As Good As It Gets With Allergies

The 1997 film As Good As It Gets starring Helen Hunt, Jack Nicholson and Greg Kinnear addressed some very real health issues. These included the character known as Melvin Udall—Nicholson--dealing with an obsessive compulsive disorder while the single mother--played by Helen Hunt--likewise struggled to manage her son’s asthma, which may have been triggered by allergies.

The compelling comedy drama sees the Nicholson character (both a literal and figurative term) actually stepping up to pay for a doctor that can deal with the boy’s asthma and allergies.

The result is dramatic. When the boy finally gets tested for allergies he is able to function more normally, even playing soccer and running around like young kids should.

Rare glimpse at a common world

The scenario of dealing with allergies and asthma, and especially the relationship between the two vexing conditions, is rare in film and in society in general. Yet millions of children do experience illness and even life-threatening conditions every day. The reality of allergy and asthma is that it costs children previous time away from school as well as keeping parents away from work to care for their children.

This reality is compounded in some ways by the environment in which many children live. A recent study reported on NPR Health documents a program at Children’s Hospital in Boston that has been tracking down the source of allergies and asthma in children. It turns out the condition of a child’s home can be a major factor in how often allergies and asthma occur, as well as the severity.

Where threats are greatest

It makes sense that allergies occur most where allergy threats are greatest. Taking simple, direct steps to allergy-proof the home is, therefore, vital to helping families combat threats from allergens in the home. Allergy attacks can be triggered by dust mites, mold, and pests, like bed bugs, as well as family pets. The list is never-ending when it comes to the source of allergens, but taking steps to control dust and airborne threats can have encouraging results in preventing frequent or severe allergy attacks.

Easy cures

Allergy-free bedding is an important place to start. Allergy-free comforters, pillows, duvets and mattress pads all seal off dust mites and bed bugs. Allergy-free blankets and sheets both avoid materials that allow dust mites to penetrate the fabric, and seal in down so that you can enjoy the feel of a down comforter without risk of allergens seeping through the fabric to get in your nose and cause allergic reactions.

The Boston study at Children’s Hospital went directly to the community to examine how many factors were affecting the allergies of children involved in the study. Workers from Children’s Hospital visited homes to consult with families, provide advice on cutting down allergy risks, and providing an “allergy score” to help families rate their efforts in cleaning up their homes from allergy threats.

Economic factors

Part of the trigger for the study was to ascertain whether children living in lower income homes were at greater risk for allergies. It turns out they were. But even children in high income homes can be at risk for the same problems as low-income children. The same can be true for chemical sensitivities. Americans are hyper-diligent about cleaning with products containing bleach and other chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions and chemical sensitivities. Eliminating those products and replacing them with allergy-free products with equal and sometimes superior cleaning power is vital for families with people who have allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities.

Sometimes the simplest change can produce beneficial results. Using a HEPA filtered vacuum, or one that comes equipped with a UV-C light--like the CleanWave UV-C--to kill germs, viruses, dust mites and bed bugs can eliminate significant risks in the home.

It is up to each person to ask themselves if their allergy strategy in the home is “as good as it gets.” Learning a little about how you can eliminate or prevent allergens from affecting your family members or yourself can be just as effective, if not more effective, than going to the doctor or showing up at the emergency room when things get out of hand. Dealing with allergies is best done in a proactive, rather than reactive, fashion.

Cars Designed For Those With Allergies

Just a short time ago in America, automakers were complaining that it was too difficult for the industry to raise gas mileage in vehicles. Some carmakers claimed the timetable was too quick to meet government standards. It would be too expensive. The technology was too difficult.

A number of factors have combined to change that thinking. International automakers including Honda, Toyota and Mazda were making huge strides in offering cars and trucks with higher gas mileage. So market demand was one of the principle drivers.

American automakers respond to the challenge

But America also loves a challenge, and Chevy, Ford and Chrysler have all finally responded with vehicles that average from 25-45 miles per gallon, far higher than the typical MPG offered in their vehicles just a decade ago.

Domestic sales have increased as a result. American-made cars and trucks now compete on a pretty level playing field with foreign-made vehicles.

One of the leading innovators on this front has been the Ford Motor Company, whose vehicle fleet includes hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars and trucks are simultaneously leading the industry in terms of quality. The Ford F-150 remains one of the leading brands of trucks in terms of all-time sales.

