Alleviate Springtime Allergies the Natural Way

Springtime is quickly approaching, and this means itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing a lot of people. While many allergy sufferers often turn to medication, relief doesn’t necessarily have to involve dosing up on energy-draining drugs. Instead, the road to relief may best be paved by Mother Nature, as a variety of all-natural treatments can help alleviate symptoms without many of the troubling side effects ascribed to traditional care.

In terms of holistic supplements, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that just one tablet of butterbur administered four times day was as effective as a popular antihistamine when it came to controlling hay fever symptoms (and without the traditional side effect of drowsiness). Also, in a second study presented by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, a group of British researchers also corroborated the original findings when it came to butterbur’s effectiveness in quelling grass allergy symptoms.

However, perhaps another more-effective method of controlling seasonal allergies is through controlling the source of contamination itself. With that said, air filtration systems in the form of furnace filters or air purifiers are excellent for this purpose, as they have the ability to remove irritating allergy-causing dust and pollens from your personal space.

Allergy Furnace Filters
Allergy furnace filters such as those designed by AllergyZone are filters that are composed of highly-specialized, synthetic filtration media that provide a combination of electrostatic and mechanical filtration to remove airborne particulates from the air. The gradient layer of the filter’s media captures particulates while minimizing resistance, and many are over 90% efficient at eliminating allergens up to 0.3 microns in size.

Exclusively designed and recommended by leading allergy and asthma medications, AllergyZone furnace filters can actually remove up to 95% of harmful allergy-causing particulates from the air and are proven to be up to 500% more effective than traditional fiberglass filters.

Allergy Air Purifiers
When it comes to air purifiers, not all models are suitable for allergy-sufferers. Air purifiers utilizing ozone or constructed from plastic can off-gas and actually be detrimental to those with allergies. Instead, the most effective allergy air purifiers have HEPA filters which boast 99.97% efficiency when it comes to particle abatement. In fact, one specific air purifier, the Austin Air AllergyMachine, is specially designed for allergies, and filters the air through the use of True Medical-Grade HEPA, as well as a special layer of military carbon cloth for optimal filtration. In addition, the AllergyMachine is the only air purifier on the market to make use of HEGA (High Efficiency Gas Absorption) to eliminate chemicals and gases.

New European Study Finds that HEPA Filters May Improve the Heart Health of the Elderly

Indoor air pollution sources that release particulates or gases into the air are the primary causes of indoor air quality problems in homes, and inadequate ventilation can also increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute indoor particulate emissions. In addition, high humidity and temperature levels can actually increase concentrations of some pollutants.

The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has also noted that long-term ambient concentrations of inhalable particles less than 10 microns in size, as well as other pollutants such as ozone and sulfates, were responsible for thousands of deaths of non-smokers over the course of 15 years.

As such, a recent study was conducted by researchers at the Institute of Public Health in Copenhagen that showed how HEPA filters were able to improve the blood vessel function of elderly test subjects in a short period of time. These researchers used tests to asses microvascular function and inflammation in elderly couples aged 60 to 75 years after breathing in non-filtered air and after breathing in HEPA-filtered air for 48 hours.

Microvascular function involves the tiny blood vessels linking the arteries and veins and their ability to relax and dilate in response to the demands of blood and oxygen. Dr. Steffan Loft, the above study's lead author, explained that the study was an important one because a sign of both coronary heart disease and artherosclerosis is impaired microvascular function. On average, the study found that microvascular function of the elderly test subjects improved by over 8 percent after they had spent two days breathing filtered air, and the research team concluded the following: "It may ... be speculated that further improvement may occur after prolonged intervention by 6 months to 1 year, and that this could result in further reduction in cardiovascular risk in this healthy, elderly age group."

With this in mind, using a HEPA air purifier in your home is one of the easiest ways to purify particulates in the air. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and it must be capable of removing at least 99.97 percent of airborne particulates 0.3 microns or larger. Because particles of this size are the most difficult to filter, they are considered the most penetrating particle size.

