Allergy be Gone

5 Tips for Dealing with Fall Allergies

2008-10-06T08:45:00.002-04:00

It's a well known fact that the worst part of allergy season is in the spring. I mean, that's when the plants the most pollen, isn't it? Well, spring may be the start of the allergy season, but it's only the beginning. Many people find their allergies are actually worse in the fall.

Image by Clearly Ambiguous

Why the fall? You would think that most plants were finished with their pollinating by the time September rolls around. And most are. But not ragweed, which hits its stride in the fall and continues until the end of allergy season in October.

So, if you're still suffering from intense allergies (or maybe just started), we've put together a few quick Fall allergy tips:

Find out when the allergy season end in your area. In most places it's October, but global warming (and regional differences) means it varies from place to place
Don't discontinue your anti-allergy regimen just because the leaves are coming off the trees. If you're taking medication, keep taking it until you know the season is over. Ragweed (not to mention indoor allergies) can still pack a wallop. Allergy medications are safe to take all the time, even when there are no allergens present.
Fall may get too chilly for the air conditioner, but keeping the windows closed still keeps out that annoying pollen.
You're never too old to develop allergies. If the fall leaves you with a runny nose and watery eyes it may not be a cold, check with your doctor or an allergist, no matter what your age is.
Remember our pollen avoidance tips from the spring. Many of them apply to fall allergies as well.

Do you suffer from fall allergies, or have any allergy avoidance tips? Let us know in the comments.

Health News for the Week of 9/21/2008

2008-09-26T14:56:00.001-04:00

It's time for another health news round-up.This week we have a few scary stories, but we also have some that are truly amazing.

We'll start off talking again about energy drinks. I've brought you a lot of news about energy drinks. Well, here's some more news about them - but this sounds like more than just hype. Experts are calling for warning labels on energy drinks due to the amazingly high levels of caffeine they can contain and the lack of regulation. Caffeine pills are regulated, but not drinks, since they're considered food

Here's something that's truly scary. I might have briefly mentioned prescription drugs in our series on water filtration, but I never realized that health facilities flush about 250 million pounds of drugs every year! The EPA and other agencies are looking for a better way to dispose of these drugs, which run the gamut from heart medications to antibiotics to anti-psychotics

I could lose a few pounds, so I found it interesting to read about the rise of male anxiety about weigh-loss. It's not a new phenomenon - Charles Atlas peddled better bodies back in the 20's - but it has gotten more intense, with men more likely to lie about their weight. While we're on the subject of weight-loss: in an attempt to find a better method of appetite suppression, researchers have found a way to reduce the amount of the "hunger hormone" ghrelin. They did the procedure - which is less invasive than normal stomach surgery - on 10 pigs.

Since I take medication every day, I rely on my pharmacist. He has run interference with my insurance company, advised me when I might be able to get a cheaper alternative to a medication, and warned me when I might take the wrong thing. This list of tips can help you get an edge when it comes to your prescriptions, and maybe keep you from yelling at your pharmacist when the insurance company insists you change to something cheaper.

A new study says that children given acetaminophen during their first year are more likely to develop asthma. Since the study couldn’t definitely say that acetaminophen is the cause, they say you should still give it to your kids (it's still the best choice).

This just blows me away. A doctor in 1878 published a book that said smoking is unhealthy. He even pointed out the dangers of second-hand smoke. But people continued to smoke with abandon until the Surgeon General reported that smoking caused cancer in 1964 - 86 years later!

I'll close with the amazing story I mentioned. A surgeon in Sydney took a ping-pong ball and used it to help a girl getting a transplant. It’s really an interesting story - and it’s not the first time it’s been done.

That's all for this week. If you want more, check out our Friendfeed room.

What is HEPA?

2008-09-17T12:31:00.006-04:00

Before I started working for Allergy Be Gone, I didn't really know what "HEPA" meant. While air purifiers and vacuum cleaners have made it a fairly common term in the last few years, I didn't really know what it meant and I certainly didn't know what it stood for. Since HEPA has become such an important concept in the allergy and asthma world, I thought I'd answer a few common questions about it.

What is HEPA and what does it mean?

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. That signifies that HEPA filters are especially good at trapping particles (such as pollen, dander, and other allergens). All HEPA filters trap at least 99.97% of particles .3 microns in size. That's the standard for HEPA.

Why .3 microns?

.3 microns is the hardest size of particle for a filter to trap. That's why it's the benchmark. Any filter that can catch over 99% of these particles can take care of other particles with ease.

What is HEPA-type and how is it different from true HEPA?

A HEPA-type filter is made in the same way as a HEPA filter, but it doesn't meet the same exacting standards as actual HEPA filters. True (or absolute) HEPA filters are held to even higher standards than most HEPA filters.

What is sealed HEPA and what does it mean for my HEPA vacuum cleaner?

HEPA vacuums are great because they filter out more dust, dirt, and allergens. This means that you're not releasing dirty, allergen-laden air back into your home when you vacuum. But in order to really provide HEPA filtration, all the air that's sucked in the nozzle has to go through the filter . Sealed HEPA just signifies that the vacuum cleaner is a completely sealed system with no place for air (and particles) to leak out.

