Allergies at School are No Sneezing Matter

Allergies at School are No Sneezing Matter


(ARA) - When parents send their children to school, rarely do they think of the many allergy triggers lurking in the classroom or the playground. The culprits include indoor allergens like dust from the chalkboard, mold in the locker room and dander from class pets, as well as outdoor allergens like pollen, which can travel from the recess field to the classroom on clothing and hair.



Many kids have trouble concentrating on schoolwork because they are distracted by their allergy symptoms. In fact, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, up to 40 percent of American children have allergies.



“Kids miss about two million school days a year due to bothersome symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose,” says Dr. Paul Ehrlich, pediatric allergist and associate chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. “They can get frustrated when allergy symptoms interrupt their day and prevent them from doing the same things their friends do.”



It’s a good idea to have a plan in place to treat your child’s allergies before they leave home. Dr. Ehrlich explains that choosing the right allergy medication is key to making sure your child stays focused while at school.



“Some allergy medicines can make children drowsy or jittery,” he says. “I suggest using Children’s Claritin since one dose lasts the entire day without making kids feel jittery or drowsy. It’s safe for kids as young as two, and it’s available in several forms including easy-to-take grape chewables and a grape syrup.”



So what else can you do to relieve your child’s allergy symptoms and prevent them from flaring up during the school day? Dr. Ehrlich offers the following tips:



* Identify the specific allergens that trigger your child’s symptoms so he or she will be able to avoid contact with them.

* Tell your child’s teachers, school nurse, coaches and caretakers about his or her allergies, triggers and medications.  

* If your child is seated near classroom pets or plants, ask the teacher to change his or her seat.

* Remind your child to wash his or her hands frequently to avoid spreading allergy -- causing dust, pollen, pet dander or other substances.

* Before your child leaves for school, treat allergy symptoms with a non-sedating antihistamine, such as Children’s Claritin, that will last through the school day without making him or her drowsy. That way your kid can enjoy recess and all the other activities throughout the day.



Speaking of school, allergy education goes right alongside treatment of those pesky symptoms. Kids are inquisitive by nature, and it’s important to help them understand the causes of their symptoms so they can concentrate on their schoolwork, not their allergies.



“Casey and the School Day Sneezes” is an educational story designed to help kids understand the indoor and outdoor allergy triggers they may encounter during the school day, while providing tips on how to manage them. Parents and teachers can visit www.claritin.com to order a free copy.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Are You Ready to Change Your Life ?

Are You Ready to Change Your Life?</b>

Feel like there is something missing from your life?  Do you ever hear yourself saying, “If only I could (make that change, loose ten pounds, had more time/money),” or “If my (spouse, child, parent, friend) would only ‘blank,’ then I’d be happy?”



For Jane Freres, it wasn’t so much an “if only” or something that was missing, but the struggle to get through a major transition period in her life. After going through a difficult divorce, she had to figure out who she was, what she wanted in life and how to be her own person.



“I spent a lot of my life working hard to take care of others, but when my kids went away to college and my marriage came to an end, I didn’t know how to take care of myself,” she says.



Freres tried working with a therapist, but that didn’t improve her situation, nor did talking  to other people change the way she was feeling. Then, one day, a close friend returned home from “The Mountain Experience” and convinced her it was something she should try. “It really transformed my life,” says Freres.



The Mountain Experience, offered by The Garden Company, based in Sandpoint, Idaho, is a unique personal growth program that, over the course of five days, teaches people how to overcome the obstacles that are holding them back. The program was created 20 years ago and is taught by Kyle Mercer and Janice Lindgren, who are constantly refining the techniques and tools of the original process.



“The people who come to The Garden Company have an awareness that there is something in their lives that they would like to change. They are intent on finding a way to make that happen. Our knowledge, care and experience provide clients with the best-known tools to make it possible,” says Mercer.