Because of its ability to remove some of the smallest airborne pollutants, HEPA is one of the most common air purification methods used in air purifiers today, and there are many HEPA air systems on the market to suit every budget. Also, since the numbers of asthma and allergy sufferers are steadily increasing, HEPA air purifiers are becoming quite prevalent and are worthwhile investments. Here are some general tips on how to find a high-quality and efficient HEPA air purifier:

- Buy Only Air Purifiers With "True" HEPA Filters. Be wary of air purifiers with "HEPA-like" filters. True HEPA filters must pass stringent tests to be considered HEPA worthy, and these will bear serial numbers if they are able to trap at least 99.97 percent of particulates as small as 0.3 microns.

- Warm-Rolling Increases Efficiency. Look for air purifiers with warm-rolled HEPA filters. If a HEPA filter is not warm-rolled and pleated prior to installation, it can crack and lose its effectiveness. One recommended model is the Airpura H600 air purifier.

- The More HEPA, the Better. The size of the HEPA filter in an air purifier is important, as the larger the amount of HEPA, the more capable it is of trapping airborne contaminants. Also, find HEPA filters with spacers which maximize the filter’s surface area.

Are You Being Exposed to Too Much Ozone?

Those of us living in urban or suburban areas may have seen the occasional summer news report about ozone alerts, but many of us may not be aware of what this really means.

Naturally found in small concentrations in the Earth’s upper and lower atmosphere, ozone is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms bound together, and is often used as a deodorizing agent, sterilization agent for air and drinking water, and even as a bleach. In fact, some air purifier manufacturers have also touted the use of ozone as a miracle “air cleaner” and they specifically design air purifiers which utilize ozone as a means to sterilize the air. While ozone molecules may be able to destroy some airborne pollutants, even low concentrations of ozone gas can be considered toxic, as it is ozone’s ability to alter the chemical composition of other substances that can also cause adverse health reactions.

When ozone is inhaled, it travels through your respiratory tract and its corrosive nature damages the alveoli and bronchioles in your lungs. After repeated exposure, ozone can inflame lung tissue and cause other respiratory illnesses and even infection. Ozone can also aggravate or exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma and allergies, and it is for this reason that the California Air Resources Board has agreed to ban the sale of ozone air purifiers by 2009.

Nevertheless, even if you don’t employ the use of ozone air purifiers in your home, you can still be susceptible to high levels of ozone if you live in non-urban areas. Prevailing winds or car emissions traveling through rural areas often carry ozone pollution, and significant levels of pollution can be detected in rural areas as far as 250 miles downwind from urban industrial areas.

To protect yourself from ozone exposure, pay close attention to the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area on a daily basis, and you can usually find this information in the newspaper, on a morning weather forecast, or on the internet. Generally speaking, AQI measures the concentrations of five specific air pollutants: ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulates, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide, and these concentrations are compared to a standard set out by federal law. Also follow these steps to decrease ozone exposure:

1. Eliminate or control sources of ozone: Perhaps the most effective method of decreasing ozone, you can eliminate or control ozone by minimizing the use of products and materials that cause indoor pollution; employ good hygiene practices to minimize biological contaminants; and using good housekeeping practices to control particles.
2. Increase ventilation: This includes installing an exhaust fan close to the source of contaminants, increasing outdoor air flow in a mechanical ventilation system; and opening windows.
3. Remove pollutants through proven air cleaning methods: This can include using air purifiers that employ the use of mechanical filtration, such as HEPA or Activated Carbon air purifiers. One air purifier manufacturer – Airfree – has also designed a line of air purifiers scientifically proven to actually decrease ozone levels in a given environment.

Lastly, if you’d like to test the ozone levels in your own backyard or around your school, you can make ozone detector strips from simple ingredients including corn starch, coffee filters (cut in strips), and potassium iodide. Make a paste from water, cornstarch, and the potassium iodide and paint this paste on the filter. After exposing the strips to the air for eight hours, airborne ozone will react with the potassium iodide and change the color of the strip. Here is the color scale with the corresponding ozone concentrations:

Schoenbein Color Scale for Ground Level Ozone Testing

0-3: Little or no change
4-6: Lavender
7-10: Blue or purple

Fun Water Facts!

It is estimated that the human body is made up of about 60 to 70 percent water. Muscles, organs, and blood are mostly water, and the body needs water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to your organs. In addition, water is also important because it transports oxygen to your cells, removes wastes, and protects your joints and organs.

