Tagged With "indoor air quality"
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Understanding Research Outcome Measures
Please watch this video and answer the following questions. Your responses are anonymous. By answering these questions, you are participating in asthma research! Outcomes measures are a key part of research. Find out what outcome measures are and what role they play in the results of research. Watch video on YouTube Watch the next video in this series - Understanding Clinical Research
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10 Health and Medical Organizations Strongly Oppose the Trump Administration’s Plan to Revoke Cleaner Cars Standards
“This proposal from EPA and NHTSA would dismantle fair, achievable pollution limits with a track record of success, limits that will help protect Americans from the life-threatening health impacts of climate change. The proposal would also preempt the ability of states to protect the health of their residents by curbing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. If these vehicle standards are weakened, the nation loses a crucial tool to fight climate change."
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2018 Asthma Capitals Report Identifies Nation’s “Asthma Belts”
About 25 million Americans have asthma. There is no cure. But you can manage it with a proper treatment plan and by avoiding triggers. But there might be one thing out of your control that can make managing asthma a challenge: where you live. Today, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the 2018 Asthma Capitals™ report. This report ranks the top 100 cities in the U.S. where it’s challenging to live with asthma.
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2018 Spring Allergies Capitals Report: How Does Your City Rank?
As many in the U.S. put away their winter coats, they pull out the allergy medicines. The onslaught of pollen that comes each spring affects millions of Americans with seasonal allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the 2018 Spring Allergy Capitals™ report that ranks the top 100 cities in the nation for spring allergies
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38 Products Get CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly®
Thirty-eight products earned the asthma & allergy friendly® CERTIFIED certification so far this year. They each passed scientific tests to ensure the products meet our standards to reduce asthma and allergy triggers. Take a look.
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3 Athletes #TackleAsthma to Help AAFA
Asthma feels like an anaconda wrapping around your chest. Every breath hurts and panic sets in. – Kathy, Community Director for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), training for a half century (50-mile) bike ride These words used to describe the experience with asthma paint a vivid picture. Despite these moments gasping for air and waiting for the next breath, there are those who conquer great physical challenges. Here are three of their stories. Kathy Przywara, Community...
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3 Ways Humidity Affects Asthma
Allergens, chemicals and strong scents are common triggers for the almost 25 million Americans with asthma. But high humidity can be just as troublesome. People with asthma have inflamed airways that are sensitive to things that may not bother other people. That’s why humidity, and all that comes with it, can be a problem for people with asthma. 1 Here are some reasons why. 1. Humid air feels harder to breathe in. Some believe moist air is heavier and harder to breathe. Heat and humidity...
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4 Asthma Triggers to Be Aware of During Fourth of July Celebrations
Summer events, like the 4th of July, are a great time to get together with family and friends to celebrate. If you have asthma , be aware of possible triggers around you and take steps to prevent flare-ups. 1. Fireworks Fireworks are a traditional way to celebrate the holiday. But fireworks create smoke and small particulate matter that contributes to air pollution which can trigger asthma. Consider watching firework displays from an indoor location. 2. Smoke from Barbecues or Fire Pits Like...
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5 Ways to Show Your #TealLove to Someone With Asthma or Allergies This Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is the time of year when you show your loved ones how much they mean to you. However, many typical gifts and activities can be asthma or allergy triggers. #TealLove means choosing gifts that are allergy and asthma friendly.
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5 Asthma and Allergy Tips for a Healthier Home for the Holidays
Holiday decorations make your home fun and festive. But they can also bring in asthma triggers and allergens. How do you deck the halls while keeping a healthy home?
Here are five asthma & allergy friendly® tips for a healthier home for the holidays.
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5 Things You May Not Know About Ragweed Pollen Allergy
If you live in the U.S., you’re probably starting to feel the effects of ragweed pollen. Ragweed pollen allergy affects about 25 million Americans, making it one of the most common weed allergy. Its light pollen easily spreads far and wide, causing people with nasal and allergic asthma symptoms to feel miserable each fall.
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6 Asthma Triggers to Avoid During the Holidays
The holidays are a time of cheer for most, but asthma triggers can lurk in the festive atmosphere. Be aware of where asthma triggers can hide and how you can reduce your chances of an asthma flare. Learn what to avoid.
