Tagged With "indoor air quality"
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The Concerning Rise of Youth Vaping and What States Can Do to Help
Vaping is causing serious lung disease in many teens. Yet, youth vaping continues to rise at an alarming rate. State policies can help curb youth vaping. As part of our 2019 State Honor Roll™ of Asthma and Allergy Policies for Schools (SHR), we look at the rise of vaping among our youth and what states can do to reduce rates.
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Those With Asthma and Allergies Need to Take Precautions During Cleanup After a Flood
After a natural disaster with flooding, people with asthma and allergies need to take extra precautions as they begin cleanup efforts. Long after waters have receded, flood waters can leave behind chemicals, bacteria, viruses and mold. These can create long-term health issues if you have asthma and allergies.
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Three Bills Could Have a Big Impact on People With Asthma and Allergies
May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month . During this month, our community seeks to raise greater awareness with family, friends, coworkers and others about what it is like to live with asthma and allergies. It’s also a good time to engage with your elected officials in Congress about several pieces of legislation that improve access to asthma and allergy treatments and medicines, and protect the rights of our patient community. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)...
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Tips for Preventing Allergic Reactions to Tree and Grass Pollen
Trees start producing pollen in the southern U.S. as early as January. Many trees throughout the country keep producing pollen through June. Both tree and grass pollen is very lightweight. Wind can carry it up to 500 miles. It may be hard to avoid tree and grass pollen, but you can reduce your exposure with these tips.
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Tree Pollen: Spring’s First Allergy Offender
When spring allergy season first starts, causing you to sniffle and sneeze, tree pollen is to blame. Trees start producing pollen as early as January in the Southern U.S. Many trees keep producing pollen through June. What Are the Symptoms of a Tree Pollen Allergy? Pollen allergy symptoms are commonly called “hay fever.” Pollen released by trees, as well as grasses and weeds, cause these symptoms. They include: Runny nose and mucus production Sneezing Itchy nose, eyes, ears and mouth Stuffy...
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Understanding Your Asthma Diagnosis: Spirometry
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes you to have inflammation in your airways. Doctors use lung function tests to see how your lungs function or to see if you have inflammation. Spirometry is one of the most common lung function tests.
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We Fight, Support and Advocate in Honor of Those Who Have Lost Their Lives
Dear Friends, One of the hardest things we do at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is have conversations with families who have lost loved ones to asthma. Our hearts break for them. We grieve along with them. After hearing these stories, we are determined to do even more for people with asthma and allergies. We understand that an asthma or allergy diagnosis can be a life-changing event. For those affected, we stand together, prepared not only to listen and to empathize, but also...
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What Happens in Your Airways When You Have Asthma?
To understand asthma , a chronic disease that causes your airways to become inflamed, it helps to first know how your airways work. Watch on YouTube How Do Normal Airways Work? When we breathe in, air moves through our airways – from our nose or mouth, down a large hollow tube in the front of the neck called a windpipe or trachea – and into our lungs. The trachea divides into two tubes called bronchial [bron-KEE-uhl] tubes in the lungs. They look like upside-down trees. As the bronchial...
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What If You’re Allergic to Grass? 10 Steps to Managing Grass Pollen Allergy
Grasses are one of the most common causes of allergy. Each year, plants (including grasses) release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Unfortunately for people with grass allergies, this pollen triggers allergic reactions.
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What People With Asthma Need to Know About Foods Made With Liquid Nitrogen
One recent food trend has some people concerned: adding liquid nitrogen right before eating to create the effect of smoke. It may sound fun, but is it safe, especially for people with asthma?
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What People With Asthma Need to Know About Inhalers and Climate Change
Are metered dose inhalers (MDIs) contributing to climate change? British researchers estimated the impact of gases used in MDIs on air pollution. They suggest if people switched to dry powder inhalers (DPIs), it could reduce the impact on our planet. What does this mean for people with asthma?
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Winter Weather Advisory – Cold Air and Asthma
Dry and/or cold air is a trigger for airway narrowing (bronchoconstriction) and can be a weather-related asthma trigger. When you breathe in cold, dry air through your mouth, the air doesn't get warmed by your nose first. The cold air goes to your lungs and airways. This can trigger an asthma attack. Try these tips to avoid having cold air trigger your asthma.