Many of us may have read that eight glasses of water is the daily recommended intake, but a better estimate would be to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you would need to drink at least 70 ounces of water per day, and even more if you are active. In addition, if you are drinking alcohol or traveling on an airplane, you should also increase your water intake, as both activities tend to make people dehydrated. Although approximately twenty percent of your water comes from your food, the rest of your water should come from the beverages you drink, and your best bet is still fresh water.

If drinking enough water seems difficult, try having a bottle handy at all times when on the go, and consider purchasing a water dispenser such as the NewAir AI-400SB to ensure you have a fresh glass of refreshing water at home whenever you need it. Here are some more fun facts about water:

1. Stay Hydrated and Lose Weight - Because water has no fat, no calories, and no cholesterol, it is the perfect beverage for those watching their weight. As well, instead of snacking on junk food, try drinking a glass of water. Many people often mistake dehydration for hunger.
2. Feel Good - Scientific studies have shown that water loss of even a mere 2 percent of your body weight can have a drastic effect on your physical endurance and mental clarity.
3. Quench Your Kids’ Thirsts - Children lose proportionally more fluids through sweat than adults, and it is important to ensure your kids drink enough water. In addition, water is much healthier (and cheaper!) than sugary juices or soft drinks.
4. Stave Off the Heat - Vigorous exercise, travel, and hot weather all increase your body’s need for water.
5. Feed Those Cells - Water is considered an important nutrient for every cell in your body.
6. Blood is Thicker Than Water - Seventy nine percent of blood is water.
7. Don’t Forget Cold Weather - Drinking more water in the summer is obvious, but cold weather can also dehydrate you as well, so it is best to carry a bottle of water with you at all times.
8. Protect Yourself - Water is a natural shock absorber and protects vital organs such as the interior of your eyes, your brain, and spinal cord.

Are You Still Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions?

Celebrating the New Year has been in existence since antiquity. First observed in ancient Babylon approximately 4000 years ago, one popular New Year tradition has always been the making of resolutions. Here is a list of ten popular New Year’s resolutions – is yours on this list?

1. Lose Weight – Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as diabetes and cancer. It has been estimated that over sixty percent of adult Americans are either overweight or obese, and the number of overweight adolescents has tripled since 1980. Take this time to address any weight gain you may have accumulated over the year by getting more exercise. Take brisk walks after dinner, invest in a gym membership, or even look to purchasing home fitness equipment to win the battle of the bulge.
2. Improve Your Diet – Adequate physical activity and a proper diet are an unbeatable team when it comes to losing weight. While a complete diet overhaul may seem unnerving (and unrealistic) to many, small changes such as a reduction in portion sizes, choosing low-fat and high fiber foods, and drinking more water can be a start. Also look to eating out less and invest a Sunday or two a month in planning weekday menus. Instead of grabbing fast food during your lunch break, prepare your meals in advance, and perhaps invest in a small freezer to help you keep healthy choices handy.
3. Save Money – Money is oftentimes a big source of stress for many people. If putting aside money is one of your New Year’s Resolutions, resolve to get a handle on your finances by eliminating frivolous spending, setting a savings goal, and seeing where you can trim your expenses. Even small changes such as eating at home more often and turning down your thermostat a degree or two can yield significant savings over a few months time.
4. Get Out of Debt – If you have had past problems with debt, make some financial changes this year to help pave down that credit card balance and keep creditors at bay. Develop a budget, contact your creditors, and even consider credit counseling or debt consolidation from a reputable organization. Staying on track when it comes to your finances will repay itself many times over in the year ahead – particularly if you’re looking to finance a home or automobile.
5. Quit Smoking – Tobacco-related diseases are some of the biggest killers in the world today and are cited as one of the biggest causes of premature death in industrial countries. If you are hoping to stamp out your smoking habit this year, look to over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the habit.
6. Get Organized – Whether it’s organizing the home or cleaning up the office, organization is a goal that can be found on many New Year’s resolution lists. Fortunately, getting organized is simply a matter of developing good habits. Start small and survey your belongs: examine what you have, whether you need it, and how to store it. If your life is way too cluttered and you’re not sure where to start, hire a professional organizer to help you find peace in your home.
7. Volunteer – The holiday season often brings thoughts of giving back. Whether you choose to mentor a child, participate in a Breast Cancer Walk, or help out at your local library, nonprofit organizations can surely use your assistance. If you’re short on time, also consider donating clothes or furniture that you no longer need, or even contribute a cash donation to a charity.
8. Reduce Stress – Given the hectic lifestyles of millions of Americans, stress reduction has become a popular resolution. Try a new hobby, go to a theater performance, or treat yourself to a day at the spa. Stress can cause health problems such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue, or make problems worse if they’re not dealt with.
9. Educate Yourself – Vowing to make this year the year to learn something new? Whether you’re looking to take a photography class, want to learn a new language, or are considering a career change, education is one of the easiest and most motivational resolutions to keep. Contact your local community center or community college to see what adult education programs are available to you.
10. Drink Less Alcohol – The New Year can be an incentive to get drinking under control, and if you have decided that you want to moderate your drinking, a world of help and support is available. Ask your doctor and perhaps try discussing treatment-based programs or support groups to start the year on a healthy and happy note.

