Living

 

In every human body the secretion of insulin and glycogen controls blood sugar level but the disturbance in hormone secretion causes high glucose level in the body.

Types and symptoms

Diabetes is of three types that include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Due to this disease the body starts using fats and proteins as energy source as the glucose breakdown process stops completely. The patient shows some symptoms like poluria due to which the person urinate frequently, polydipsia causes increase in thirst and desire for consequent fluid intake, polyphegia relates with increased appetite as the person feels more and more hungry and even excessive weight loss. In type I diabetes the symptoms develop quickly whereas in type 2 the symptoms are much slow.

Some severe conditions

The extreme case of diabetes ketoacidosis is characterized by the smell of acetone in the breath of the patient, polyuria, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain. This medical emergency situation is treated in hospital as it can be lethal in some cases. Another severe condition in diabetes is hyperosmolar nonketotic state due to loss of body water as the patient has the habit of drinking sugar-containing drinks.

Genetics

Diabetes is partly inherited from generation to generation but by proper diabetes control methods it can be prevented. The mutated genes of diabetes are carried by some people that causes MODY which is maturity onset diabetes of the young. These genes got triggered by some viral infection, stress or drugs so correct diabetes treatment is required for such patient.

Prevention

The risk of diabetes can be suppressed and prevented by changing the diet and increasing the physical activity. The suspected individual should eat good amount of whole grains and sugar. Even by giving children Vitamin D or some diabetic supplements in their first year of life also reduces the risk of type 1 diabetes. Even breastfeeding act as good prevention of type 2 diabetes in the mothers. Through prophylactic usage of rosiglitazone, metformin and valsartan, the diabetes in predisposed patients is delayed and is a good method for diabetes control.

Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which can’t be cured permanently but there are some methods for diabetes control and diabetes treatment. By dietic support, self glucose monitoring, sensible exercise and patient education any patient can control blood sugar and maintain the glucose level in the body. As the disease is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease so lifestyle should be modified for diabetes control so as to control blood pressure and cholesterol. The patient should cess the habit of smoking, wear diabetic socks and consumes correct diet. Even by the usage of diabetes supplements and insulin the glucose level can be controlled. Even a blood lancet is used to draw out the blood sample and check the sugar level in it.

 

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Los Angeles is located on the Pacific coast of Southern California and is regarded as the second most populous city in the US. Stretching eastwards at around 160 km, you could locate 100 independent cities which include Long Beach. While taking time out to enjoy the view, you may also look forward to healthy outdoor options.

1. Bayshore Roller Hockey Rink. This facility was made to give way for one of the sports gaining recognition these days which is roller hockey. You can find this rink between the ocean and Alamitos Bay. You will definitely get those hockey shoes on and enjoy the meaning of the game.

2. Long Beach Sportfishing. Fishing is an activity most people do for fun. Sportfishing is done in the same way but with the sports word attached to it. This simply means that you are bound to have a healthy manner of conducting it. As you are exploring the harbors of Los Angeles and Long Beach, you will have a taste of what it means to do salt-water fishing. Bring along your tennis shoes with you for you to have a safe catch.

3. Kayaks on the Water. This is a place which is open to both single and team kayakers. This is a convenient place to have the sports as there is little traffic along the waters. From the starting point, you may gear your trip to Starbucks, Naples island canals or even the wildlife park.

4. Peter Archer Rowing Center. Just like the Bayshore Roller Hockey Rink, this one is found along the Alamitos Bay. They conduct summer camps for both junior high and high school students. They offer instructions on the basics of rowing and the rest of the things you must know about the activity.

5. Skylinks Golf Course. Patterned after the custom eighteen-hole design of a golf course, the Skylinks Golf Course could be your partner in enjoying the outstanding greens as well as the refreshing fairways. This is a spot where you could practice the fundamentals of golf as well as enhance your existing skills.

6. Sunland Skate Park. This skating option could be found at the Sunland Recreation Center. The management will offer you all the things you need to protect yourself from playing like helmets and elbow and knee pads.

7. Temescal Gateway Park. If you want to work your feet out, the Temescal Gateway Park is one of the worthwhile places to spend your time. With their offerings of several miles for hiking, you will be led to the beauty of nature. There are surprisingly amazing views all around from canyons and creeks to waterfalls and a panoramic view of the entire city as well as the Pacific Ocean.

8. Angeles National Forest. This is an ideal spot for travelers as well as from people living within the area. They offer a variety of recreational activities. Picnic may be one of the best things you would enjoy from the place but you could extend your pleasure to swimming and fishing. Mountain bikers and equestrians may also enjoy this attraction.