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World Asthma Day Twitter Chat: Latinos & The Crisis of Air Quality
Storify: Bilingual Twitter chat to discuss Latinos & The Crisis of Air Quality on World Asthma Day (May 2, 2107).
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You’re Invited: Virtual Film Screening and Panel Discussion on “Asthma Alley”
Join the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), American Lung Association, Allergy & Asthma Network and GroundTruth Films for a virtual film screening of “Asthma Alley,” a short documentary that follows a young teen with asthma and her classmates in the South Bronx, a neighborhood known for extraordinarily high rates of asthma.
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Your Asthma and Allergy Checklist for January
Are you making a to-do list for the new year? Add some of these asthma and allergy tasks to your to-do list.
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How One Mom Uses Air Quality Alerts to Help Keep Son With Asthma Healthy
How are children with asthma affected by poor air quality? The first week of May marks 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. Through custom alerts, you can track air quality to plan outdoor activities, such as outdoor recess. That’s how one New Jersey mom realized her son with asthma was running into breathing...
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How to Avoid Allergy and Asthma Triggers During Outdoor Holiday Celebrations
Outdoor events, cookouts and picnics are great ways to get together with family and friends to celebrate. If you have allergies and asthma, be aware of possible triggers and allergens around you and take steps to prevent flare-ups.
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How to Raise Awareness About Asthma in Your Workplace
I am very honored to have been chosen by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to be one of their featured interviews to help kick off National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Please join me and thousands of others to raise awareness for asthma and help educate those around us who don’t live with the disease. The more we all understand it and are mindful of the people around us with this invisible disability, the better off we all will be.
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Hundreds Gather to Send Message to Congress About Climate Change
On July 13, 2017, Moms Clean Air Force hosted their fourth annual Play-In for Climate Action near the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA) was there to show support.
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If You Have Asthma, Protect Yourself from Summer's Heat and Smog Buildup
Summer heat is here. For some people, that may mean a rise in asthma flare-ups. Dry, hot air may trigger asthma. However, other heat-related factors such as smog may also worsen your asthma.
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Improper Inhaler Use Can Affect Asthma Control
Inhaler mistakes are more common than you might think. Up to 92% of people with asthma use their device incorrectly. If your medicine isn’t reaching your lungs, your asthma might be harder to control.
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Improve Air Quality to Make Your Workplace Better for Employees With Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes airways to become inflamed, making it hard to breathe. For adults, asthma is one of the leading causes of missing work. Adults miss more than 14 million days of work each year. Employers can improve work life for people with asthma by improving the air quality of the workplace.
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Improve Your Indoor Air Quality to Improve Your Health
Did you know, people spend as much as 90% of their time inside their homes, offices, schools and cars? For those with allergies and asthma, air quality is important both indoors and out. Learn how to improve your indoor air quality.
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Ironman Cathy Tackles Asthma and Wins
Cathy Stephens was born not breathing. And since that day 47 years ago, breathing has periodically been a struggle for her. She shares her inspirational story of overcoming asthma to finish an Ironman triathlon.
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Is Your City an Asthma Capital? Here’s What You Can Do About It
On May 7, 2019, World Asthma Day, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released its 2019 Asthma Capitals Report™. This report ranks the top 100 most challenging places in America to live with asthma.
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Is Your Home Making You Sick? Why a Healthier Indoor Environment Is Important
October is Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month . Since your indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, this month is a good time to make sure you are taking the right steps to create healthier air in your home. Your home should be a haven for you and your family. But unfortunately, it may be filled with allergy and asthma triggers that can impact your health. Common allergens found in homes include animal dander , dust mites , pests , pollen and mold . Common irritants found in homes...
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Join Our Twitter Chat to Take Charge of Your Asthma Health
Join the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Wednesday, May 7, 2019, at 2:30 pm ET for a Twitter chat on asthma health. Follow @AAFANational and @AAAAI_org and use the hashtag #AsthmaHealth to join the conversation.