Do You Have a Household Odor Problem?

Nothing is worse than odors in the home. Whether they come from yours pets, cooking, cigarette smoke, or mold, offensive odors are both annoying and at times, even embarrassing. In a lot of cases, opening windows and using air fresheners may temporarily mask some odors, but they don’t really completely remove them. By following these simple steps, you can easily take control of household odors and make your home fresh and clean again.

Materials Needed:
-Gloves
-Furnace or air conditioner filters
-Lemons
-Baking Soda
-Vinegar
-Tri-sodium phosphate
-One gallon of household bleach

1. Begin by opening the windows in your home and place a large fan where it can blow fresh air into your home and a second fan to exhaust offensive odors out.
2. Address air circulation problems and change all of the furnace filters in your home every few days until no odors can be detected. If odors still persist, you may have odor-causing particles in your ducting which will require a professional cleaning.
3. Thoroughly wash or dry clean drapes, clothing, bedding (make sure you follow manufacturer’s cleaning instructions). To remove set in odors from clothing, you may have to perform several washings. For odors such as cigarette smoke, use gloves and mix a solution consisting of 4-6 tablespoons of Tri-Sodium Phosphate; 1 gallon of warm water; and 1 cup of bleach. Soak color fast clothing in this formula for ten minutes and then wash them in a complete cycle. The above homemade cleaning solution also works well for ceilings, walls, and floors - just be sure to rinse or wipe afterwards.
4. Make another solution with 1 cup of vinegar, lemon juice (approximately three lemons’ worth), and one gallon of warm water. Unplug appliances such as your stove and refrigerator and clean surfaces with this solution.
5. To clean carpets, rent a commercial steam extractor and use it on carpets, rugs, and furniture. If odors are stemming from mattresses and foam pillows, these may need to be replaced, as odors are usually permanently absorbed into these types of surfaces.
6. After everything has been washed, rinsed, and dried, try placing small dishes filled with a few drops of vanilla or baking soda throughout the house to capture odors, and use an air purifier with Activated Carbon in heavily polluted areas such as the kitchen or near pets.

Are You Prepared For a Winter Power Outage?

Wintertime power outages are often inevitable for many Americans living in areas where ice storms and blizzards run rampant during the winter months, and because we live in an electricity-dependent society, even short-term losses of power can be life-threatening. As such, being prepared in advance for an unexpected power outage is one of the best ways to ensure winter power outage survival.

Even for those fortunate to be living in parts of the country where bad weather or power outages are a rare occurrence, every home should have some sort of disaster preparedness kit ready. Large, inexpensive plastic tubs purchased at a hardware or discount store make excellent storage containers for all of your emergency supplies, and these containers should, at the very least, include items such as:

1. Batteries - Check them regularly to ensure sufficient power.
2. First Aid Kit - Be sure to purchase a comprehensive kit complete with scissors, gloves, antiseptic, gauze, and bandages.
3. Flashlights - Wind-up or shaken flashlights are especially handy in emergency situations because they do not require batteries.
4. Tools - These should include some kind of multi-tool, utility knife, utility lighter, and duct tape.
5. Hand Cranked Radio - While battery-operated varieties will work, also be aware that you will need batteries.
6. Hard-Wired Telephone
7. Warm Clothing - Although this seems obvious, because most of us spend the majority of our time indoors, we are not usually dressed for warmth. For cold weather power outages, providing thermal underwear, warm socks, and several layers of clothing for each member of the family is extremely important.
8. Down-Filled Comforters and Emergency Blankets
9. Food and Water - Don’t forget items like can openers, utensils, pet food, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and baby supplies. At the very least, keep a three-day supply of food and water handy, and include items such as ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; staples such as sugar, salt, and pepper; and high energy foods such as peanut butter, trail mix, and energy bars. You should also have a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day for drinking purposes only.
10. Water Test Kits - Disaster situations can also result in questionable water due to sediment and microorganisms. Because water is the most important component of any preparedness program, make sure the water you drink is safe.
11. Back-Up Generator - If you can find one within your price range, it can be a life saver in an emergency situation. These can be used to heat cold-weather appliances such as space heaters.

