers, choose units that release the least possible amount of ozone into the air that you breathe. Use of adequate filters will accomplish this, at least in modern purifiers. The upper atmospheric ozone layer is important and beneficial to humans and animals. It provides a barrier against ultraviolet rays. At ground level, ozone is just the opposite.

You can find the ozone air purifier that will meet all your specifications fast and easy! Choosing from the many ozone air purifiers available, you can quickly find the one for you.

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Nov
22
Filed Under (Asthma) by Jaquelin Michaels on 22-11-2009

If you are considering purchasing a humidifier then it may be best for you to check out some humidifier reviews as a first step in your search. Even if you already have an idea of a model you want, it is always good to check first. Reading some reviews will let you know whether or not they are worth your money. If you haven’t found any that have caught your attention yet, reviews can help point you in the direction of models that will fit your needs.

Humidifiers are the opposite of dehumidifiers, which pull the moisture from the air. Humidifiers put the moisture back in. If you have trouble breathing in the more dry months in the winter (and sometimes in the summer), you may need to invest in a humidifier. You need to consider how many rooms you need to be dehumidified on a regular basis.

Do you or your family member have trouble breathing in one room or more? This is something you will need to consider. If you only find it difficult to breathe in one room it could be because of circulation, that goes for two rooms as well. However, if you are having difficulty in various areas of the house and some or all of which do not seem to be related at all, you may want to look into models that affect the entire home.

The type of model you are looking for is going to affect the reviews that you look at. It’s good to know how heavy and loud a model that affects only one room can be. If you are looking at ones that cover the entire home, then you are going to be looking at noise, power, as well as overall power consumption. Also be on the look out for a unit or model’s individual square footage so you can be sure of exactly how much of your home it will cover.

Before you go ahead and purchase a humidifier unit for your whole home, be sure that you know you need one that will affect such a large space, as they consume much more power and require more maintenance than their smaller versions. If you have figured this out, then you are ready to look at models and determine which ones will work best for you.

Looking at models at first can seem overwhelming because there are so many on store shelves. Take the time to read dehumidifier reviews before investing in any unit so you can be sure you are making the right purchase. There is no better insight than that of hundreds or thousands of other people who have tried the product and are fully aware of its benefits and disadvantages.

Before going out and getting a humidifier that may or may not fit your needs, be sure to check out some humidifier reviews to get your facts straight.

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Nov
19
Filed Under (Allergy) by Chris Channing on 19-11-2009

The average snack food, whether a candy bar or multi-grain trail mix, is loaded with a numberless amount of ingredients that can interfere with allergies. Still yet, allergy sufferers have options in deciding which safe snack products they consume just like everyone else.

Eating healthy is always a good route to go. Foods that are packaged and in the snack food aisle seldom have the nutritional value of organic fruits and vegetables. Organic carrots, plums, and salad material are healthier and safe to consume. Eating naturally also tends to be cheaper and more filling, so parents aren’t constantly trying to keep the pantry stocked with snacks.

Any products with wheat or grains are approached with caution from those with gluten and wheat allergies. Cereal is a good example, as the majority of all cereals have gluten contained within them. Crackers and cheese snacks typically do too, so it’s important to read the ingredient list when looking for grain snacks. Some may even include milk or egg products in a significant portion.

A trip to the local cinema to see the latest flick is fun for the home family. One of the biggest sellers in the cinema as far as snack food is concerned is popcorn. Such a simple snack wouldn’t seem so dangerous, but the seasoning and butter flavoring used on the popcorn can easily interfere with a food allergy. Flavoring may contain casein or any number of other ingredients- even in packaged popcorn portions.

Youth like a cup of pudding for snacks- they are even safe for consumption when trying to feel better in suffering from the flu. Packaged pudding is known for its milk-based ingredients, while “do it yourself” packages of pudding often require that milk be added in the cooking process. The best solution is to find packaged pudding that is free of allergens, or to find a pudding mix that doesn’t require milk products. Luckily, any flavor available to others is available in allergy-free options.

A childhood should have to be devoid of candy and sweets. Teachers do, after all, like to offer lollipops as rewards to bright and gifted children who show work ethic in their studies. Even the basic lollipop- perhaps the simplest of all candies- may have been manufactured on equipment used to process other foods containing allergens. Special candies free of common allergens can be found using the Internet and specialty shops featuring organic goods.