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Fun Ways to Teach Children About Asthma
Young children with asthma may not always understand what it is and what's going on when they have symptoms. But teaching your child about asthma at a young age can help them communicate better with you, teachers and other caregivers when they do have symptoms. Plus, this will help prepare them for self care as they get older. Here are some resources specially created to teach young children about asthma. These links include games, printable activity sheets, videos with fun characters,...
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A Declaration on Climate Change and Health
June 19, 2017 As leading public health, patient advocacy, nursing and medical organizations, we reiterate our longstanding commitment to addressing climate change as a public health issue. The statement below articulates our consensus on the health impacts of climate change and the need for action to protect the public’s health. The health impacts of climate change demand immediate action. The science is clear ; communities across the nation are experiencing the health impacts of climate...
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A Look at the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Process
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) joined with Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) to create the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program. This program helps people make informed purchases for a healthier home. We test household products against strict standards. If products pass our tests, they earn the asthma & allergy friendly® mark.
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AAFA and Allergy Standards Host Allergy Summit to Elevate Industry and Consumer Perspectives to Improve Products for Allergy Aware Consumers
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) announced findings from a new market research survey aimed at better understanding patient and consumer awareness, perceptions and values of certified products and the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program, as well as buyer behaviors and demands.
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AAFA and ASL Celebrate the 2019 US-Ireland Research Innovation Award for the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program
During Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) came together to celebrate the 2019 US-Ireland Research Innovation Award. The two organizations recently received the award for the development of the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program.
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AAFA Applauds DOT Warning About Denial of Preboarding to Family With Food Allergies
AAFA applauds the warning the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued to American Airlines in response to American Airline’s denial of the right to pre-board a family of a child with food allergies. However, AAFA calls on the USDOT and Congress to take even stronger actions to protect the rights of airline passengers with allergies and all disabilities.
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AAFA Explains: Can Herbal Supplements Help My Nasal Allergies?
When new drugs and medical procedures are developed, they go through rigorous scientific study. Complementary Alternative Medicine treatments usually do not go through the same type of research. As a result, whether it works (called efficacy) is unproven for most treatments. Most herbal remedies for rhinitis fall into that category.
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AAFA Explains: Is Salt Therapy Safe and Effective for Asthma?
In our second post in our “AAFA Explains” series, we look at claims that salt treatment (also known as halotherapy) can improve your asthma. “Salt rooms” are popping up in the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and elsewhere. These rooms charge you a fee to enter, like a spa. Salt crystals coat the rooms and the air is salt-laden as an attempt to mimic naturally occurring salt caves.The history of natural salt caves as an asthma remedy is ancient.
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AAFA Joins Groups Opposing the EPA's Efforts to Weaken Carbon Pollution Limits Which Could Impact All Americans, Especially Those With Asthma
Today the acting administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Andrew Wheeler, announced a proposal to dramatically weaken the Carbon Pollution Standards for New, Modified and Reconstructed Power Plants, which are protections against carbon pollution that have been in effect since 2015. Fifteen groups sent this letter in response.
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AAFA Meets With EPA to Ask for Action on Climate Change
On June 20, 2017, AAFA met with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to ask him to clean our air for those impacted by climate change. We presented him with our Declaration on Climate Change and Health . Climate change is a serious threat to our health, especially to the more vulnerable members of the population. Asthma and allergies rates will continue to rise until we take action against climate change.
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Weakening the Clean Air Act Will Worsen Asthma for Millions
Ozone is a gas that can irritate the lining of the lungs, causing damage. It can reduce lung function and make it harder for you to breathe deeply. Car exhaust, chemicals and industrial facilities create ozone. High temperatures from climate change make ozone worse. Ozone contributes to what we call “smog.” 1 As ozone increases, so do asthma rates. Research has directly linked ozone to asthma attacks. 2 High levels of ozone even affects people with healthy lungs. Unless we take action now to...
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AAFA Releases 2019 State Honor Roll Report in Advance of Asthma Peak Week
Schools provide valuable education to students. But the very resource that is supposed to benefit our children can actually be a cause of asthma symptoms and allergic reactions. Some states have policies in place that protect children with asthma and allergies. These 15 states made our 2019 State Honor Roll™ of Asthma and Allergy Policies for Schools (SHR). See how your state ranks.