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Join us for an #AsthmaFit Twitter Chat with AAFA and AAAAI
Join the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Wednesday, May 2 at 12 pm EDT for an #AsthmaFit Twitter chat.
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Keep Asthma, Allergies at Bay with Spring Cleaning Tips
By Danielle Hegedus The thought of spring cleaning is sometimes met with mixed responses. Some people dread it. Others find the intensive cleaning cathartic. However, spring cleaning is especially important if you or anyone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies. Cleaning can cut the amount of allergens in the air and the potential for dangerous flare-ups. But dust and fumes kicked up during spring cleaning may irritate your asthma and allergies. This makes it essential to take...
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Keep Kids With Allergies and Asthma Safe This Halloween
Halloween means crisp fall air, pumpkins and trick-or-treating. But for adults and kids who manage asthma and allergies, even the best parts of Halloween – like treats, costumes and decorations–can be frightful triggers. Knowing how to avoid triggers can reduce stress and minimize the chances of a food allergy reaction or an asthma attack. Here are our tips to make your Halloween safer. Know What Is Safe to Eat For most kids, Halloween is all about treats and candy! For kids with food...
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Lexi Tackles Severe Asthma on her Wakeboard
We are pleased to announce that Lexi L is the fourth winner of our #TackleAsthma and #TackleAllergies photo contest ! “I try to not let my asthma hold me back from living my life to the fullest. I’ve been intubated once due to an asthma attack and recently had to be on the Bi-Pap this past November due to another attack. Wakeboarding has always been my passion but due to being limited, I can’t do certain things as much as I would like to. Also, being one that has such horrible allergies,...
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Living With Asthma in Birmingham, Alabama, the #8 Asthma Capital
For many, asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to something. This is called allergic asthma is the most common. But a small number of people with asthma have “non-allergic asthma.” Lynn Johnson is part of this group. Lynn developed non-allergic asthma seven years ago, as an adult.
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Losing Laura: Each Day 10 Too Many People Die From Asthma
In this essay, you’ll hear from Peter DeMarco of Boston, Massachusetts, who lost his wife, Laura Levis, to asthma. Boston ranks #8 on our 2019 Asthma Capitals report. It has such a high ranking because of a high number of people with asthma and asthma-related deaths.
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Low-Odor Paint Offers a Healthier Home Solution
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) has announced that EasyCare Ultra Premium Acrylic Latex paint by True Value has earned the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Mark.
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Managing Asthma and Poor Air Quality in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the #14 Asthma Capital
During gym class, young April Behounek, noticed a burning sensation in her chest and trouble breathing. She told her mom and they went to see an allergist in northern Wisconsin. At age 10, April was diagnosed with asthma and an allergy to dogs. She grew up managing her asthma with the support of her parents and her doctors. This included using both long-term control and quick-relief inhalers.
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Managing Asthma in St. Louis: It's Scary Not to Be Able to Breathe
Growing up, Jerica Gordon’s sister had asthma, but she does not remember her having any asthma attacks. “So when my son was having trouble breathing, I thought it was just congestion or something. There was no wheezing that I remember hearing,” she shared. In November 2016, Jerica took her son Jonathan Robinson, Jr., then age 5, to the emergency room.
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Managing the Stress of Asthma in Boston, Massachusetts, the #11 Asthma Capital
As Nancy Gomez knows, managing a child’s severe asthma can take a big toll on a parent’s time, finances and emotions. Nancy’s 10-year-old son, Oziel, has had asthma and allergies since he was a baby. Today Oziel has environmental allergies to pollen, animals, dust, smoke and more. His allergies, exercise and cold weather all trigger his asthma. On top of this, Oziel also has life-threatening food allergies. And he is autistic. Managing all of this is a constant challenge.
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Managing Your Indoor Allergies During the Winter
If you’re having allergy symptoms during winter, the likely culprit is indoor allergies. The top indoor allergy triggers are dust mites, pet dander and mold.
