Tagged With "Air travel"
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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 Addresses Amtrak's New "Pets on Trains" Policy
Notice any small cats and dogs riding the rails on Amtrak recently? One of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's Facebook fans did. The person told us about a recent policy change, writing: This obviously poses a huge health risk to children and adults with pet allergies, some of which may be severe or even life-threatening. Amtrak isn't even reserving a single car to be designated as pet-free, not even the quiet car. Would the AAFA be willing to send a letter to Amtrak illustrating...
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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 Co-Sponsored Report Provides Recommendations for Food Allergy Research, Treatment, and Policy
[Press Release] PR Contact: Adam Bailine, Vice President, Marketing & Communications (202) 466-7643, ext. 254 abailine@aafa.org AAFA Co-Sponsored Report Provides Recommendations for Food Allergy Research, Treatment, and Policy With support from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine releases a monumental report that makes recommendations to increase our understanding of and approaches to food allergies November...
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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 DOT Alongside Other Disability Advocacy Groups to Discuss Service Animal Regulations for Airlines
Today, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA) met with the Department of Transportation alongside several disability advocacy groups. We discussed service animal regulations and the impact of growing numbers of emotional support animals on airlines. We shared how difficult it is to travel when you have asthma and/or pet dander allergy. We’re working together to ensure people are treated fairly when it comes to disability accommodations—and not privileging one disability type over another.
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AAFA Meets With DOT to Advocate for Equal Rights for People With Asthma and Allergies on Planes
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) met with the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). We spoke with members of their Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings and Consumer Protection Division on behalf of people with asthma and allergies. We shared how critical it is that people with asthma and allergies who have to be on planes with emotional support animals have equal rights.
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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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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 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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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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Breathing in the Boat: It Was All Worth It
On Oct. 14, 2017, I began my travel across the world to compete at the 13th International Dragon Boat Federation’s Nations World Championships on Dianchi Lake in Kunming, China, after a long and unlikely journey to overcome asthma symptoms that nearly prevented me from competing at all.
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Caring for a Child With Asthma and Allergies: The Value of Providing Parents With Peace of Mind
In the summer of 2017, Alexis Fetterman and her parents had an unexpected introduction to asthma and allergies . Alexis was 2 years old and got sick with a respiratory virus. After a visit to the emergency room, she was admitted to the hospital and flown to a nearby children’s hospital. After a few days in the hospital, Alexis was diagnosed with asthma. “The hospital stay was a really traumatic experience. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in learning about asthma and allergies. I want to...
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Clean Air, Sharp Minds Act Aims to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Schools to Improve Student Health and Learning
On Feb. 27, 2020, Senator Cory Booker and Representative Katherine Clark introduced the Clean Air, Sharp Minds Act. The proposed act would give schools a three-year grant to help them improve indoor air quality (IAQ) . The grant would allow schools in high pollution areas or that pose a severe health and safety threat to install commercial air filters. This program would be managed by the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These grants aim to: Improve the...
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Clean Economy Act Would Benefit Millions of People With Asthma and Allergies by Addressing Climate Crisis
U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, was joined by 32 Senators in introducing legislation that would put the United States on a path to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050.
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Climate Change and Your Health
Extreme weather, wildfires and coastal flooding are some of the visible impacts of climate change happening today. But did you know that climate change can also affect your allergies and allergic asthma?
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Creating an Asthma Management Plan in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the #4 Asthma Capital
When Joey was 4 years old, his parents took him to see an allergist. He was having trouble breathing and having challenges with his digestive system. They learned that Joey has asthma triggered by environmental and food allergies.
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EPA Works to Reduce Air Pollution in 32 States by Improving Older School Buses
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded more than $8.7 million to replace or retrofit 452 older diesel school buses. The funds are going to 141 school bus fleets in 32 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new and retrofitted buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to health problems such as asthma and lung damage.
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Fact or Fiction: 5 Myths About Dust Mites
If you're reading this, there's a good chance you're one of the millions of Americans with a dust mite allergy. But how well do you know these microscopic creatures? Here's a look at some common misconceptions about dust mites and dust mite allergy.
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Family Removed from Plane After Boy’s Allergic Reaction to Dog
Be kind. Be nice.
That is the message that a father with terminal cancer gives when he and his family are removed from a plane after his young son has an allergic reaction to a dog.
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February Advocacy Update: Over-the-Counter Medicines, Restaurant Safety and Cleaner Cars
Welcome to your February advocacy update. I’m Jenna Riemenschneider, director of advocacy at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). I am pictured above with AAFA board member Renuka Babu Brown and Senator Ed Markey's (D-MA) policy advisor Adam Axler. Over-the-Counter Drug Access and Cleaner Cars Rollbacks AAFA and other members of the Healthy Choices Coalition met with Representative Judy Chu's office. We asked her to co-sponsor the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2019...
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Five Tips for Better Asthma and Allergy Health This Fall
The Coalition for Medicare Choices and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America created this Pocket Companion to help improve respiratory health.
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freshAAIR™ – a Digital Magazine for People With Asthma and Allergies
October is Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month. Indoor air quality is important for asthma and allergy control. We dedicated our current issue of freshAAIR™ Magazine to ways you can create a healthier home.