9. Spokes â??N Stuff Bike Rental. Whether you are a traveler who wants to take pleasure of the sceneries around Los Angeles-Long Beach or a local wanting to work out, renting bikes is possible in the area. This place will surely cater to your biking needs which will make you enjoy the action for a fee of $8 to $20 for the whole day.

10. Griffith Park Horse Rental. If you are craving to do an extraordinary activity that will make you see the wonders of the environment, you may have a horseback riding experience through this place. Your kids under 6 years old may have ponies for themselves as well. Just ask for assistance as this is a very delicate activity.

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Herb Medicine becomes more popular each day as the benefits of using herbs becomes available to the general public. The cost of mainstream healthcare skyrockets and consumers pay out huge sums of money to the established companies that provide the drugs. The information on herb medicine is sometimes discounted by the general consumers. The first thought a consumer might have when this information is reviewed might be of witch doctors and the sorcerers. This should not be the case since there is now much information available based on scientific research and results. Governmental agencies including the Food and Drug Administration now provide proper guidance on the use of herbs for medicinal purposes. The experts that offer the advice on the use of herbs as medicine are certified and industry recognized for their expertise.

The use of herbs as medicine is complementary or as alternative medicine. Most people who have experienced the benefits of herb medicine use these in addition to the available mainstream medical treatments. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration issued information on the use of green tea for medicinal use and the potential benefits of drinking green tea that helps reduce the risk of cancer. The study was based on scientific research and the report issued included the information from these studies. Other information on the use of herbs as medicine comes from private study groups who employ traditional, scientific research to provide the information to the public.

Consumers Should Study Results Carefully When Using Herbs as Medicine

Some advocates of the use of herbs as medicine do not use the scientific information available. And some herbs used as medicine do not have scientific information to substantiate the benefits it claims. Some of the herbs available for medicinal purposes have been used successfully by consumers and their enthusiasm and testimony about the benefits encourage others to use certain herbs. Without the scientific information on a particular medicinal herb, the benefits are dubious. Maybe these substances do work and maybe they do not. There is no way of validating the benefits without the proper research. At times, people experience benefits for other reasons not necessarily related to a certain herb treatment.

The companies that produce herbs as medicine have been successful just like their counterparts that produce mainstream drug products. Some of this success has been due to their advertising and enthusiastic consumers. There are certain herbal substances that are known to suppress the symptoms of the common cold and depression. The effects of these herbal substances are not always backed by scientific research. That does not mean that these are not effective herb remedies, but the research has not been conducted to prove the results it claims. Consumers should look carefully at all the information available on the medicines that they use to maintain a healthy life style.

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Good health is a key to a happy life, in a quick and requirements of life unfortunately men health a backseat when it should be of prime concern. There are many questions that plague your mind, but here are the answers to, or not enough or not available. Sometimes one is too lazy or shy to discuss with your doctor. For a healthy life, many things need to be put in order.

Skin Care: During teenage years, men develop their regular skin care, because the habit of always wish to be considered best to retain the facade and children as soon as possible. We may think that the product skin care and skin care for women only notion habits, but certainly is not true. In fact, many man’s care products have skyrocketed in the market today. And like women, men can do many things to study your skin to some simple basic procedures of skin care.

Body: People make sport of body building for all kinds of reasons, but fitness is probably the biggest one of all. No doubt that those who take the time to focus on the muscles in their body and honing them to a chiseled state are probably the one suitable to most athletes. We can easily use the terms body building and fitness interchangeably with each other.

Weight Loss: Obesity continues to affect more and more people both directly and indirectly, to your body after producing less cholesterol H D L (good tools) and more L D L and triglycerides (both bad), raising your heart-risk attack.

Nutrition: Men prosper on the body of some nutrients that work together to promote growth and development. There is no nutrition or a specific group of nutrients is more important than it is a manâ??s health is good.

Hair loss: Hair loss is one common problem in all of us. All hairs are shed at the end of the cycle of their growth; therefore, some degree of hair loss is normal. If you have excessive hair loss, it makes sense of the first to understand the possible causes. There are many possible causes of hair loss, however most hair loss is normal, and part of each person’s genetic program.

Male Infertility: Every 6 couples have 1 pair of the causes and derived from the husband makes up half. The most cause of Infertility in men can be identified as a very cold the vein. Age can also cause rare late. To allow for the same stay healthy, and he should your attention to a diet of, nutrition, exercise regularly and limit stress. A man not has relation with excitement as people lose weight with health. Up to 25% of men are problems in the way and this number can also higher because men do not say much about the status of your physical.

Male Impotence or Performance Score: low sperm count, Impotence the inability to achieve a relation. If you are a male and worried about your relational performance, or if you feel that there is some deterioration in your performance, please take relation performance critical points.