To prepare for long-term power outages, look for devices such as cranking battery and cell phone chargers, as well as lights. In addition, look to solar devices that harness the power of the sun, such as water pumps, lights, and battery chargers, as these can make long-term power outage survival more comfortable.

Keep Your Holidays Stress-Free!

Winter can signify holiday parties, family gatherings, and gift-giving for many, but for others, winter can also equal crowded shopping malls, bad weather, and overextended budgets - factors that can cause undue stress. To keep your sanity and enjoy the season, follow a few of these simple steps to make your holidays stress-free:

1. Simplify and prioritize your tasks and make a schedule. If traveling, allow extra time for weather and pay close attention to your holiday budget. By creating a definitive plan, you can diminish stress and keep your life in order.
2. Get enough exercise. Moving your body will help increase circulation and improve your mood. Pilates or yoga are both fitness disciplines that are especially effective at improving both physical and mental clarity.
3. Short on holiday funds? Take an extra, part-time job to pay for holiday expenses and gifts, and put aside some funds for a mid-winter get-away trip or a special new purchase.
4. Keep your diet in check. While the holidays present all sorts of delicious food, try to prevent overeating and drinking. Choose healthy foods, limit your alcohol intake, and drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
5. Consider meditating. This can be as simple as taking time to breathe or as complex as taking a guided meditation class with a meditation expert.
6. Take time to relax. Do something fun and calming such as laughing with friends, journaling, or even getting a massaging. Some innovative relaxation products you can treat yourself with could be a massaging shower head or maybe even a personal massager.
7. Don’t underestimate the power of sunlight. Sunlight is a natural mood enhancer, and even in cold weather, simple tasks such as a brisk afternoon walk or light gardening can take your mind off of stressful situations and help cheer you up.

Holiday Health Tips - Prevent Allergy Symptoms

Cooler temperatures and hectic winter schedules can pose health challenges that are unique to the holiday season. In order to both survive and enjoy the holidays, take a few precautions to keep yourself healthy:

Indoor Air Quality
Everyone spends more time indoors during the cooler months, and it is imperative to be aware of your indoor air quality. Clean your chimney before that first holiday fire, and be sure to check fireplace vents and keep fireplace doors closed to prevent smoke.

Christmas decorations and ornaments stored in attics or garages can become accumulated with dust and mold. Thoroughly clean and dry all of these holiday items, seal them in plastic bags, and store them in airtight, plastic containers. If you are extremely sensitive to dust and mold, consider purchasing a high-quality air purifier with HEPA filtration. HEPA filters are one of the most efficient methods at eliminating up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Also, because heating vents can blow accumulated dust and debris throughout your home, change or replace your furnace filters before turning on your home heating system, and purchase an allergy furnace filter to help turn your home into a "whole house filter."

Mold Problems
Activities such as raking wet leaves and choosing logs for the fireplace can trigger outdoor mold allergies during the winter season. To prevent allergy exacerbations, remove wet dirt and leaves from around the foundation and gutters of your home to prevent outdoor mold from accumulating around the windows and doors. Store all firewood outside, and only bring new logs inside when you are going to use them. For mold allergy sufferers, dress appropriately and wear protective gloves and face masks, and keep allergy medication readily available.

Indoor mold can also flourish due to high humidity levels stemming from weather changes, leaking roofs, condensing water pipes, and unvented combustion appliances. To address moisture and mold problems, keep your humidity levels below 50% by installing exhaust fans in rooms with high humidity and by using a dehumidifier.

Colder Weather and Asthma
Winter weather can also affect asthma sufferers. Wear a scarf or muffler when venturing outside to warm and humidify winter winds before they enter your lungs, or look to purchasing a warming mask for even more protection against the elements.