Ford pursues the allergy-free vehicle

It turns out that while Ford keeps innovating in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental protection with reduced fuel consumption and emission, the company has also been pursuing interesting new product differentiators that may have deep appeal to millions of Americans, especially those who suffer from allergies.

Ford has now designed a Ford Fusion and other models whose interior materials at all the important touch-points are composed of hypoallergenic materials. The Mother Nature Network reports that the allergy-friendly Ford Fusion and other 2013 vehicles have fewer common allergens in high-touch areas like the steering wheel.

Taking nothing for granted

It is likely many customers take for granted the materials with which their vehicles are made. All it takes to change that opinion is a skin reaction to the plastic on a steering wheel and those problems come home full force. Ford engineers cut down use of latex, chrome, nickel, hexavalent chromium and other allergens from seats, steering wheel, armrests, seatbelts and other car cabin amenities where people sensitive to chemicals may have reactions. The list of tested materials was more than 100 components long. Of course, if you do buy a hypoallergenic car, it pays to use allergy free auto cleaners that are similarly chemical and allergy free.

Cars catching up with the allergy-free world

It makes sense that in a world where allergy sufferers can now buy many other types of “touch-sensitive” hypoallergenic products such as allergy free bedding, pillow covers and comforters that a vehicle should soon follow the lead.

Ford keeps going the distance with its new line of vehicles however. Even the new cabin filters (like home filters) are designed to reduce breathable pollens, mold and particulate matters than normally circulate and even recirculate throughout a vehicle. Allergy sufferers will appreciate the reduced dust and pollen, molds, smoke and other airborne allergens. Yet even with the technology now being employed in new vehicles, it can be prudent for allergy sufferers to take matters into their own hands. One wise investment is an auto air purifier with four-stage HEPA air cleaner.

 

Ford is paying attention to the needs of millions of Americans who suffer from chemical and airborne allergens. The measures taken by Ford will certainly not harm the sales to people who do not suffer from allergies, yet the commitment to reduce allergies in cars and trucks is an interesting and valuable contribution to a world where allergies and asthma affect between 40 to 50% of the population in many parts of the world.

Allergy Masks Beneficial to Those with Ashma

There’s a bit of good news for children with asthma, revealed in a study that tested whether kids wearing allergy masks would exhibit fewer asthma symptoms than those who simply stuck with their asthma medications.

As many parents know, children with asthma can risk more frequent and profound asthma attacks when they are in situations where there is also risk for allergies.

One study tested kids averaging 8 years old who all had allergies to dust mites. The kids wore allergy masks for four weeks while sleeping. Then they went without the masks for four weeks as well. The masks were cone-shaped and made of fabric, allowing the children to breathe well during sleep.

Every participant in the study was already taking allergy medication, and kept doing so during the study.

Some children still needed to use their asthma medicine during the study. Researchers counted the number of days each child needed their medication. In the weeks the children were wearing allergy masks, asthma symptoms were controlled more than 90% of the time. By contrast, the same children when sleeping without allergy masks experienced an average of 82% control. The benefit is significant enough for parents of children with asthma to consider using well-designed allergy masks to help children control asthma while sleeping.

The masks also improved overall lung capacity as well as an effective asthma control device.

Further study of the potential of allergy masks is needed, as the initial study involved just over 30 children with asthma made worse by dust mites. However the relationship between allergies and asthma is significant enough in statistical terms to recognize that any means of reducing allergy risk may also have beneficial effects on asthma treatment.

Germophobes Can Have Peace Of Mind With The Right Tools

mysophobia /my·so·pho·bia/ (-fo´be-ah) irrational fear of dirt and contamination.

If you are a self-proclaimed germophobe, you are actually evidencing some degree of mysophobia, the irrational fear (and thus general hatred) of dirt, germs and ick! contamination.

We all know a germophobe or two. They’re everywhere, really.

The woman who sits in the front row at church and waves her hand to swat germs away from her face when coughing kids come up for the children’s lesson. The fellow who grasps the handle to the public washroom with the tail of his shirt rather than touching the greasy metal. Bringing wipes to clean off the surface of the ATM. Germophobia comes in many forms. Perhaps you’re a germophobe yourself, who just doesn’t like the look or feel of unclean places. Relax, you’re not alone.