See calories, good exercises and healthy food, treatment is absolutely essential. Besides, we also deal with issues of relation and other methods and safe treatment to deal with them, including relational Transmitted Diseases, low semen, Impotence, testicular pain, contraceptives and how to increase sperm count etc.

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Many of us equate vitamin, miniral, and nutrition supplement but most of the time what is purchase in the name of healthy food does not mean to be safe all the time.


Our body I made up of chemical component such as water, proteins, lipids, DNA, and carbohrdrates. We neeed to take all the supllement in a proper and balance manner. When nutrition supplement is take in amounts greater than the recommmanded dietary allowance they will no longer will be nutrition and they will be considred as durgs.


Many people eat anything and anytime which is unknowly or knowly effect your health and diet which will result in health problems, over wieight and lazyness. Nutrition products are alawys fresh and well sealed and always make you feel better.


Currently, too many nutritional benefits are processed, cooked or fried out of what we eat, which leaves us little choice but to supplement our diet with nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to regain health and to stay healthy. If you add to this the pollution and other toxins you have to put up with, nutritional supplements become even more of a necessity


Once you give your body a hand by giving it proper fuel, such as a diet high in fruits and vegetables, along with a sensible set of nutritional supplements, you will soon notice a difference. Healthy food and good nutritional supplements will restore your engine to optimum working order. It will thrive and so will you. DO NOT self-medicate with large doses of vitamins, minerals, or other nutritional supplements without seeking medical advice.


Many of us start taking nutritional supplement with any advice on dietician which affect our body and which is realized by us. So be careful before you feel you need to take nutritional supplements, first discuss your concerns with your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified health care professional, for example, a registered nurse or dietician.

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It can send a chill up anyone’s spine being informed by your physician that you have borderline diabetes. This is a disease that can literally alter your life. But, each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are being told just that as the number of diabetes cases continually rises. Currently, there are over 18 million known case of diabetes in the U.S. that have diabetes. It’s estimated that there’s approximately 6 million more people that have diabetes and don’t know it. And it remains a serious health problem costing patients billions of dollars in health care every year.

What exactly is borderline diabetes? Sometimes called pre-diabetes, it’s a condition where a person has glucose levels between normal levels and levels that would identify them as diabetic. The reason that many people don’t know they have the condition is that it’s relatively free of symptoms. In a person without diabetes, the body will produce insulin to help the cells break down food into energy. In diabetics and pre-diabetics, however, either the body is unable to create insulin or it is unable to utilize the insulin. This is one reason why people with borderline diabetes tend to be tired much of the time. They are eating, but their body is unable to break down the food into usable energy.

Many doctors have stopped using the term borderline diabetes to describe this condition as, in their minds, a person who exhibits the symptoms of pre-diabetes is, in truth diabetic. and they see no real medical reason to obfuscate the diagnosis. They also feel that telling a person that he or she has borderline diabetes will cause the person to not take the diagnosis seriously – since it is only borderline. Others feel that the condition of these patients is more accurately described as insulin resistant or impaired glucose tolerance. Other doctors, however, still use the term and find it useful to keep the distinction between pre-diabetes and diabetes.

For medical care physicians that continue to use the term, borderline diabetes is diagnosed when a person’s glucose level, as determined by glucose tests, fall between 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter.

Unfortunately, in most cases, a person who has borderline diabetes will see the disease progress to diabetes. In some cases, however, with a change of eating habits and other healthy lifestyle changes, the disease will be reversed.

Many health experts believe that pre-diabetes is a preventable disease. Studies have shown a distinct correlation between the increase in the amount of fast foods that we eat and the new incidences of type II diabetes. Likewise, there is a correlation between our increasingly sedentary lifestyles with increases in the number of people diagnosed with diabetics. Making the defeat of diabetes even more urgent is that a person with pre-diabetes or diabetes is at greater risk for a host of other diseases including heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and more.

Luckily, researchers have begun to identify and catalog the many risk factors that predispose one towards developing diabetes. Hopefully, in the near future, diabetes will be looked upon as a long forgotten disease of the past.

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Green tea offers so many benefits to the skin and to the body. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-bacterial properties. It is not a mystery green tea is so popular in the cosmetic industry. Loaded with Vitamin E and C, the antioxidant agents slow the signs of aging externally and provide beneficial vitamins for overall health when taken internally.

Furthermore, recent research has concluded that green tea can prevent cancer. The death rate in Japan from cancer is significantly lower than that in the States. In Japan, green tea is part of their daily staple and consumed as much as 5 to 6 cups a day. This suggests that the main ingredients in green tea tannin and catechin, see definition below. in sufficient amounts can lower the mortality rates of cancer patients.