Why do I need HEPA?

The air around us is filled with dust, pollen, and other allergens. HEPA filters (be they in an air purifier or a vacuum cleaner) keep us from breathing in those particles. A HEPA filter could mean the difference between an allergy or asthma attack and breathing freely.

Having a HEPA vacuum and air purifier is just part of a complete allergy-fighting system; it shouldn't be the only defense against allergens. But it's a good start.

Related posts:

Breathe Free With an Air Purifier

Canister Vacuum vs. Upright Vacuum - Does It Still Matter?

6 Reasons You Need a Central Vacuum Cleaner

Do Robotic Vacuums Really Save You Time?

Health News for the Week of 9/07/2008

2008-09-12T14:58:00.006-04:00

We're back again with another Health News Round-up. we're keeping it short and sweet today.

Red Bull takes another beating this week with a study that links energy drinks to teen violence and risk-taking. There is also a (more reasonable, in my opinion) danger when mixing energy drinks with alcohol. According to a different study (mentioned in the same article), the energy drinks keep you from feeling too drunk mean there's a bigger chance you'll do something stupid.

This one is strange but true: scientists have found a "commitment-phobia" gene. Men with two copies of this gene are more likely to have relationship problems because they can't bond with their mates as well. Is it time to break out the home DNA tests on the first date?

Experts warn that Global Warming means that allergies will get worse. Warmer temps lead to more pollen-producing weeds and a longer season, which means more suffering for us. Luckily we know some ways to avoid pollen (as outlined in a previous post).

This article was posted by one of the people in our FriendFeed room. It seems like some kind of cold or flue is always being passed around the office here. We probably pick things up from our families, circulate it around the office, and then bring it back home. There are some easy ways to avoid getting sick when that bug goes around, though.

Health News for the Week of 8/24/2008

2008-08-29T15:12:00.000-04:00

It's time for another Health news round-up.

German researchers have identified a major gene for allergic diseases. Their research is based on the genetic scans of 10,000 adults and children in Germany.

A reporter goes on an interesting journey as she explores the top 3 home DNA tests and sees what they can tell her about herself.

Know how some people can eat a lot and not gain a pound? That's all due to metabolism. well, there are some easy ways to speed up your own metabolism.

Measles are coming back. More and more parents are refusing to vaccinate their children, resulting in the return of a disease once thought wiped out in the US.

If your child has food allergies, don't send him or her back to school without a Food Action Plan. The AAAAI has the information you need to put one together.

North Korean scientists have developed a special noodle with a higher protein and fat content to keep the feeling of hunger away. They’re being developed to help those who are in urgent need of food.

Japanese scientists have grown stem cells from discarded wisdom teeth. This could be a real breakthrough.

Here are some really important things to know about the most common emergency situations, and what to do (and not to do) about them.

Questions? Comments? Want more? Check out our FriendFeed Room.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend.

Health News for the Week of 8/17/2008

2008-08-22T12:27:00.008-04:00

This week's health news round-up is a mixed bag.

A new study getting a lot of press this week says that drinking Red Bull is bad for your heart. A lot of inveterate Red Bull drinkers say the study is...well, bull, but some people are concerned.

An important announcement for anyone who takes medication on a regular basis is that fruit juice may stop medication from working. It applies to grapefruit and orange juice, and they're looking into apple juice as well. I almost never take pills with plain water, even though I know that's the recommended way to go.

A 61-year-old woman gave birth in Japan, as a surrogate for her own grandchild. She's not the only woman to do this, but she is the oldest. Also interesting is that surrogate births are banned in Japan by the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (like the AMA, I suppose) but some clinics do them anyway.

Some Restaurants in Sweden Will Soon Bear 'Allergy-Free' Certificates. These certificates will be awarded based on staff trained to help customers make better choices. That doesn't make as much sense to me as basing it on the food, but I suppose it all comes down to helping the customer.

You might like to have a night out now and then, but be careful. A Danish study followed almost 6,000 women and found that those who drank had a higher chance of developing perennial allergies, even if they didn't have allergies before. That last part seems kind of scary.

But don't let that scare you out of taking a break. Another study shows that stress can make your allergies worse. Mild stress results in a 75% increase in allergies (as shown by a skin test), while extreme stress doubled the allergies.

Not getting enough sleep? A lot of people aren't, and that's a bad thing. If you aren't a morning person, this article will teach you how to become a late riser, so you can catch up on your Z's.

Here's an interesting list of famous names, past and present, who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses. Some of them worked through their illness, but many of them died because of it.

I found this piece on sleep eating absolutely fascinating. I’d heard about it as a side effect of Ambien, but not as an isolated phenomenon.

If you want to see the links that didn't make it in, discuss what you've read here, or post new links, check out our FriendFeed room.

Health News for the Week of 8/10/2008

2008-08-15T12:29:00.007-04:00

Time for another round-up of health links. Grab yourself a snack and sit back, but you may want to be careful what you eat.