Beware of Christmas Trees
A perfect Christmas tree can be one of the highlights of the holiday season, but did you know that Christmas greenery can cause many allergy sufferers to hack and sneeze? According to Paul Stillwagon, a leading allergy physician, mold hidden under the crevices of a tree bark can be more of an allergy trigger than pine needles. While it is possible that some may be allergic to pine tree pollen, Stillwagon argues that it is impossible to have symptoms during the Christmas season because pine trees only pollinate in the spring. Because tree decorating involves rustling branches and bringing out those dusty ornaments from the basement, the dust may be triggering allergies as well.

Also, because commercially-sold trees are often sprayed with chemicals to help them stay green, these chemicals may cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and watery eyes. Prevent these symptoms by hosing down a live tree before bringing it in.

Winter is Here - Tips to Stay Healthy During the Cooler Months

While winter is a joyous season filled with holiday parties, family gatherings, and gift-giving, it can also be one of the deadliest times of the year. Weather-related injuries and illnesses afflict millions during the cooler months, as people may fail to take adequate health and safety precautions. The likelihood of injury or illness often depends on factors such as the temperature both indoors and out, humidity levels, air quality, and one’s age and state of health. To ensure a safe holiday season in the face of imminent winter hazards, following these tips:

Keep Warm
While this may seem obvious, hypothermia is one of the biggest causes of death among the elderly and children, as their bodies cannot adjust well to cold weather. When venturing outdoors, be sure to dress appropriately. In order to adjust to changing weather conditions, dress in layers, and avoid overdressing or overexertion, as this can lead to heat illness.

For indoor warmth, be sure to adjust your thermostat and make use of your central heating system. To spot heat areas or add supplemental heat, consider purchasing an inexpensive space heater to cost-effectively boost the temperature of your home.

Ensure Proper Humidity Levels
Colder weather means drier air, and improper humidity levels can damage furniture, increase heating costs, and even worse, impact your health. Studies have shown that incorrect humidity levels can cause ailments such as scratchy dry throat, increased allergy symptoms, frequent colds/infections, increased chemical sensitivity, and dry skin and throat. To help humidify the air, consider using a humidifier to increase moisture and to help keep comfortable.

Breathe Clean Air
Because most people keep their windows and doors closed during the winter, this can decrease the ventilation in the home. This in turn also decreases the overall air quality, and can cause increased allergy and asthma symptoms, colds, hay fever, and other respiratory disorders. Also, carbon monoxide poisoning due to poorly maintained furnaces and fireplaces kill roughly 500 Americans each year. To keep the air clean, use an air purifier and consider using an electric fireplace instead of your standard wood-burning or gas fireplace.

Prepare for Long Winter Nights
While seemingly harmless, short days and long nights can influence the well-being of millions of Americans. According to the January 2007 issue of the Harvard Health Letter, time changes and the length of days can throw heart-related hormones off and cause heart problems. Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of clinical depression, can also affect people during the winter. In order to reduce or prevent SAD symptoms, you may want to try increasing the lighting in your home and exercise more, as this can increase both your dopamine and energy levels.

How Dangerous Is Your Home?

We live in a world where we face a variety of unavoidable health risks. From driving to work to flying in a plane, we are susceptible to accidents and hazards. However, unbeknownst to many, our homes environments can even be dangerous. Pools and spas, recalled products, and the tipping over of furniture can all cause injuries. In addition, environmental pollutants can also pose significant health risks. According to Prevention Magazine, here are some household environmental toxins to be aware of:

Hanging in Your Closet: Perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene is a solvent commonly used in dry cleaning, and studies have shown that exposure to this chemical may increase the risk for cancer. While the EPA is urging dry cleaners to phase out the use of Perchloethylene, use alternative cleaners who use water for “dry-clean only” clothes.

Check Your Fruit Bowl: Pesticides
Many pesticides have been linked to hormonal problems, allergic reactions, and cancer. Although most toxic pesticides are now banned, protect yourself by properly scrubbing and rinsing produce, and consider organic fruits and vegetables, especially if you are pregnant, are nursing, or have young children.