In Conclusion

You and your family are not alone in the search for a regular diet, despite having a problem with food allergies. Big communities will often have specialty shops or information on allergy-safe diets. Internet websites and stores are also a huge help to parents and children alike.

Learn more on Allergy Free Bath and Body and Gluten Free Baking.

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Nov
09
Filed Under (Allergy) by Linda Robison on 09-11-2009

A heat rash, red bumpy rash, facial rashes, candida skin rash, are all common types of skin rashes. And while this itchy skin rash could result from a number of possibilities, the most common cause is contact dermatitis or hives. Itchy skin rashes and hives are usually a reaction to an allergen, medication, or an infection. Sometimes, hives can appear on people who often get very nervous like a stress rash.

When a red bumpy rash appears in areas where hair grows, like in the armpits, it is called hidradenitis suppurativia, which is an inflammation of the sweat glands. An allergic rash can not only be irritating, it can be embarrassing when it appears as a groin or genital rash, underarm rash, or a rash on the face.

There are also many natural causes of non-recurrent itching such as weeds, insect bites, household chemicals, dry skin, medication, or food. However, many people have found that by eliminating gluten and other common allergens from their diet, they’re itchy skin rash went away quickly.

the most common treatment for skin rashes is prescription steroids and antifungal creams. However, dealing with creams can be messy and uncomfortable, especially if you suffer from in private areas like armpit rash, genital rash or groin rash. So what other treatments are available?

Body Rash – Treatment Options. One important step in eliminating an itchy skin rash is to look at your diet. If you suffer from allergic rashes often, it could be something in your diet. Consider eliminating common allergens such as dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. A healthy diet can not only support your skin, but also your immune system. With a strong immune system, your skin won’t overreact when it comes in contact with allergens, chemicals, or bug bites.

As soon as you notice any type itchy rash, it is a good idea to apply a cool compress or soak in a cool bath. Also, try to keep the area open, uncovered, and dry. This could be difficult if you suffer from a foot rash, armpit rash, or groin rash.

Other options to treat all types of skin rashes is to use an Internal Herbal Homeopathic Supplement . The proper combination of herbs and homeopathic ingredients can not only help heal the rash quickly, but can strengthen your skin and immune system. This internal solution for skin problems is much easier and safer than current rash treatment creams and is helpful for all types of skin rashes including:

stress rash, circular rash, prickly heat rash, yeast rash, viral rash, scabies rash, poison oak rash, shingles rash, and allergic rashes.

Get a Free Guide to more about HIV/Aids Rash, acne scar healing, beauty product reviews, plastic surgery nightmares and other Wrinkle Free Skin Tips.

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Nov
08
Filed Under (Allergy) by Jake Long on 08-11-2009

How To Respond To A 5 Year Old’s Tantrum

5 year olds should not be having temper tantrums. And when they do, they are not to be tolerated. At the same time, they do not necessarily have to be punished. Too often, punishment is the exact opposite of what your child needs. They may need a hug, or word of encouragement, or help in learning how to appropriately deal in control their strong feelings.

You may need to spend some more time holding your child. You may want to consider giving them an area in the house that is near the activity of the household that is a calming place. Set aside a calm-seat or a calm-couch and let them know you are more than willing to join them there if they want you to. Your goal, is to give them a chance to learn how to deal with their emotions.

Be A Detective For Your Child

Need to find out what is causing your five year old to have tantrums. It could be their inability to communicate. It could also be a level of frustration or separation anxiety. However, these are not as likely at the age of five. So, you need to advocate for your child. You need to find the cause of the tantrums.

Foods, Diets, and Allergies Can Cause Tantrums

Start keeping a journal of when the tantrums happen and as much information as you can gather prior to the tantrums occurring. Record meals, snacks, places (visiting a house), playing with pets, and anything else you can think to collect.

Inspect the Data

Now that you have gathered the data you need to look into the data. A number of studies have been done to show that allergies and responses to animals, foods, and plans can create a chemical response that will bring about tantrums and your child.