A new study says that the popular energy drink Red Bull, may be bad for your heart. The manufacturer says that it's no worse for you than coffee, you just shouldn't drink more than two cans a day. Caffeine has a lot of bad press, but most of it isn't true. In fact, coffee has several benefits, and there's a chance that green tea might protect against breast cancer.

Scientists are also saying that farm-raised tilapia and catfish are as unhealthy as bacon. These fish have none of the good fats of other fish - they're just plain fatty. They're especially bad for people with heart disease, arthritis, asthma and other allergic and auto-immune diseases.

If you're looking to lose a few pounds, here's not how to do it! This list of the worst exercise inventions of all time will amuse you, and probably scare you too. The "prostate warmer" is bad enough (it's a light bulb that you stick...never mind), but actually swallowing tapeworms to get thin? That seems a little extreme.

Want to stop snoring, or better yet, stop someone else from snoring? Rest easy, because there are new treatments available.

Worried that your granite countertop may be radioactive? Don’t panic. Here’s some advice on what to do about it, as well as some alternatives.

Scientists have known for a while that light deprivation causes depression, but a new study has given them more insight into why that happens. The study might shed light on both Seasonal Affective Disorder and depression in general.

Yet another study has found a gene that seems to control anxiety and fear. Different expressions of the gene determine who jumps if you sneak up behind them and yell "Boo," and who takes it in stride.

There are more links that didn't make it into the round-up. If you'd like to see and talk about them, visit our FriendFeed room.

Health News for the Week of 7/28/2008

2008-08-01T15:19:00.003-04:00

Friday's here, so kick back, grab a pint of ice cream, put on some tunes, and get ready for a Health News Round-up!

Millions of people reach for junk food when they're stressed or depressed. Well, another study shows that your mood affects what foods you choose. But even better, your choice of food can affect your mood. They also have some great suggestions for feel-good foods, and explain why junk food is a top choice when we're down.

While stress in small doses might be good for us, most of us have way too much on our plates. We could all use a few simple ways to cut down on our stress level. Just reading this article reduced my stress a little bit (no joke).

Yoga is also great for lowering your stress level. I’ve been considering it for years but I never got around to taking a class (like with a lot of things). What I didn't realize was that yoga is also great for kids, who have their own stress to deal with.

Do you drop yourself in front of the TV to unwind? maybe a little too much? I know I do. What would you do if you had back all those hours each week? Here are 40 suggestions for a TV-free week. Now if I can only give up pointless web-surfing I'll be set.

If you like medical mysteries, this one is pretty good (if a little gross). A doctor developed a rash all over his body that stumped doctor after doctor, until one dermatologist figured it out as soon as he walked in the room.

I love listening to my mp3 player but I always worry that I'm turning it up too loud. This article tells you whether or not your headphones will cause you to lose your hearing.

This article has been mentioned on just about every radio station. A study of Blondie's drummer found that rock drummers are in the same shape as top athletes. It takes a lot of stamina to play the drums.

A study found a link between a common stomach bacteria and asthma. While the study wasn't conclusive, it found that children with asthma had lower levels of stomach bacteria than non-asthmatic children.

Who knew? Having allergies or asthma (or both) reduces your risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Since immune-deficiency is linked to NHL, this is was a big surprise for the scientists conducting the study.

Statins, the “wonder drugs” commonly taken for high cholesterol and heart disease, have been found to reduce the risk of dementia. These drugs are so effective for preventing heart disease that they're available over the counter in England.

Do you have any health news you think we should feature? Just drop us a line at blog (at) allergybegone.com.

Do Robotic Vacuums Really Save You Time?

2008-07-30T10:44:00.009-04:00

Will a robotic vacuum save me time? I see this question asked all the time. Well, today I'm going to answer it in the last post of our vacuum cleaner series.

The first robotic vacuum was introduced by Electrolux in 2001. Called the Trilobyte, it was a full-featured vacuum with a super-smart computer brain and a high price tag. iRobot responded with their much less expensive Roomba and Scooba models and quickly captured the market. Let's find out why you would want a robo-vac.

Pros:

Time Saving

Unless you watch your robo-vac while it works, it's going to save you lots of cleaning time. Since it can vacuum when you're not home (or asleep, if you're a heavy sleeper), it frees up your time for other things.

Clean where you can't

Most of us don't move our heavy pieces of furniture every time we vacuum. Robo-vacs clean under them every time.

More thorough

Robo-vacs clean the floor multiple times to make sure they pick up all the dirt

Cute Factor

Many people who own robo-vacs give them names and treat them like pets. Real pets love them, and so do children.

Cons:

Not as powerful

Most robo-vacs aren't as powerful as a conventional upright or canister vacuum. This is why they go over the same area more than once. You may want to give your house a quick once-over with a regular vacuum every now and then, just to be sure.

Caught in the act

Wires and other obstacles can slow even the most advanced robo-vac. Before you send it out to do its job, you'll have to make sure your house is neat, maybe even going so far as to rearrange minor pieces of furniture a bit to give the robo-vac a clear path.