Through Your Windows: Air Pollution
Homes built after the 1970s were designed to be extremely energy efficient. The only downside to these efforts has been decreased ventilation and poor indoor quality. Consider purchasing a furnace filter or HEPA air purifier. HEPA technology is used and recommended by government agencies such as the CDC and the EPA.

On Your Walls: Lead
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance there’s lead pain on and in it. Poorly maintained and cracking paint is the number one cause of lead poisoning in this country. If the paint is in good condition, it can be left alone, but to be safe, hire a technician to have it tested for lead and fix it carefully (and according to EPA guidelines).

In Your Refrigerator: Mercury, Dioxins, and PCBs
Although fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, many species can have high levels of mercury. Along with meat, poultry, and full-fat dairy products, fish is also a leading source of dioxins and PCBs, which have both been linked to cancer. To decrease your risk of mercury, Dioxin, and PCB exposure, either avoid animal fat or choose leaner cuts of meat. In addition, instead of consuming large of amounts of tuna, swordfish, and other types of fish that are notoriously high in mercury, choose fresher varieties and watch serving sizes.

Through Your Faucet: Lead, Chlorination By-Products, and Arsenic
Although nearly all municipal water mains are now concrete, some older homes may still have lead pipes. Therefore, lead in your water may still be a problem. Also, if your water is heavily chlorinated, it may be contaminated with by-products. Request an annual report on contaminants from your local water company. Also consider purchasing a water test kit and a water filter if necessary.

Keep Your Lungs Healthy During Wildfire Season

On the evening of October 21, 2007, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties due to an onslaught of wildfires that have left thousands homeless and one dead thus far. Consequently, many areas of Southern California have been blanketed in a cloud of smoke and soot.

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gas and tiny bits of particulate matter that can cause a range of symptoms such as coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, chest pain, headaches, runny nose, and asthma exacerbations. Smoke inhalation may also worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by preventing normal breathing, causing coughs, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. Therefore, because residents affected by wildfires are coming into direct contact with large amounts of smoke, caution must be taken when it comes to air quality.

In anticipation of wildfires, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has provided the following guidelines that should be followed in order to limit smoke exposure in the event of a wildfire:

Pay attention to local air quality reports. Watch news reports for health warnings about smoke, and pay attention to public health messages for additional safety tips.

Refer to visibility guides if they are available. While not every community has a monitor that measures the amount of airborne particulates, Southern California communities have guidelines to help people estimate Air Quality Index (AQI) based on far they can see.

If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Be sure to keep windows and doors closed, and run the air conditioner and/or air purifier if you have either. If it is too hot outside and you do not have an air conditioner, seek shelter elsewhere.

Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, refrain from using anything that burns, such as fireplaces, gas stoves, and candles. Do not vacuum, as vacuuming stirs up existing particles, and do not smoke.

Follow your doctor's advice. If you suffer from asthma, allergies, or lung disease, continue taking medication and call your doctor if symptoms worsen.

Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles such as sawdust, and will not protect your lungs from smoke. If properly worn, an "N95" mask can offer some protection. Again, if in doubt, evacuate and seek shelter in a safe area.

Keep Your Humidifier Germ-Free

During the cooler months, many people often use humidifiers to increase the moisture in a single room or in the entire home. These household appliances are often necessary during the winter or in colder climates where continuous heating will make the air extremely dry, which results in uncomfortable air and physical discomforts of skin, lips, dry nose, and throat. As well, increased static electricity, peeling wallpaper, and even cracks in paint and furniture can occur as a result of dry air.

Evaporative humidifiers are one of the most common types of humidifiers, and these consist of a few parts: a reservoir, wick, and fan. Other types of humidifiers come in the form of vaporizers (steam humidifiers), impeller humidifiers (cool mist humidifiers), and ultrasonic humidifiers. Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have shown that when used improperly, ultrasonic humidifiers can disperse materials such as microorganisms and minerals from their water tanks into indoor air, as microorganisms can often grow in stagnate water contained in these humidifier tanks.