An NBC News article had this to say about germophobia: “When Self.com polled readers about their germophobia, more than three quarters said they flush public toilets with their foot, and 63 percent avoid handrails on subways, buses and escalators.”

Such fastidiousness may not be necessary to avoid germs, but many people feel less anxious when their fears are assuaged.

You don’t need to feel you’re powerless against germs. There are plenty of healthy, normal ways to fight germs in your home and in the great big world without feeling obvious or guilty about trying to kill germs or anything else in the world that makes your skin crawl just thinking about it.

If you like the idea of zapping germs in the air you breathe with 99.97% efficiency, you can use UV Sanitizers in your home and when you travel. These miraculous devices use specific wavelength light to eradicate airborne germs including bacteria, influenza-A, staphylococcus, flu virus, HSN1 and more. If that sounds good to you, try the Germ Guardian UV-C Air Sanitizer, proven effective at the Harvard School of Public Health.

You’re going to love the Wein Mini-Mate Wearable Air Purifier if you hate the idea of breathing germ-ridden air in confined spaces like airplanes or other germ zone. This little wonder hangs around your neck like a magic pendant, fending off allergens, germs and everything else you don’t want to breathe. They all get sucked into the air purifier and cleansed away before pure air is emitted back out for breathing.

Handheld UV Saniizers are wands that eliminated 99.9% of viruses that cause cold and flu. They also kill bed bugs, dust mites, E.Coli, MRS and flu bugs, all with a wave of your hand. The CleanWave UV-C Sanitizing Wand is a great place for a germophobe to start. There is no such thing as an environment that is too clean when you are sensitive to harmful allergens, environmental toxins, virus and bacteria. It even kills bed bugs. Hospitals use wands like these to clean bedding and counter surfaces. You can too.

Wandering germophobes will want to check out the Zadro Nano-UV Disinfection Light Scanner. This compact, cell-phone sized germ killer can go anywhere you go and kills or eliminates 99.9% of the nasties on hotel remotes, door handles, public railings, shopping cart handles. You can even disinfect your own kid because the light is perfectly safe if not shown in the eyes.

Let’s say you don’t like dirt or germs around your home or office, and you’d like to eliminate 99.9% of dust mites, bed bugs, viruses, bacteria and allergens while you vacuum. It’s possible with the CleanWave UV-C Vacuum Cleaner.

In countries like Japan where overcrowding is common in big cities, the citizens have no problem donning masks to prevent the spread of disease. That’s not being germophobic, it’s being smart. And people with allergies literally have to figure the air is full of particles as “germs” that can make them sick. Same goes for asthma sufferers. That’s why allergy masks are a good idea for both germ and allergyphobes.

When it comes time to clean the house and you don’t want germs, dirt, mold, mildew or other allergens hanging around the house, allergy cleaners for household use are ideal to cover the gamut of concerns for germophobes and allergyphobes alike. Cleaning products that help you rid your house of these problems are ideal to give you peace of mind, right down to the Ultimate One-Wipe Dust Cloths that help prevent dusting from triggering allergy symptoms.

So you see, being a germophobe can be a practical pursuit if you know where to look for products to help you clean and prevent contamination by germs that are everywhere you look, even in the invisible places. But don't blame us for planting seeds of terror over germs in your mind. We just told you how to get rid of them. The rest is up to you.

Spring Cleaning Tips for the Allergy Sufferer

Spring cleaning is one of those home rituals that really makes sense. After a season indoors with the house locked up tight against cold, wind and snow and inevitable bits of mud, grit and other nasties dragged into the house, spring cleaning is the way to go.

While you’re cleaning your house this spring, throw in a factor that you may not always consider when it comes time for spring cleaning: your allergies. Using allergy free cleaning products not only kills germs, but also cleans up allergens from dust mites, mold spores, beg bugs, animal dander and other allergens makes a whole lot of sense if you really want to do your spring cleaning right.

It’s a question of finding home cleaning products that are strong enough to kill allergens and germs yet safe to use in every circumstance around the house. After all, you don’t want to make problems worse by using cleaning products that cause as many problems as they solve. But relax; you really can clean the air and surfaces in your home without using harsh chemicals that might produce sensitivities of their own.

HomeFree Cleaning Supplies are scientifically formulated for people with chemical sensitivities, allergies or asthma.