Hefty price tag

You pay for all the electronics inside. A good Roomba will run around $200-350, while the Trilobyte is around $1500. You get a lot for your money, though.

Bottom Line:

Robotic vacuums are a great investment and they will certainly save you time and effort, but there is still some work involved on your part. And even the expensive and super-high-tech Trilobyte can't vacuum stairs. Maybe in a few years.

Also see our:

Full line of iRobot Vacuum Cleaners

Health News for the Week of 7/21/08

2008-07-25T11:29:00.004-04:00

This week, our health links round-up is having a night out. We have a lot of interesting links to get to, so let's party.

Maybe you just want to grab a burger. Fast-food restaurants in New York are now required to post calories on their menus. The last time I went to a fast food restaurant it really made me think about what I was going to get. Their tasty-looking new burger was over 1500 calories, so I passed on it. But at least we can get fast food in New York - one City Councilwoman wants to ban all new fast food restaurants in South LA.

If your night on the town ends with a trip to the tattoo parlor, be careful. New studies show that women are more likely to regret their tattoos than men.

If a night out sounds too scary, I have good news for you. Scientists have found the hormone that controls social interaction, and have started experimenting with a way to make shy people feel more social.

If shyness makes your palms sweat, don't fear. This article tests every kind of sweat-prevention method imaginable. Interesting for anyone who’s anyone felt sweaty on a hot day. And that’s all of us, isn’t it?

This has been going around the Internet quite a bit. A woman found out that her granite countertop was radioactive. It seems that as the number of styles of granite countertops increase, so does the chance that yours might be radioactive.

They've just released a list of the 10 most medicated states. I was surprised to see that neither New York nor California are on it (in fact, California is one of the least medicated states).

Great news: scientists have identified stem cells that they think can be used for spinal-cord repair. This is a great breakthrough.

Officials announced that they've traced the salmonella outbreak back to jalepeno peppers. And this excellent article talks about the people who helped track it back to its source by putting all the pieces together.

6 Reasons You Need a Central Vacuum Cleaner

2008-07-21T16:05:00.007-04:00

Our vacuum cleaner series continues this week with a look at central vacs.

Central vacuum cleaners might be unfamiliar to a lot of people. They aren't as popular as uprights and canisters, and haven't received the press of robotic vacuums. So, what is a central vacuum cleaner?

Central vacs have a large motor and dustbin unit that's stored in a central, fixed location (usually in the basement or garage). This connects to a series of ports throughout the house via PVC piping in the walls. When you want to vacuum, just plug the hose into a port on the wall and start making the dirt disappear.

There are many reasons a central vacuum is better than more traditional vacuums.

No vacuum to haul around! Central vacs make it easier to clean your whole house, because you don't have to carry a vacuum. While you do have to carry the hose to the wall to plug it in Hoover has a system called Hose Magic that eliminates this problem by storing the hose inside the wall.

No more noise! Since the motor is far away from you, you can vacuum without being surrounded by noise. Some central vacs also come with features to make them quieter.

Better performance! The extra-large motor on a central vac gives you suction that a canister or upright just can't match. It's size also allows it to hold more dirt and dust.

Great for allergy sufferers! Central vacs exhaust air to the outdoors instead of into the room you're cleaning. This makes them especially great for anyone with asthma and allergies.

An array of options! Aside from the Hose Magic system, central vacs have many options available, like the ability to sweep crumbs right to the wall and have the vacuum to the rest. Central vacs also have many, many attachments available.

Super-long reach! A 25'-30' hose is standard on most central vac units, which means you can clean anywhere in your house.

There is a downside to a central vacuum systems. It is easier to install one when building (or doing extreme renovations) on a house, because the piping has to be run inside the walls. If you are able to do that, however, the cost of installation isn't incredibly high.

See also our:

Full line of Central Vacuuming System

Follow-up to Friday's Health News

2008-07-21T11:49:00.002-04:00

This morning, my local morning show did a promo for The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, which follows it. In the promo, they talk to Mike and Juliet about their upcoming stories, and Mike was enthusiastic about a particular segment on surprisingly healthy snacks. When he mentioned several of them, I knew that he was talking about the same list I had posted on Friday.

I thought it would be nice to post the segments as a follow-up to Friday's post.Their site doesn't allow me to stream the videos, so I'm posting them as links.

Part I | Part II

Enjoy.

Health News for the Week of 7/14/08

2008-07-18T10:59:00.005-04:00

This week's health news round-up is about things that are bad (and good) for you. I didn't plan it that way, it just sort of happened.

This is not a joke: NASA needs urine. And they need lots of it.

Chlorine is both good and bad for us. It acts as a sterilizing agent, but it reacts with organic material to form compounds that can hurt us. The moral: don't let your kids pee in the pool.

A study in the UK suggests that food additives make kids hyperactive. The things we put in our food have been blamed for a lot these days, and maybe rightly so.

Even hyperactive kids may become sluggish teens. This is one of several articles I've read this week that said kids suddenly slow down when they become teenagers. According to the study mentioned, lack of exercise can carry over into adulthood.