Stay the Course

Find out more about 5 Year Olds Tantrums quickly and effectively. Also, get help dealing with Temper Tantrums

categories: temper tantrums,5 year old tantrums,allergies causing tantrums,toddlers,young children,temper tantrums,parenting advice,parenting,family,children,allergies

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Oct
30
Filed Under (Allergy) by Linda Robison on 30-10-2009

Alternative treatments for rosacea on the rise. Considering the fact that over 16 million people suffer from rosacea, rosacea awarenes is up and people demand natural, safer, and less invasive options than the typical expensive prescriptions, laser treatments, and over the counter products that don’t work.

Daily Tips That All Rosacea Sufferers Should Be Practicing:

-Washing with cool or warm water, never hot water.

- Use our gentle (non-abrasive) cleansers applied with the fingers, not a cloth.

- Blot your skin gently, never rub hard and always use a soft towel.

-If you use a make up for rosacea, wear only oil free and non-comedogenic type. Also apply lightly because too much make up can trap bacteria and clog pores.

- When you have a flare up, treat it sooner rather than later to prevent long-term damage.

- Too much sun is the number one cause of flare-ups and skin damage. Stay away from the sun and use a sunscreen daily.

- Keep your intake of spicy food and alcohol to a minimum to reduce flare-ups.

Stages for Rosacea: Pre-Rosacea: The first sign of Rosacea is dilate blood vessels to the slightest stimuli. The blood vessels open wider and stay open for longer periods of time compared to normal persons. Mild Rosacea is when the facial redness induced by flushing persists for an abnormal length of time – usually 1/2 an hour or more after a trigger. Those who have frequent pre-Rosacea flushing are highly susceptible to progressing to mild Rosacea. Some of the common triggers for a facial flush are heat, cold, emotions, exercise, topical irritants and allergic reactions.

Moderate rosacea is where facial flushing becomes more frequent and intense, vascular damage occurs. This can result in long lasting redness, swelling and inflammatory papules and pustules. Telangiectasia (damaged micro blood vessels, often visible on the surface of the skin) may be noticed in the areas where flushing is worst. The last state, severe Rosacea is characterized by intense bouts of facial flushing, pain, severe inflammation, swelling and burning sensations. Sufferers may develop intolerance to products they were able to use before. Also inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules may be present. Some experience a bulbous enlargement of the nose, known as rhinophyma. This is just a guide, you may of course experience symptoms outside these ranges.

Natural Treatment for Rosacea: Alternative Treatment for Rosacea. This 3 step alternative treatment for rosacea includes:

- The combination of several natural anti-inflammatory ingredients long known to decrease visible flushing and redness. These botanicals work to help constrict blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

- The addition of all-natural bacteria fighting agents work immediately to help kill any causative bacteria on the surface of the skin to prevent the breakouts that often accompany rosacea.

- All natural collagen booster. In rosacea skin, collagen networks are weakened due to inflammation, bacteria, and age. By strengthening the collagen and skin you can help prevent flare-ups, help the skin heal faster, and help it to look better faster.

The key to managing skin with Rosacea is recognizing that the skin is suffering an inflammatory response. Absolutely no way should harsh cleansers and toners be used. The natural oils on the skin must be regulated to allow the skin to form its own defenses against any harmful bacteria or environmental distress. We recommend the following regime as a starting point for treatment.

Linda Robison is a health advisor with over 25 years with experience in skin aging and skin disorders. See Rosacea Pictures. Also, learn about non-surgical face lift, what causes wrinkles, face exercises, and plastic surgery mistakes and other Wrinkle Free Skin Tips.

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Sep
19
Filed Under (Allergy) by Shelby Morrison on 19-09-2009

A household’s healthiness is defined by so much more than sparkling porcelain in the bathroom and fresh linens on the beds. One of my favorite places to hang out as a young teen was a friend’s home that hummed like Grand Central Station. Besides my friend’s own older brothers and busy parents buzzing in and out, college students from all over the world called that small but generous place their home for semesters at a time. With all those people coming and going, there was always the pell-mell evidence of round the clock meals on the never-bare kitchen counter, the clutter of footwear and reading material strewn from family room to dining room and polite but certain competition for bathroom time.