Here’s how the process works: days one and two of the Mountain Experience are the self-discovery phase, during which you will get a clear and accurate picture of your current life, identifying what’s working and what’s not working. Exercises clarify if and how you are hard on yourself. You expose areas where you are not giving yourself choices, which creates a trapped, frustrated feeling. You begin to understand what’s behind difficulties in your most important relationships, and how a shift in awareness can create a more loving and fulfilling connection.



Days three and four are dedicated to learning and practicing the art of letting go of emotional baggage. When we let go of the persistent, heavy emotion, from the past, which creates unhealthy patterns in our lives, we experience freedom and possibility. Letting go is a skill you will be able to use repeatedly, retain for a lifetime and teach to young children.



Day five is devoted to showing you how to take what you’ve learned and integrate it into your life, preparing you for your return home. You learn specific tools for making decisions easily, communicating effectively, leading in your career, deepening relationships and engaging in life with energy, awareness and intent.



“There are a lot of different programs that talk about personal transformation and motivation,” Mercer says. “Our effectiveness is what sets us apart. We’re unique in our capacity to teach people how to make lasting change.”



It wasn’t a personal problem that brought Dr. Michael Feldman, a dentist from Hewlett, N.Y., to the Mountain Experience, but his sense of curiosity. “I was taking a consulting course several years ago and was very intrigued by what one of the speakers, Janice Lindgren of the Garden Company had to say: ‘Some days you wake up and know it will be a bad day. Others, you wake up and know it will be a good day. How would you like to have more good days?’ That really hit home for me,” says Dr. Feldman.



So, he signed up for the course and came away with a better strategy for coping with stress, which used to run rampant in his life. “The Mountain Experience was instrumental in helping me better understand and accept myself, friends, family and coworkers, which in turn helped me create a process for eliminating the cause of stress,” he says. “Now, I know how to step back and look at things from a different perspective and I have a lot more better days.”



To learn more about The Mountain Experience and the difference it can make in your life, sign up for a free one hour personal consultation by calling (877) 554-6836 or log on to www.gardenco.com.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Gender’s Role when Heeding Health Warning Signs

Gender’s Role when Heeding Health Warning Signs


(ARA) - We’re all familiar with the saying ”A stitch in time saves nine” -- in other words, take care of a problem when it first comes up so it won’t become overwhelming later on.



“Whether repairing a leaking faucet, mending a small tear or getting the car in to the mechanic, people understand the importance of recognizing symptoms and taking appropriate action,” says Denise Pozen, creator of the SO TELL ME ... personal health organizer. “However, when it comes to medical symptoms, there seems to be a gender gap. Not only can symptoms vary by gender, but the response to those symptoms can also vary.”



For example, the classic symptoms of a heart attack -- a crushing feeling on the chest, shortness of breath and pain radiating down the left arm -- are now recognized as being more common in men. Women may experience more subtle symptoms such as:



* Mild or severe pressure in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes;



* Nausea, lightheadedness, or a sudden cold sweat;



* Extreme fatigue.



But both men and women may experience discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach and shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.



While women’s symptoms may sometimes be more subtle than men’s, their “stitch in time” approach to health is not. According to the Centers for Disease Control, women are 100 percent more likely to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventive services than men. And men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death, possibly because they do not go to the doctor as often as women.



“Men may consider some symptoms to be the normal aches and pains of ‘weekend warrior’ activities or an active lifestyle, but it’s important for men as well as women to consult with their doctor when they feel something is ‘different’ or when they experience certain symptoms,” says Pozen. "By recording noticeable changes in your health, you will be better prepared to discuss symptoms with your doctor. You may even identify a symptom before the medical issue becomes severe."



Maintaining a personal health record allows you to map out any changes in your health and provide a corresponding timeline to your physician. It can also prepare you to discuss what illnesses are part of your family's health history. A binder system with pre-printed forms such as the SO TELL ME ... personal health organizer (www.sotellme.com) makes it easy to organize all your health information, including appointment histories and test results -- and note any new symptoms. A CD version is available for those who prefer computerized record keeping.