On to things that are good for you. The Times Online has a list of 10 things that are surprisingly good for you. Some are well known (like chocolate and red wine), but some really are surprising, like stress. Even more surprising is a list of 6 snacks that are actually good for you. Who knew that pork rinds were healthy? Not me, that's for sure!

While you're chomping down on the pork rinds, why not take 5 minutes to give yourself a massage? Massaging yourself (especially your head and feet) can have great benefits. makes sense to me.

Here's hoping you stay healthy this week. Take some time out for a massage and to stop and smell the pork rinds.

Canister Vacuum vs. Upright Vacuum - Does It Still Matter?

2008-07-16T11:00:00.003-04:00

This is the first post in our vacuum cleaner series, in which we're going to explore the different kinds. This week we're helping you choose between canister and upright vacuums, the two most common types.

The first vacuum cleaner was invented almost 150 years ago. It was an expensive contraption that relied on a hand crank to work. Through the evolution of the vacuum cleaner, there have been many different designs, but the two most popular are undoubtedly the canister and upright models.

The run-down on canisters:

Canister vacuums are better on hard floors and don't suffer from the dirt scattering effect that may be a problem with some uprights.

The focus of canisters is their tools and extension hose. Most have a carpet cleaning power brush (either belt- or suction-driven) that can rival an upright, as well as tools for hard surfaces, upholstery, and crevices. This makes them great all-round cleaners.

They provide a quieter cleaning experience than uprights.

Canister vacuums are better on stairs because of their lighter weight and longer hose. They're easier to manage in a multi-level home.

They are lighter than uprights, and easier to manage.

Canister vacs can be more expensive than uprights.

The run-down on uprights:

Most upright vacuum cleaners are still better at carpet cleaning than canister vacs.

The focus of upright vacuums is floor cleaning. Since they vacuum directly from the ground, they often feature options like dirt sensors, extra-wide cleaning paths, and self-propelled motors.

While most uprights have an extension hose and attachments, the focus is generally on their floor-cleaning power.

Height adjustment, brush roll shut-off, and different tool options are making upright vacuum cleaners useful for cleaning hard surfaces.

Upright vacuums are more compact and easier to store.

They tend to be less expensive than canister vacuums.

Uprights still have the edge for carpets, while canisters are still supreme for hard floors and above-the-floor cleaning. While they are both becoming more multi-purpose, this is likely to hold true for some time.

It's Easier to Be Green with the Bissell 1400-7 Green Little Green Clean Machine

2008-07-14T14:50:00.005-04:00

With the recent trend toward "green" products, companies have been rethinking their impact on the environment. Bissell jumped on this bandwagon by introducing a green version of their Little Green Machine. Bissell took a good unit and worked hard to make it environmentally friendly.

Bissell's "Green Little Green Machine" has the same cleaning power as the original - and the same cleaning power as a full-sized deep cleaner. I own one of the original Little Green Machines and can attest to it's cleaning power and ease of use. It changed my dingy and stained kitchen chairs back to white. I haven't tried it on carpet (since I don't have any), but I would definitely recommend it for upholstery.

The Green Machine has a great 20-foot long power cord, meaning you don't have to worry about being too close to an outlet. The flexible hose is also nice and long and lets you attack stains from different angles.

The Little Green Machine is easy to maintain. When you're finished cleaning just rinse out the dirty water tank and clean off the nozzle before you put the unit away. Everything folds up neatly and compactly for storage, too. You can store it with water in the tank, a feature that's nice because you don't waste any water or deep cleaning formula.

What's the downside? Well, while the suction is good enough to get all the dirt out of your upholstery or carpet, it still leaves things wet. This isn't really a problem, it just means you'll have to give things some time to dry. Also, the water from the sprayer might make a little bit of a mess so be prepared. I usually use the vacuum nozzle to suction any water that gets on the floor.

The new Green model has a 95% reduction in PVC, including a PVC-free hose and PVC-free solution and collection tanks (which are made of recyclable polypropylene instead). There are other parts constructed from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic (a post-consumer recycled product has completed its life cycle as a consumer item). Bissell uses a "closed-loop process" which means they recycle parts of items that have been returned to them to make new units.

Bissell's Little Green cleaning formula (which is standard in all their compact deep cleaners) is earth-friendly and doesn't contain heavy metals, optical brighteners, phosphates, or dyes.

Even the carton and packaging are made from at least 75% recycled material. Bissell eliminated all the Styrofoam and PVC inserts, adding another layer of environmental friendliness to this unit.

Technical specifications:

Power: 2.75 amps

Hose length: 4.5'

Tank capacity: 48 oz. (1.5 quarts)

Power cord: 20'

Size: 18.75"'W x 9.5"D x 13.25"H

Weight: 9.65 lbs.

Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

Health News for the Week of 7/7/08

2008-07-10T12:00:00.002-04:00

It's Friday and that means it's time for a health news round-up. There are a lot of links this week, so let's go.