At this time, although there is little information on the correlation between microorganism growth and the dispersal of these organisms by home humidifiers, proper cleaning and care of these types of humidifiers can drastically reduce exposure to microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. Inhalation of mist containing these microorganisms can make one susceptible to respiratory problems and lung inflammation. To decrease exposure to microorganisms and minerals when using a humidifier, follow these steps:

1. Use bottled water labeled "distilled" in the humidifier tank as opposed to tap water.
2. Empty the tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and wipe all surfaces daily to reduce the growth of microorganisms.
3. Do not humidify to indoor relative humidity levels exceeding 50 percent, as higher humidity levels may encourage the growth of biological organisms.
4. Do not permit the area around the humidifier to become wet, and turn the output volume down accordingly.
5. Purchase a humidifier with an anti-bacterial filter to help sterilize the water in the tank, such as the NewAir AU-100.

While the federal government has not concluded that dispersal of these microorganisms or minerals pose a serious health risk, it may be prudent to reduce the potential for personal exposure to these particulates in order to prevent any health problems from occurring.

Is Your Water Safe to Drink?

Roughly 70% of the human body is composed of water and in order to function properly, the body requires between one and seven liters of water per day just to avoid dehydration and to replace the body fluids lost through perspiration and urination. When one fails to replace these fluids in the body, severe problems can occur, such as exhaustion, fatigue, “brain lock,” and eventually death.

While the water in the United States is considered to be relatively safe, trace amounts of contaminants can still be found in the water we drink. Currently, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of contaminants in the water provided by public water systems for tap water, and the FDA establishes limits for contaminants in bottled water. Whether from the tap or from a bottle, at least small amounts of some contaminants can still be found in our water. In fact, the Natural Resource Defense Council states that 40% of municipal water suppliers regularly violate federal standards, and Giardia and Cryptosporidium are two species of protozoa that are most notorious in our water. In order to ensure clean water, you can attempt to purify your water supply by boiling water for five to ten minutes, adding ten drops of household bleach to each gallon of water, or by adding a household tincture of iodine to each gallon of water and letting it sit.

Though the above methods do work, they are best suited for camping trips and emergencies. Instead, the use of a UV water purifier such as the Purguard UV A2 can help kill 99.9% of bacteria and microorganisms from your household water. This type of water purification is actually used in most water sterilization processes consisting of purification, detoxification, and disinfection in wastewater treatment. Therefore, the UV water purifiers for home use are extremely effective and can either treat one faucet or the entire house. As water passes through the UV unit, the UV light shines through the water and eliminates the microorganisms, leaving the exiting water up to 99.9% safe to drink.

UV treatment is an excellent way to eliminate biological contamination from home drinking water.

Breathe Easy - Steps to Ensuring Healthy Lungs

Every day, we breathe roughly thirty pounds of air (3,500 gallons). The respiratory system is an often neglected area of our body, but perhaps one of the most vital, as humans cannot live without air for more than five minutes. The respiratory system is a complex network of tubes such as bronchi which carry air to the lungs, where gas exchange takes place. The oxygen that travels from the lungs to the cells in the body provides fuel for these cells. This entire process is essentially an exchange of gas via an automatic and unconscious system. In addition to gas exchange, the respiratory system also acts as either an air conditioner or furnace, helps moisturize the air for proper humidity, and protects the body from harmful substances by filtering out pollutants, sneezing, or by alerting you through your sense of smell.

In order to keep your respiratory system functioning healthily and effortlessly, proper lung care is absolutely crucial. The lungs need to be protected from injuries and exposure to airborne pollutants such as chemicals and dust. While aging undoubtedly has an effect on your lungs, these simple steps can help you keep this vital organ healthy:

1. Control your breathing environment:
- Provide your lungs with air that is at the right temperature and humidity levels, and clear your air of airborne particles.

2. Be aware of the dangers of modern technology on your lungs:
- Avoid airborne occupational or household contaminants such as dust, dander, asbestos, gravel, carbon monoxide, and radon.
- Be smoke-free by not smoking.
- Use household cleaners and chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
- Have chimneys cleaned regularly to assure safe operation.
- Provide your vehicle with regular tune-ups to keep the air cleaner longer.

3. Ensure the health of your lungs by getting appropriate health care:
- Make sure you and your family members have been tested for tuberculosis.
- Cover coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
- Get influenza vaccines on a yearly basis and immunize your children against childhood diseases.
- Properly humidify and ventilate your air through the use of humidifiers and/or air purifiers.

By making a conscious, health-wise effort to keep your lungs healthy, you can help prevent respiratory conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma attacks from affecting the way you breathe. With a little effort, you can have a healthy set of lungs for years to come.