Because of the often more strenuous and physical activities men engage in, they may tend to ignore many of the following symptoms and relate them to lifestyle. However both men and women should take very seriously symptoms like unintended weight loss, blood in the stool or urine, persistent abdominal pain, changes in urination habits, swollen extremities and skin lesions that change shape or color.



Be sure to take your health symptoms seriously. Create a personal health record that is specific to you, schedule regular check-ups with your doctor and ask how to recognize the warning signs for your gender.



For more information on organizing personal health records or to purchase the So Tell Me ...  personal health organizer, visit www.sotellme.com or call (888) TELLME2 (888-835-5632).



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Mosquitos In Your Garden? Try Planting These.

If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And, for sure, you would rather be tending your plants than swatting mosquitoes.

While there are many things you can do to keep mosquitoes away, there are some plants that will beautify your yard and help repel mosquitoes.

As one more way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your yard, try planting these attractive plants.


HORSEMINT
Horsemint has a scent similar to citronella. Horsemint grows wild in most of the Eastern United States, from Mexico, Texas up to Minnesota to Vermont. It is partial to sandy soils and will grow in USDA Zones 5-10. Native Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because it's essential oils are high in thymol.


ROSEMARY
This wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural mosquito repellant. It has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes away. Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean, so it likes hot, dry weather and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, and must be grown as a pot plant in colder climates. If you happen to live in a part of the country where rosemary does not grow, you can get a good quality rosemary essential oil; mix 4 drops with 1?4 cup olive oil. Store in a cool, dry place. When it comes to fresh plant oils as natural mosquito repellants, there is every reason to have the plant in your yard, if they will grow in your area. It is an inexpensive and attractive way to boost the appearance of the landscape and have natural mosquito repellants on hand as well.


MARIGOLDS Organic gardeners have used marigolds as companion plants to keep aphids away. Mosquitoes don’t like its scent any better (and some humans feel the same way). Marigolds are sun-loving annuals that come in a variety of shapes and sizes for almost any landscape. They are quite easy to grow from seed.


AGERATUM
This charming little bedding plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes detest the smell. It is used in the perfume industry and is even in some commercial mosquito repellants. Don’t rub ageratum on your skin, though. It has some other less desirable elements that you don’t want to keep on your skin in quantity. Ageratums are annuals, and the come in a muted blue and white that compliments most other plantings.


MOSQUITO PLANTS
There are two types of plants that are called mosquito plants. One is a member of the geranium family that was genetically engineered to incorporate the properties of citronella. Citronella only grows in tropical places, but it is a well known repellant for mosquitoes. This plant was created to bring the repellant properties of citronella into a hardier plant. It will grow where any geranium will thrive. Many have questioned its usefulness as a mosquito repellant, but it is attractive enough to warrant planting for it’s ornamental value.
The other kind of mosquito plant is agastache cana. Its common names include Texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant hummingbird mint. As you might guess, hummingbirds are quite attracted to it.
It is a New Mexico native, also found in parts of Texas. It is, in fact, a member of the mint family and its leaves do have a pungent aroma when crushed. In its native habitat, it is perennial, and is usually hardy in USDA Zones 5a-9a. It blooms late summer to early fall, so it catches hummingbirds on their annual migration. The long, medium pink flowers reel in butterflies as well.


CATNIP
One of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants is ordinary catnip. Recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. It is a short lived perennial throughout most of the United States. It is easy to grow from seed, and quickly reseeds. Aside from its intoxicating effects on cats, the leaves make a very soothing tea.
With all of these plants, the leaves must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes can’t smell them. And, with rosemary and catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect.
So, next time you are revising your plantings, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape. You can have pretty ornamentals that also drive mosquitoes away.


About The Author: Scottie Johnson is a life long mosquito warrior and freelance writer dedicated to eliminating mosquitoes from her life. She is also an organic gardener. For more information about mosquito control in your home and yard, visit her website at http://www.mosquito-kill-net.com.