Listening to the radio the other day I heard a commercial for Clean Air NY. Their website has info on air quality in NY, including air quality alerts and ways we can improve the air quality in the city.

Most people don't get enough sleep. What we may not realize is that a lack of sleep can affect our health, and make our allergy symptoms worse.

An expert from Prevention magazine joins the cast of the Today Show in telling us when to replace our stuff, including pillows, air conditioners, and water filters.

Hypnosis has been gaining popularity lately to help people stop negative behavior, like smoking. But to find relief from your allergy symptoms? This article claims that self-hypnosis can help you gain control over your allergy symptoms.

$12 million is being invested in a study to research the genetic and environmental factors that influence the development of asthma and allergies in children. The study will take 6 years.

The New York Times has a list of clinical trials for people with allergic rhinitis (common nasal allergies) as part of their page on allergies.

According to a study by a University of Toronto nutritionist, watching television while eating can make kids fat. He says that the distraction overrides keeps us from knowing when to stop eating. This corresponds with things I’ve heard before - when you pay attention to what you eat you eat less. I've never heard it applied to kids, though.

That's all the links for this week. We've also added a widget to the sidebar that will give you a pollen count for your area if you put in your zip code or city. As a bonus I discovered it also gives the ozone levels and major air pollutants. Let me know what you think.

What to Do When Your Water Quality Stinks

2008-07-07T16:52:00.011-04:00

Last week I talked about the different types of pollution, be it chemical or biological, that could be lurking in your pipes. This week, I'm going to tell you what you can do about it.

If you want to filter your tap water, and I believe that you should, there are a lot of options out there. Here's the run-down on the different types of water filters.

Pitcher - Good for drinking only; low volume

Pros:

Relatively inexpensive

Come in a wide range of styles so they fit your decor

Require absolutely no installation

Cons:

Take up space in your refrigerator

Must be refilled constantly

Require frequent filter replacement

Cannot be customized

On-tap / faucet - Good mostly for drinking and occasional other uses; medium-low volume

Pros:

Relatively inexpensive

Come in a wide range of styles so they fit your decor

Minimal installation

Take up very little space

Cons:

Require frequent filter replacement

Cannot be customized

Countertop - Good for drinking and other uses (washing dishes or hands, etc.); larger volume

Pros:

Relatively inexpensive

Minimal installation

Can be customized for to filter out specific pollutants

Larger filter does not have to be changed as often

Can be staged (e.g. lead -> chlorine -> sediment -> general)

Cons:

Take up counter space

No designer styles

Undercounter - When you want water for everything; large volume

Pros:

Hidden under kitchen counter to save counter space

Can be customized for to filter out specific pollutants

Larger filter does not have to be changed as often

Can be staged (e.g. lead -> chlorine -> sediment -> general)

Cons:

Requires installation

Somewhat expensive

Whole house - When you have doubts about your water quality; largest volume

Pros:

Completely out of sight; takes up little space in your kitchen

Customizable to your needs

Cons:

Requires installation by a plumber

Most expensive option

In addition to a drinking water filter, you might want to consider a shower filter. In a warm shower, your pores open up, allowing you to more rapidly absorb harmful chemicals from the water. An American Journal Of Public Health study showed that 2/3 of our exposure to harmful water comes while showering. Also, since chlorine vaporizes at a lower temperature and a faster rate than water, the steam you inhale while showering has a highly concentrated amount of chlorine vapor. The EPA says that there is an elevated level of chlorine gas in nearly every American home because of the level of chlorine in our shower water.

Unfortunately, most of us live with bad water, it's not something a lot of people talk about. Doing something about it by using a water filter can be a great benefit to your health.

See also:

Our full line of drinking water filters by type

Our whole house water filters

Our full line of shower filters

Health News for the Week of 6/28/2008

2008-07-04T06:30:00.000-04:00

Just because it's a short week doesn't mean we don't have time for a Health News round-up.

This is from last week, but it fits with this week's blog topic. Many cities are questioning the value of putting fluoride in the water, including Grand Rapids, the city that started it all 63 years ago. Some of the articles I looked at while researching my post listed fluoride among the dangerous chemicals found in water. Ultimately, the issue still needs to be decided.

This week, New York finally put into effect a ban on trans-fats. Trans fats (monunsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) have been linked to a host of health woes. The ban is not without it's detractors.

We all know that too much sun is bad for our health, but CNN reports a different hidden danger of summer. Sunscreen, even popular brands, may not deliver the protection they promise. In fact, they can actually contain harmful chemicals. You may want to break out your hat and parasol after reading this.

Many of us just aren't as fit as we'd like to be. A little extra flab around the midsection is a problem for me, as it is for a lot of people. This article gives a good guide to losing belly fat, including diet and exercise.

If you have any links that you'd like to share, feel free to send them to me.And have a happy Fourth of July!