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AAFA Responds to New Study on Changing Trends in Childhood Asthma Prevalence
By Cary Sennett, MD, PhD AAFA’s president and CEO, Dr. Cary Sennett, wrote these comments in response to a study published this week in the Journal Pediatrics. A study released this week (December 28 th ) by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that there is good news: after years of increase, the prevalence of asthma in children appears to be falling. Why that is so—and whether this is the beginning of a trend, or an anomaly—remains to be...
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AAFA’s asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program Celebrates 10 Successful Years
This spring allergy season marks the 10th anniversary of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s (AAFA) asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program. The 60 million Americans with asthma and allergies have learned to trust certified consumer products and services when they see the Certification Mark on a product label. Certified products and services have been tested against strict scientific standards and shown to be suitable for families with asthma o
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AAFA’s Certification Program Expands to Improve Air Quality and Reduce Your Exposure to Allergens
In 2017, the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program tested and certified many new products to give you more options. When you’re shopping, look for the Certification Program Mark on these new products, as well as our many other products. The mark lets you know you are getting products scientifically proven to be suitable for those with asthma and allergies. You can shop for Certified products by visiting aafa.org/certified or by using our app. Our app is available for both iOS...
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AAFA Tackles Childhood Asthma and Allergies
Asthma and allergies impact one in five children in the United States. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) exhibited at the 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) conference to learn the latest news in pediatrics and to talk to health care providers about the programs and services we offer.
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AAFA to Join Moms Clean Air Force to Call for Action on Climate Change
You may be familiar with the common affects of climate change: extreme weather, rising sea levels and melting ice caps. But did you know climate change can also make allergies and asthma symptoms worse? On July 13, 2017, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) will join Moms Clean Air Force at Upper Senate Park in Washington, D.C., to support action against climate change. Instead of a sit-in, moms and their children will host their fourth annual Play-In for Climate Action. The...
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Advances in Asthma and Allergies in 2019
These are just a few things we were able to do this year for the asthma and allergy community because of you. But there is more for us to do to significantly reduce the burden of these diseases on people with asthma and allergies. And we can with your help.
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Air Cleaners: What You Need to Know
For many people, the health risks posed by indoor air quality can often be significantly higher than outdoor air. Animal dander, pollen, mold, dust mites and fumes released by cooking, burning fuel or cleaning products can all negatively impact your indoor air. One way you can improve your indoor air quality is with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® air cleaner. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for an air cleaner.
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Air Pollution Causes Asthma Symptoms for One Hartford Resident
Lakia Shavon Lightner has vivid memories from her childhood of visits to the emergency room at 2 in the morning. She has had severe asthma and allergies for as long as she can remember. She grew up in Hartford, but now lives in East Hartford, Connecticut, our #13 Asthma Capital for 2019.
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Air Pollution Harms the Health of 4 in 10 Americans
AAFA is proud to be a partner of the “Year of Air Pollution & Health.” Led by the American Lung Association, this campaign teaches the public about air pollution, climate change and health.
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Air Quality Around the World
April 29 – May 3 is Air Quality Awareness Week , sponsored by the NOAA National Weather Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Forest Service, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This year’s theme is “Check the AQI & Get Outside” to encourage everyone to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) regularly. Today’s focus is “Air Quality Around the World.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 91% of the world breathes polluted...
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Air Quality Flags and Apps Help Protect People with Asthma
The first week of May is Air Quality Awareness Week. The EPA measures air quality to tell us how clean or polluted the air is. This has special significance for people with asthma. Air pollution is a trigger for some people with asthma. The EPA calculates the Air Quality Index (AQI) based on five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone particle pollution (also known as particulate matter) carbon monoxide sulfur dioxide nitrogen dioxide For people who have...
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Albuterol Inhaler Shortage Due to COVID-19 Could Impact People With Asthma
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is sharing this message from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)for people with asthma about a shortage of albuterol metered dose inhalers
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Allergy and Asthma Control Starts in the Bedroom
Allergic disease, including asthma, is the fifth leading chronic disease in the U.S. in people of all ages. There is no cure for asthma. The best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, take medicines to prevent symptoms and prepare to treat asthma episodes.
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Are You Controlling Allergens in Your Bedroom?