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Groups Gather to Voice Concerns About Climate Change’s Impact on Health
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) joined Moms Clean Air Force on July 11, 2018, to raise awareness about the health impacts of climate change. The Play-In for Climate Action was held on the National Mall. Hundreds of parents and their children from across the U.S. participated in the event to draw attention to the harmful effects of air pollution . Studies show that air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms. Climate change also creates longer and heavier pollen seasons. A...
Blog Post Featured
Help Others See Beyond Asthma and Allergies During National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Each May since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has declared May to be National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to teaching others about asthma and allergies to create more awareness and understanding. We also want to help people see beyond asthma and allergies. This year, we aim to do just that through our themes, “More Than Asthma” and “More Than Food Allergies.”
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High Heat, Air Pollution, Air Quality Create Problems for People with Asthma
When we think of summer, we usually think of outdoor fun like swimming, cookouts, sporting events and going to the park. But with summer also comes a combination of heat and smog that can create bad air quality. Heat, air pollution and ragweed pollen create problems in the fall too. Since we spend more time outside in these warmer months, these combinations can be hard on your airways.
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How Do You Track Air Quality for Better Asthma Management?
It should come as no surprise that the quality of the air we breathe affects our lungs. According to several studies, air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse. It’s also linked to higher asthma-related emergency room visits among senior adults and higher asthma rates in children.
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How Does Rain Affect Pollen Levels?
Long, hot days are great for outdoor activities, but pollen can threaten to keep you indoors if you have pollen allergies and allergic asthma. They may leave you longing for a rain shower to wash the pollen away. But rain causes plant growth, producing more pollen, right? So is rain good for those with allergies or not?
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Our Clean Air Crisis
The air we breathe is one of the greatest threats to our respiratory health. Millions of people worldwide die prematurely each year from air pollution. Air pollution affects children the most. Evidence links air pollution to preterm births, underdeveloped lungs, reduced lung function and asthma. In the U.S., of the 25 million who have asthma, 10 die every day.
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Rolling Back Clean Car Standards Will Make Asthma Worse – Tell the NHTSA and EPA Why
Our current clean car standards have gone a long way to improve our air quality. But pollution and ozone levels are still an issue, contributing to climate change, asthma symptoms and overall asthma rates. Studies are showing more and more how bad air pollution affects our health . More improvements are needed. But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) want to roll back these clean car standards through The Safer Affordable...
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Schools and States Can Improve Indoor Air Quality for Students With Asthma and Allergies
As part of our 2019 State Honor Roll™ of Asthma and Allergy Policies for Schools (SHR), we look at the impact poor indoor air quality in schools can have on students with asthma and allergies.
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September/October Asthma and Allergy Advocacy Update: Passenger Rights on Planes, Protections in Schools and Access to OTC Medicines
Welcome to our first monthly advocacy update. My name is Jenna Riemenschneider, Director of Advocacy at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). I'm pictured above with Mark Vieth, Senior Vice President at Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis Associates, at a meeting with Airlines for America.
Through this monthly blog series, I will update you on our advocacy efforts. We have already had a busy fall. This first post will include our September and October activity.
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Share Your Stories About Animals on Planes and How They Affect People With Asthma and Allergies
Has the increase in pets on planes made travel difficult for you or family members with asthma or allergies? Have you had to change travel plans or leave a plane because of animals on your flight? Have you had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction on a flight because of sharing a cabin with animals? If so, we encourage you to share your story with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). They are asking for public comments on pets on planes.
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Smart Gardening: Tips for an Allergy-Friendly Garden
If you have asthma or allergies, you don’t have to decorate your yard with stones and concrete. There are many plants you can use in your home garden that won’t affect your allergies. You can choose from several flowers, shrubs, trees and more.
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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)...
Blog Post Featured
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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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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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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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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Kathy P Trains to #TackleAsthma
Clearly, I’ve lost my mind! I’ve committed to train for and participate in a half century (50-mile) bike ride. That’s not the crazy part. I have asthma and it frequently becomes a factor in what I do. Will I be able to keep my exercise induced asthma under control so it will allow me to even train for this ride?
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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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Re: People with Asthma Need to Take Extra Precautions to Avoid the Flu
William, that's a tough road you've had to travel to figure out what was causing the chest pains. Here's hoping that your doctor can help you figure out the next step. In the meantime, feel free to post a new topic or join in on our online support community.
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Re: EPA Works to Reduce Air Pollution in 32 States by Improving Older School Buses
Very interesting information and also very good news.
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Re: Winter Weather Advisory – Cold Air and Asthma
I am new here and new to allergic asthma. I have had allergies all my life, but asthma for only a year or so. I am trying to find some helpful information about some practical things I can do to manage my symptoms. The doctor gave me the diagnosis, but I am left on my own to figure out how to live with it. I am glad to find this community.
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Re: Winter Weather Advisory – Cold Air and Asthma
Hi Sue and welcome! Did the doc give you an asthma action plan on how to track your symptoms? Do your allergies trigger asthma? Do you have those controlled?