Fourth of July Special at Allergy Be Gone

2008-07-02T17:20:00.003-04:00

This weekend we're running an exclusive Fourth of July promotion for all ABG blog readers- a 5% discount on all orders at www.allergybegone.com. To take advantage of this offer enter the coupon code independence2008 during checkout. This promotion is valid from Thursday, July 3th through Monday, July 7th. We have a full line of items to help you cope with the extreme heat, humidity, and air pollution that summer brings. You can also find water purifiers and testing kits, hepa air purifiers and vacuum cleaners, and a range of products to relieve your allergy symptoms.

The Dangerous Things Lurking in Your Water

2008-07-02T12:44:00.004-04:00

For the next two weeks or so I'm going to talk about water quality and water purification - pretty much everything to do with water. Water is important in the summer, and having clean water is even more important. Part 1 deals with water pollution.

Water is one of the essential components of life. Almost 2/3 of the human body is made up of water, and without it our bodies can't function. It's very important to stay hydrated, especially when the weather turns hot.

Most people can just turn a tap and get fresh, clean water right from their kitchen sink. But with industries dumping approximately 200 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the waterways every year, how clean is the water that comes out of your faucet? While tap water in the U.S. has to follow certain standards, the government only regulates about 100 chemicals out of thousands, and even those limits are sometimes exceeded.

If you want to find out more about the quality of your water, you can start by looking at the EPA's Drinking Water Database. You can also purchase a water test kit and conduct a test of your own drinking water. These kits are quick and easy to use.

Water pollutants can be broken down into three broad categories: toxic chemicals, infectious agents, and heavy metals.

Toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, and even traces of rocket fuel are often found in water. The most common chemical is chlorine, which is added to drinking water to kill bacteria. While it kills many microorganisms, it also interacts with organic material in the water and in your body, forming toxic compounds called THMs that cause cell damage and encourage cancer.

Infectious agents in the water include viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Some of these organisms are highly resistant to chlorine. You might hear them called microbial cysts. This is just a term for a dormant stage of a microorganism. One such organism found in water is Cryptosporidium, which made thousands of people ill during an outbreak in 1993. Cryptosporidium has been found in over 50% of municipal water supplies across the U.S.

Heavy metals are another problem. Lead, mercury, and iron oxide from rusty pipes can easily get into water. Drinking water is one of the leading sources of lead poisoning, causing damage to the brain and nervous system. Another toxic heavy metal found in water is arsenic. While the EPA regulates it, many states go over the acceptable limit.

Now that we've outlined the harmful things that might be lurking in your water, we'll go over what you can do to combat them in Part 2.

For more information, see:

Allergy Be Gone's Water Information Page

WaterSafe All-In-One Test Kit

Health News for the Week of 6/22/2008

2008-06-27T11:46:00.003-04:00

We're adding a new feature to the Allergy Be Gone blog this week: a round-up of health-related links. I'm just going to dive right in.

Smart people live longer? This is a somewhat interesting and also somewhat strange article that postulates a link between longevity and high IQ - a gene that seems to contribute to both.
The New York Times writes about an ambitious plan by the Health Department to test all adults in the Bronx for AIDS. One part of the plan is to offer testing to anyone who come into the emergency room for any reason. Since the Bronx has more incidents of AIDS and HIV-related deaths than anywhere in New York City, they're really trying to make this work.
A new study says that the closer children live to a major roadway growing up, the higher their chance of getting allergies. It’s a bit troubling in this increasingly urban age. This is on the heels of a study that shows that drinking farm milk reduces childhood allergies.
According to this article, almost two-thirds of people with asthma in the US don't get a flue shot, despite being at increased risk for complications. Even if you haven't had any recent symptoms, if you have asthma, you need to get a shot.
Omega-3 fatty acids may have a role in preventing asthma. A new study has found that they produce a molecule in mice that helps resolve and prevent respiratory distress. The article mentions that other studies have applied this to humans. Since there are other benefits to a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, eating fish or taking a supplement is a good thing.
Some interesting tips from BBC News readers to help you get to sleep. I think I’ll pass this one around, as I know a few people who have been having trouble sleeping lately.
Eye-opening and slightly frightening article in the latest Reader’s Digest gives 41 secrets your doctor would never tell you. Doctors share their deepest secrets, including: “I was told in school to put a patient in a gown when he isn’t listening or cooperating. It casts him in a position of subservience.” and “Sometimes it’s easier for a doctor to write a prescription for a medicine than to explain why the patient doesn’t need it”

That's it for the week. Let me know how you like our latest feature, or my choice of stories. Also, if you have a story you want to submit, please send it to me.

The Hidden Risks of Heatwaves

2008-06-23T12:33:00.011-04:00

When a heatwave hits, your biggest problem may not be the heat or the humidity. The sun doesn't only threaten you with a bad sunburn, or even heatstroke, but it could make it hard to breathe - especially if you have asthma or other respiratory problems. Intense heat and sun mixes with pollution to cause ozone, a respiratory irritant that triggers a variety of breathing problems even in healthy people.

In the upper atmosphere "good ozone" acts as a filter that keeps harmful UV rays from reaching us. Ground-level ozone ("bad ozone") is formed when heat and sunlight create a chemical reaction with air pollution. While many people refer to atmospheric ozone and ground ozone differently, they are exactly the same. They just affect people differently depending on where they are.

Motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline, and volatile organic compounds such as paint and household cleaners pollute our atmosphere. When these things react with ultraviolet light, ozone is formed. Because these pollutants are more common in cities, there is more ozone pollution in urban areas than in rural ones. However, wind can quickly spread ozone. Since intense heat and sunlight has a hand in creating ozone, it's worse during the day, but ozone smog can linger into the night.

Inhaling ozone can trigger all sorts of of health problems, including chest pains, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can also worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. While breathing in ozone is bad for people with respiratory problems, it can even affect healthy people. Ozone also damages plants and makes them more susceptible to disease, insects, and weather.

To avoid exposure to ozone, limit outdoor activity, especially strenuous activities, to the early morning. Most weather reports also post advisories when the ozone levels are projected to very high. An index of ozone levels is also available from AIRNow.

You can help reduce ozone by keeping your car well-tuned, using mass transportation when possible, and being careful with VOCs such as paint and cleaning products (or using non-VOC products when possible).

How to Stay Cool in the Long, Hot Summer

2008-06-16T04:42:00.005-04:00

It's still hot here in New York after last week's heat wave. When the temperature rose to almost 100°F the other day, it seemed cooler outside than in parts of my house. It was so hot and humid that I sometimes felt like I was living in a sauna.

Outside, in the shade, you might catch a cool breeze. Staying cool inside can be more challenging. You can use an electric fan to move cool air from one part of your house to another. This is great when used with an air conditioner. A more effective solution is a powerful air circulator, which draws air into the fan and then directs it forward, creating a steady movement in the air and maintaining an even temperature. They are great because they also work in the winter to evenly distribute warm air. For the best cooling, however, you need an air conditioner.

Choosing an air conditioner that's right for you doesn't have to be difficult. First, decide if you want a portable or room (wall or window) air conditioner. Portable A/C's make it easier to target cooling specifically where you want it. They also use less energy than room air conditioners and often have built-in dehumidifiers that can be used independently. Wall and window A/C's don't have to be vented, just installed. Since they stay in one place, there are no hoses to drag around your house.

Don't forget to clean the scale and grime from you air conditioners and replace the air filters before turning them on for the season. Cleaning and straightening the fins inside the air conditioner will improve air flow and increase the unit's efficiency, saving you money on your electric bill. Doing these things every year can also extend the life of the unit by 2 or 3 years. If you have central air conditioning or a split unit, consider getting a wrap-around filter for its intake unit, which will keep debris from getting inside it, and make the job of cleaning your air conditioner much easier.

If you want more information on air conditioners, including how to choose one that's right for you, check out our air conditioner information page. I hope you can use this information to help you stay cool this summer.

Also check out:

Full line of air conditioners

Full line of electric fans

Full line of dehumidifiers

How to Clean your Air Conditioner like a Pro

Will the summer be too hot to handle?

2008-06-08T11:35:00.004-04:00

With the temperature climbing well into the 90's to give us the first heatwave of 2008 this weekend, I thought it would be a great time to talk about staying cool this summer. Beating the heat is not only a matter of personal comfort, but it's important for your health, too.

Every summer we hear about heat-related deaths on the news. Elderly people, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to prone to heat-related illnesses. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that excessive heat claims more lives in the United States each year than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.

We normally control our temperature through persperation. However, there are situations in which our body's ability to keep itself cool becomes overstressed, leading to several heat-related conditions:

Heat cramps: Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
What to do: Get the person to a cooler place and having him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
Heat exhaustion: A form of mild shock, which occurs during exercise or heavy work in a hot, humid place, resulting in the loss of body fluids due to heavy sweating. It is evidenced by cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.
What to do: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink, making sure that he or she drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke): A life-threatening condition, when the victim's temperature control system stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Evidenced by hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high - as high as 105°F.
What to do: Call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place and quickly cool the body - immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Here are some quick tips to help avoid heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke:

Stay inside, in an air conditioned area, as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Avoid strenuous activities, or perform them during the coolest part of the day (usually in the morning between 4:00 am and 7:00 am). Take frequent breaks, preferably in a cool area.
Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them - they can deydrate you.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
If you have allergies or any other medical condition, be extra careful, because certain medications can make you more prone to heat-related illness.
Avoid a sunburn, as it makes the job of heat dissipation more difficult.
NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140°F. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill in minutes.

U.S. Announces Ban on CFC Asthma Inhalers

2008-06-02T14:53:00.002-04:00

U.S. asthma sufferers who use asthma inhalers with ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are urged to talk to their doctors now about switching to a an albuterol inhaler that contains hydrofluroalkane (HFA) propellants instead. CFC inhalers will be banned starting in January.

Asthma patients are advised to switch now, because there are differences between CFA and HFA inhalers that will take time to get used to.

Only Armstron Pharmaceuticals still sells an albuterol CFC inhaler, so most patients will have switched to the new HFA type.

Read the full story here: U.S. alerts asthma patients about inhaler switch (from Reuters).