Protecting Your Kids from Asthma

1)

'Couch Potato'' Generation - Kids weigh more, exercise less and spend more time indoors.

2)

Too much antibiotic use - When antibiotics are over-used, a child's immune system never has much opportunity to fight infections, and then reacts abnormally to airborne contaminants.

3)

Air Pollution - Pollution does not cause asthma but can be a trigger for an attack. Cars and factories now have stricter controls on emissions but there is still a problem.

4)

Indoor Air Pollution - Twenty years ago no one ever heard of indoor pollution. Since the energy crisis in the 1970's, buildings became more energy efficient. As a result, all pollutants became trapped inside the buildings. Also, many of the items we use to furnish our home and school are continually out-gassing contaminants, including carpeting, curtains, cleaning products, particle board furniture and more. With many people spending 90% of their days indoors, this becomes a serious problem.

1)

Watch for days when pollen counts are high and restrict vigorous exercise on hot days.

2)

Avoid wood stoves and fireplaces in the home and NEVER allow smoking in the home of an asthmatic.

3)

Keep pets out of the bedrooms.

4)

Make sure that your kitchen, bathrooms, and basement are well ventilated to cut down on mold in humidity.

5)

Put pillows and mattresses in allergen-impermeable covers to cut down exposure to dust mites.

6)

Use non-toxic cleaning products and avoid perfumes and scented products.

7)

A filter-less air purifier is highly recommended since a filter can only capture a small portion of allergens.