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Medicare Advantage Plans to Offer Medical Coverage That Can Benefit Those With Asthma
Air conditioners for people with asthma, healthy groceries, rides to medical appointments and home-delivered meals may be among the new benefits added to Medicare Advantage coverage when new federal rules take effect next ye
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Missouri Law Helps Children With Uncontrolled Asthma
Children with uncontrolled asthma in Missouri have a new option to stay healthier. The law that makes this possible will save the state thousands of dollars. We recently spoke with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter, which campaigned for the law, to find out more about it.
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Mold Allergy? 6 Tips to Prevent Mold and Mildew In Your Home
Indoor molds grow in areas in your home where there may be extra dampness. To prevent mold and mildew in your home, you need to remove sources of water or dampness.
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More Than 25 Million Americans Have Asthma
Asthma and allergies affect more than 60 million Americans. Allergic disease, which includes asthma, is the fifth leading chronic disease in the U.S. They can impact you socially, emotionally and financially. But asthma and allergies don't have to define you. But working with your doctor and following your treatment plan, you can thrive and do many of the things you enjoy doing.
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National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Tackles Epidemic to Educate Public
[Press Release] National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Tackles Epidemic to Educate Public Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Focuses on Prevention and Treatment LANDOVER, Md. May 2, 2017 - For over 30 years, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) proclaims the month of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. In the U.S., asthma and allergic diseases such as pollen allergies or food allergies affect over 60 million people. AAFA will lead several...
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National Healthy Schools Day Highlights the Need for Better School Environments for Children with Asthma
Asthma is the main reason why children miss school. In fact, children in the U.S. miss about 13.8 million school days each year due to asthma. Missing school can affect many children's grades and well-being.
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New Haven Resident Learns to Manage Allergies, Severe Asthma and COPD Despite Poor Air Quality and High Pollen
Four years ago, Deborah Bartlett of New Haven, Connecticut (overall #11 on Asthma Capitals), was diagnosed with severe persistent asthma. Combined with her pollen and mold allergies, as well as COPD, breathing can be a real challenge.
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November Asthma and Allergy Advocacy Update: School Protections and Emotional Support Animals and Epinephrine Auto-Injectors on Planes
Welcome to your November advocacy update. I’m Jenna Riemenschneider, Director of Advocacy at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
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Now Recruiting: Study Examining Indoor Air Quality & Asthma Triggers in Maryland Children
The National Center for Healthy Housing is looking for Maryland families with children suffering from asthma to join an important study about indoor air quality. The study looks at whether improving indoor air quality at home can: reduce asthma symptoms reduce asthma attacks improve quality of life for children and their parents This is the first study in the U.S. to examine middle class families in single-family homes. Certain families will receive extensive home improvements—at no...
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NYC Taking Steps to Promote Healthy Housing
The New York City Council is considering the Asthma-Free Housing Act of 2015 We know the environment can play a strong role in our health. But for patients with chronic conditions like asthma, a healthy indoor setting is critical. Indoor health hazards can all be asthma triggers . These hazards include mold, dust and pests (cockroaches, dust mites). Healthy indoor settings are a vital part of managing and controlling asthma. In large urban cities, older buildings and housing issues can often...
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Re: GlaxoSmithKline Recalls Two Lots of Ventolin HFA Albuterol Sulfate Inhalers
I can only use the Ventolin and the Ins. won't cover it now and gave me Pro Air and it doesn't work for me! Now I don't have an inhaler that works and I'm 66 with Asthma and Bronchitis and a heart condition. The Ins. doesn't care if you drop dead! My doctor did a prior authorization for the Ventolin and they denied because it's not on the formulary list anymore! My cousin said to contact the manufacturer. Does anyone know if that works? I can't afford over $56 for one inhaler since on...
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Re: GlaxoSmithKline Recalls Two Lots of Ventolin HFA Albuterol Sulfate Inhalers
I'm severely allergic to peanuts and cannot use proair. Pro air is manufacture it on the line that has peanut contamination. Whereas ventilon isn't. I am on social security and I cannot afford that price. However maybe it's the part D drug plan you have. If you were to change up you might be able to get it covered. Or your doctor should be getting samples .my doc provides me with samples .