A weekly cleaning lady came and went after giving things a lick and a promise, and what little dent she had managed to make with her tidying and wiping always disappeared by evening of the same day. Yet despite the press and diversity of humanity in these friendly quarters, not a single person was ever sick in this crowd over the years; there was hardly even a case of the sniffles. This home’s secret probably had something to do with the motto that hung above the kitchen sink: “Our home is clean enough to be healthy, dirty enough to be happy.”

There is more and more scientific evidence that points to a truth that lies beneath that motto. A casual observer of many American broom closets today would note the labels on multiple cleansers are splashed with the word “antibacterial”. In bathrooms, it would be hard to miss the array of soaps, shampoos and other hygiene products on vanities and in showers with the same antibacterial designation. It would not be in the least bit unusual to discover a stash of disposable masks or latex gloves as part of a medicine chest’s menagerie. Our culture has been inundated with anti-germ marketing and consumers have embraced the notion of wiping those dastardly culprits out. However such eagerness, according to the hygiene hypothesis, can backfire on humans as we eradicate too much.

The hygiene hypothesis proposes that the lack of exposure during early childhood to certain infectious microorganisms can actually compromise an individual’s immune system. This thinking is not without its critics but it has more than enough plausibility in the science community to warrant some very serious study. In-utero, a baby is supplied with the mother’s antibodies. When born, the baby must develop an independent system of antibodies through encountering bacterial modules which trigger signals that in turn “educate” the child’s immune system. The hygiene hypothesis contends that the developed world is increasingly depriving developing immune systems of important bacterial and viral exposure.

Even as the national angst about stocking up on latex gloves and protective masks builds in anticipation of H1N1 and other maladies, there is a slowly growing movement of mothers across the country who are consciously encouraging their kids to play in what they call ‘healthy dirt’. They then refuse to use antibacterial soaps when cleaning the children up afterwards. They recognize that regular soap and a good scrubbing is still a reliable way reduce bacteria counts to healthily manageable amounts that allow most people’s immune systems to function optimally.

Thorough hand washing with just plain old soap may quite possibly be what the doctor will specifically order some day not too long from now. For the moment, it may not be all that easy to locate those simple soaps and cleansers on store shelves. But it could well be that a good degree of our health will depend on it.

Our author, Shelby Morrison, writes about family health issues and is disturbed by the dramatic increase of autoimmune disorders in her extended family. She avidly keeps her kids playing in the dirt but does caution them to avoid extreme situations where clean up might require disposable gloves.

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Aug
28
Filed Under (Allergy) by Linda Robison on 28-08-2009

Can foods cause eczema. Many people think eating certain foods causes eczema, however the truth is foods do not CAUSE eczema, but they do cause eczema symptoms and flare-ups.

Eczema and Food Allergies

If you suffer from eczema you may see a connection between an increase in symptoms and eating certain foods. Foods like milk, wheat, seafood, nuts, eggs, soy, preservatives and common chemicals can cause eczema sufferers flare-ups and breakouts.

What makes it so difficult to pin point the offending food is that eczema skin symptoms may not appear until 24-48 hours after eating.

How To Treat Eczema Symptoms

While the foods that cause eczema symptoms can vary from person to person, here are some tips to find out what is your food allergy. Do you have a favorite food that falls into the allergy list of foods above?

Start with your favorite food first ” Especially if it falls within the common food trigger list and try avoiding it for one week. Then re-introduce it again and see how your skin reacts. Common foods and preservatives to avoid are: milk/dairy/eggs, peanuts, wheat, and soy. Also, consider many additives found in common foods like soups.

Over The Counter Eczema Treatment

Following a diet is hard, we all know that. And while you should try to reduce the offending allergic foods that cause eczema flare ups, you can also apply a topical gel and lotion that can help heal the skin and reduce burning and itching.

As a health advisor, I have researched hundreds of products and spoke with hundreds of eczema sufferers about their problems and results. I know how difficult it is finding that right product that really works. Thats why Im impressed with this all Natural Treatment for Eczema.

Are you currently using an eczema rash treatment? Is it working? Would you feel safe or comfortable applying this treatment a child’s skin? If you answered No, then you shouldn’t be using it either. Eczema skin is hypersensitive so your eczema treatments should especially formulated for ultra-sensitive skin.

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