HomeFree MultiCleaner is an effective cleaner that is absolutely free of chemicals and irritants that could set you to itching, cause rashes or irritate eczema while you go about spring cleaning. HomeFree Cleaner is plant-based and environmentally friendly, totally nontoxic and noncardinogenic, and contains no caustics, acids or solvents. In fact this product is environmentally-friendly certified under California’s Clean Air Solvents program.

HomeFree MultiCleaner won’t harm any surfaces and is 100% biodegradable. That means no residue left over to haunt you for days or weeks. Just clean surfaces, like you like them. This cleaner is strong enough to take on your toughest household projects. At only $11.95 (with a price protection guarantee) per 32 fluid ounces, you get a season’s worth of cleaning power with a spray cap for convenience!

When you’ve cleaned up the tops, bottoms and sides of everything in sight around the house, it’s time to move on to the glass surfaces. HomeFree Glass Cleaner has all the allergy and chemical free benefits of HomeFree MultiCleaner, and is designed to streak-free cleaning on glass, mirrors, windows and glassware. HomeFree Glass Cleaner is also certified under California’s Clean Air Solvents program, contains no perfumes or dyes, will not stain, and is ideal for people with chemical sensitivities.

In between cleanup tasks, life goes on and it always seems like there are dishes to do. Organic HomeFree Dishwashing Liquid is ideal for daily use or for cleaning and putting away the winter glassware and plates and putting them away for the season. People with eczema or chemical sensitivities can safely use this dishwashing liquid based on the same formulations that make organic HomeFree GlassCleaner and MultiCleaner so effective. If you’re seeking a dishwashing liquid that doesn’t use harsh chemicals, yet is strong enough to remove baked on food and other food residues, you’ll love how easy Homefree Dishwashing liquid makes the job of doing dishes in any season.

Even the cleanest homes sometimes fall prey to mold and mildew that can crop up when spring rolls around and humidity soars through the roof. Literally! Mold and mildew cleaners can help you tackle buildups wherever you find them. Start with AllerTech Mold and Mildew Stain Remover, tested and recommended by allergists and health care professionals to use anywhere mold and mildew is found. It doesn’t require mixing, and comes ready to spray for use indoors or out, at only $11.95 per bottle.

Mold and mildews cause allergic reactions that can make you or your loved ones very sick. Apply AllerTech Mold and Mildew Stain Preventer and protect yourself from returning mold allergies.

We’re getting down to the nitty gritty of spring cleaning and preventing allergies at the same time. So let’s take a look at ways you can nail allergens before they can cause any harm to you and your family.  

If you’ve never checked out the world of UV Sanitizers and how clean they can get your home right down to the microscopic level, then it’s time you gave consideration to some products that will please you to no end.

The CleanWave UV-C Vacuum Cleaner eliminates 99.9% of the detritus and little bugs that cause allergies around the home. That includes sucking up and killing off dust mites, bed bugs, allergens, and even viruses and bacteria. This isn’t “just” a vacuum. It comes equipped with a UV-C (ultraviolet light) feature that essentially breaks down allergens and kills harmful creatures as they come through the vacuum. The two-stage filtration system and easy, bagless design are the inner foundation of a detachable hand vacuum with 400 watts of cleaning power. Positively cyclonic. You’ll love the clean feeling you get using this vacuum on carpets, fabrics, even bedding and bathrooms.

The Nano-UV Wand Large Area Disinfection Scanner takes only 10 seconds to kill 99.9% of the viruses that cause colds and flus, eliminates bacteria and mold, and knocks out bed bugs and dust mites. It even kills E-Coli and Salmonella. Are we talking your language yet? This wand is an absolute germ killer that can knock out the pests and causes of allergies and asthma, as well.

When spring cleaning around the house is done, there’s an important part of the environment to consider, and that’s the air you breathe. To finish the job of spring cleaning and make your home “spring fresh” all year round, we suggest you look at a Home HEPA Air Purifier. The Normal Room HEPA Purifiers are a good place to start. Each is powerful enough to remove 99.97% of particles in the air. That means pollen, mold spores, and other allergens will be gone. Kaput. Nada. Cleared from the air.

Now that’s Spring Cleaning Done Right. All in a one-stop shop from spray cleaners to air purifiers. Have fun cleaning!