Using Insect Repellents Safely

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) answers questions about Insect Repellents and DEET.


Q. Which mosquito repellent works the best?
A. The most effective repellents contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), which is an ingredient used to repel pests like mosquitoes and ticks. DEET has been tested against a variety of biting insects and has been shown to be very effective. The more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean that your protection is better—just that it will last longer. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection.


Q. Is DEET safe?
A. Yes, products containing DEET are very safe when used according to the directions. The regulation of substances such as DEET is determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Because DEET is so widely used, a great deal of testing has been done. When manufacturers seek registration with the EPA, laboratory testing regarding both short-term and long-term health effects must be carried out. Over the long history of DEET use, very few confirmed incidents of toxic reactions to DEET have occurred when the product is used properly.


Q. How does the percentage of DEET in a product relate to the amount of protection it gives?
A. Based on a 2002 study:


A product containing 23.8% DEET provided an average of 5 hours of protection from mosquito bites.

A product containing 20% DEET provided almost 4 hours of protection

A product with 6.65% DEET provided almost 2 hours of protection

Products with 4.75% DEET and 2% soybean oil were both able to provide roughly 1 and a half hour of protection.

Q. What are some general considerations to remember in order to use products containing DEET safely?
A. Always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label.


Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Don't apply repellent to skin that is under clothing. Heavy application is not necessary to achieve protection.

Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.

Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas.

Do not apply aerosol or pump products directly to your face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.

Q. How should products containing DEET be used on children?
A. No definitive studies exist in the scientific literature about what concentration of DEET is safe for children. No serious illness has been linked to the use of DEET in children when used according the product recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Environmental Health has recently updated their recommendation for use of DEET products on children, citing: "Insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, also known as N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) with a concentration of 10% appear to be as safe as products with a concentration of 30% when used according to the directions on the product labels."
The AAP and other experts suggest that it is acceptable to apply repellent with low concentrations of DEET to infants over 2 months old. Other guidelines cite that it is acceptable to use repellents containing DEET on children over 2 years of age.


Repellent products that do not contain DEET are not likely to offer the same degree of protection from mosquito bites as products containing DEET. Non-DEET repellents have not necessarily been as thoroughly studied as DEET, and may not be safer for use on children.


Parents should choose the type and concentration of repellent to be used by taking into account the amount of time that a child will be outdoors, exposure to mosquitoes, and the risk of mosquito-transmitted disease in the area. Persons who are concerned about using DEET or other products on children may wish to consult their health care provider for advice. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can also provide information through a toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378 or npic.orst.edu.


Always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.


When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child. Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears.

Do not apply repellent to children's hands. (Children may tend to put their hands in their mouths.)

Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them. Keep repellents out of reach of children.

Do not apply repellent to skin under clothing. If repellent is applied to clothing, wash treated clothing before wearing again.

Using repellents on the skin is not the only way to avoid mosquito bites. Children and adults can wear clothing with long pants and long sleeves while outdoors. DEET or other repellents such as permethrin can also be applied to clothing (don’t use permethrin on skin), as mosquitoes may bite through thin fabric. Mosquito netting can be used over infant carriers. Finally, it may be possible to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area by getting rid of containers with standing water that provide breeding places for the mosquitoes.


Q. Is DEET safe for pregnant or nursing women?
A. There are no reported adverse events following use of repellents containing DEET in pregnant or breastfeeding women.


Q. Can I use an insect repellent containing DEET and a product containing sunscreen at the same time?
A. Yes. People can and should use both sunscreen and DEET when they are outdoors to protect their health. Follow the instructions on the package for proper application of each product. Apply sunscreen first, followed by repellent containing DEET.


To protect from sun exposure and insect bites, you can also wear long sleeves and long pants. You can also apply insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin to your clothing, rather than directly to your skin.