We spend approximately one-third of our time in the bedroom. Dust mites and mold – both of which are common indoor allergens – thrive in furniture, carpets and bedding. They love moisture! You can reduce these allergens by taking some simple steps, including regular cleaning and using CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products.
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Asthma and Allergy Caucus to FDA: Take Action to Prevent Albuterol Shortages
Congressmen Eliot L. Engel (D-NY) and Fred Upton (R-MI), Co-Chairs of the Asthma and Allergy Caucus, joined by Congressmen TJ Cox (D-CA) and Peter King (R-NY), Members of Caucus, led 57 Members of the House on a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about shortages of albuterol inhalers, which are critical to effective asthma management.
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Asthma and Allergy Friendly Gift Guide for 2017
Shopping for someone with asthma and allergies this holiday season? Products to help them reduce asthma and allergy triggers make great gifts. Look for Certified asthma & allergy friendly® products this holiday season.
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Asthma and Allergy Friendly Holiday Gifts for 2015
Look for this mark on a package, so you know that product is scientifically proven to be more suitable for those with asthma and allergies.
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Asthma & Allergy-Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts Show #TealLove
It’s almost Valentine’s Day! It’s a time for romance. A time for schoolchildren to exchange silly cards. And a time for those with asthma and allergies to be extra careful about their triggers. Share the #TealLove this Valentine's Day! What is #TealLove? It is being inclusive of those with asthma and allergies. Your sweetheart won’t appreciate a bottle of perfume or a beautiful bouquet that makes them sneeze and wheeze. What are common triggers? Many...
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AAFA Explains: Can Essential Oils Help Asthma?
Essential oils, like herbal remedies, come from plants. Practitioners of traditional and folk medicine (usually meaning those without a medical degree) have used essential oils for thousands of years, much like herbal remedies. Is there any evidence to back up claims that essential oils can help my asthma?
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Asthma Is No Match for Eden’s Winning Attitude
Congratulations to PinkLadyCha , the week 2 winner of our #TackleAsthma and #TackleAllergies contest ! Her pictures of her daughter Eden remind us that asthma flareups can strike at any time. But keeping a positive attitude can help you face those tough moments. Eden and her mom will admit that dealing with asthma isn't easy. It can be an emotional and frustrating disease. Her mom describes how hard it can be to watch asthma hold your child back from doing what they love. But they know that...
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Protect Yourself During Asthma Peak Week: Tips to Help You Avoid Asthma Episodes
It's best to start preparing for Asthma Peak Week weeks, even months in advance. But now that it's here, there are still ways you can protect yourself. An article by Forbes, "It’s Asthma Peak Week — Here’s How to Get Ready," offers some tips to stay healthy.
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Avery Can #TackleAsthma and #TackleAllergies on the Ice
Avery and his mom Jessica are our final winners in our #TackleAsthma and #TackleAllergies photo contest . Their photo shows asthma doesn’t have keep you from sports and activities you love. “My son Avery tackles allergy induced asthma by playing HOCKEY! He is 10 years old and has been playing club for 7 and just made his first AAA team this past spring. Asthma may make it more difficult for him but he doesn’t use it as a crutch ...he finds a balance between pushing himself and knowing his...
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Avoiding Tobacco Smoke Is a Key Part of Asthma Prevention
Tobacco smoke hurts everyone. It can affect you even if you aren’t around someone who is actively smoking. Studies now show that tobacco’s effects reach much farther than its smoke does. Tobacco smoke can do a lot of damage to your health. But did you know it can be even more harmful to those who have asthma, especially sensitive groups like children and older adults? The only way we can decrease asthma rates from tobacco is to reduce exposure to it.
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Babies With A Dog in the Home May Have a Lower Risk of Asthma and Eczema
Two studies being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting show there may be even more reason to love your dog.
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Bedroom Hygiene Is Crucial for Healthy Sleep Hygiene
Frequent sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness are the most telling signs of poor sleep hygiene according to the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep disturbances are commonly reported by people with asthma, eczema and allergies.
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Breathe Easier: Improving Indoor Air Quality in Your Bedroom
Studies show that poor outdoor air quality can worsen asthma and allergies. This news may make you think you need to stay indoors to avoid air pollution. But your indoor air may actually be worse than the outdoor air.