Q. Should I use a combination sunscreen/DEET-based insect repellent?
A. Because the instructions for safe use of DEET and safe use of sunscreen are different, CDC does not recommend using products that combine DEET with sunscreen

SUN SAFETY

It is now well known that exposure to sun puts people at risk for skin cancer and premature aging and that most of that exposure comes during childhood (80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before they are 21). Regular use of sunscreen in children can lower their risk of skin cancer by almost 78%.


There are many sunscreens available for safe use in children over six months old. Pick one that offers UVA and UVB protection and that has a SPF of 15 or higher (especially if your child has light skin). Apply the sunscreen in a thick coat at least 30-45 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (or more often in he is swimming or perspiring heavily).


Here are some other tips to protect your child from the damaging effects of the sun.


Wear protective clothing, including a hat and long sleeve shirt and long pants. Keep in mind that most clothing only has a SPF of 5-9, so you can still get sun damage with a shirt on.

Limit exposure to the sun when it is at its strongest (10am-4pm).

Protect your child's eyes with sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB radiation.

Use sunscreen daily, even if it is cloudy, since most of the sun's radiation penetrates clouds and can still cause sunburn.
Consider using a sunscreen with ingredients (such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that physically block the sun's radiation if your child has sensitive skin.
Deet lowers the effectiveness of sunscreens, so use a higher SPF if you are using a combination product that has both a sunscreen and an insect repellent

How to Outsmart Poison Ivy

Outdoor enthusiasts look forward to summer with excitement – once the weather cooperates, they want to be outside enjoying nature. That can mean hiking, camping, biking and other fresh air activities.


As any experienced outdoorsperson knows, when exploring in the woods, it pays to be on the lookout for poison ivy, oak and sumac. “The rash, blisters and itching associated with these plants are caused by urushiol, a chemical in the sap,” explains Dr. Mark Christensen, associate professor of Pharmacy at Oregon State University. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction when exposed to poison oak, ivy or sumac.


Obviously, the first line of defense against being affected is being able to identify these three plants. You can find photos of the offending plants in books or online, but here are some other tips for identifying the plants.




Poison ivy grows around lakes and streams in the Midwest and East. It can be a woody, ropelike vine, a trailing shrub on the ground, or a free-standing shrub. It normally has three leaflets, but may vary from groups of three to nine. Leaves are green in the summer and red in the fall, and it has yellow or green flowers and berries.





Poison oak grows as a low shrub in the eastern part of the country from New Jersey to Texas; it grows to 6-foot-tall clumps or vines up to 30 feet long along the Pacific coast. Its oak-like leave usually grow in cluster of three, with clusters of yellow berries.








Poison sumac grows in boggy areas, especially in the Southeast as a rangy shrub up to 15 feet tall, with seven to 13 smooth-edged leaflets and glossy pale yellow or cream colored berries.








Common advice for those who come into contact with one of the plants is to remove all clothes and shoes that have touched the plant; and wash the exposed skin within ten minutes with soap and water.


These steps are not always enough, however, to ensure that you won’t still suffer from the rash and itch of poison ivy, oak or sumac. “It can be very difficult to remove all traces of urushiol from the skin, but if a person removes it in time, the rash can actually be avoided,” says Christensen.


A new product called Tecnu Extreme can actually protect users from developing the rash of poison ivy, oak and sumac as well as stop the rash from spreading if used after exposure. Simply squeeze a marble-sized amount of the gel into the palm of your hand, add a slight amount of water and gently rub it over skin that has been exposed to the poison plants.


Tecnu Extreme is an entirely new formulation from Tec Labs, "The Poison Oak and Ivy Experts." It contains micro fine scrubbing beads to help remove the rash causing oils that are embedded in the skin; the itch relieving active ingredient Grindelia helps treat the symptoms. It’s a one-step solution for people to use to prevent the rash, stop the itching or heal the rash once it has started.


So don’t let poison ivy, oak or sumac take the fun out of your summer outdoor activities. Just be sure to keep a tube of Tecnu Extreme in your backpack or medicine cabinet so it is handy when you need it.


For more information, visit www.tecnuestreme.com or call (800) ITCHING.


Courtesy of ARA Content