Additionally, green tea can lower high blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels for those suffering with diabetes or the onset thereof. Caffeinated tea refreshes the body when taken internally; it stimulates the body acutes organs and clears the mind. Green tea can lower cholesterol by restricting the excessive buildup of (LDL) cholesterol. Research has also suggested that green tea can inhibit skin cancer due to its protective properties.

Overall, green tea drinkers seem to enjoy better health. The vital ingredient Catechin is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times more potent than Vitamin E.

Green Tea Facial Toner

5 green tea bags or several heaping teaspoons of green tea leaves
1/3 to frac12; cup fresh herb, chopped (see list below for your specific skin type)
2 cups mineral water or vitamin water

Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Strain if necessary. Apply with cotton ball. The toner will keep for at least one week in the refrigerator.

Dry skin: Elderflower, linden flowers, and marigold.
Normal skin: chamomile – especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, and rosemary.
Oily Skin: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and peppermint and sage-especially good for antiseptic values.

Definition of catechin: The antioxidant activity about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. One cup of green tea may provide 10-40mg of polyphenols and can have an antioxidant activity greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. A catechin is effective because it sticks to proteins easily and blocks bacteria from adhering to cell walls. This disrupts their ability to destroy them. The catechin in green tea also prevents viruses from adhering to cell walls and causing harm.

Definition of Tannin: All tannins act as astringents, shrinking tissues and contracting structural proteins in the skin and mucus.

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Good health is a key to a happy life, in a quick and requirements of life unfortunately men health a backseat when it should be of prime concern. There are many questions that plague your mind, but here are the answers to, or not enough or not available. Sometimes one is too lazy or shy to discuss with your doctor. For a healthy life, many things need to be put in order.

Skin Care: During teenage years, men develop their regular skin care, because the habit of always wish to be considered best to retain the facade and children as soon as possible. We may think that the product skin care and skin care for women only notion habits, but certainly is not true. In fact, many man’s care products have skyrocketed in the market today. And like women, men can do many things to study your skin to some simple basic procedures of skin care.

Body: People make sport of body building for all kinds of reasons, but fitness is probably the biggest one of all. No doubt that those who take the time to focus on the muscles in their body and honing them to a chiseled state are probably the one suitable to most athletes. We can easily use the terms body building and fitness interchangeably with each other.

Weight Loss: Obesity continues to affect more and more people both directly and indirectly, to your body after producing less cholesterol H D L (good tools) and more L D L and triglycerides (both bad), raising your heart-risk attack.

Nutrition: Men prosper on the body of some nutrients that work together to promote growth and development. There is no nutrition or a specific group of nutrients is more important than it is a man’s health is good.

Hair loss: Hair loss is one common problem in all of us. All hairs are shed at the end of the cycle of their growth; therefore, some degree of hair loss is normal. If you have excessive hair loss, it makes sense of the first to understand the possible causes. There are many possible causes of hair loss, however most hair loss is normal, and part of each person’s genetic program.

Male Infertility: Every 6 couples have 1 pair of the causes and derived from the husband makes up half. The most cause of Infertility in men can be identified as a very cold the vein. Age can also cause rare late. To allow for the same stay healthy, and he should your attention to a diet of, nutrition, exercise regularly and limit stress. A man not has relation with excitement as people lose weight with health. Up to 25% of men are problems in the way and this number can also higher because men do not say much about the status of your physical.

Male Impotence or Performance Score: low sperm count, Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, the inability to achieve a relation. If you are a male and worried about your relational performance, or if you feel that there is some deterioration in your performance, please take relation performance critical points.

See calories, good exercises and healthy food, treatment is absolutely essential. Besides, we also deal with issues of relation and other methods and safe treatment to deal with them, including relational Transmitted Diseases, low semen, Impotence, testicular pain, contraceptives and how to increase sperm count etc.

Read more

Living a healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise and eating the rights foods isn’t always as easy as you might think. Most adults find it difficult to find both the time and energy for the aforementioned items and after a hard days work, their commute, and their own family at home it’s common for the majority of individuals to simply pick up fast food on the way home and then plant themselves on the couch. Despite the difficulties modern society places on healthy living there are several smaller things you can do to increase energy, lower your weight, raise your energy, and stave off things like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Among these things it is perhaps reading labels when you’re grocery shopping that can help you eliminate excessive fats and calories and increase the vitamins and other nutrients that you should be consuming. Consuming more vitamins and things that are healthy for your body will result in more energy, more endurance, and even a healthier immune system. It may seem as though reading labels before you put the food in your shopping basket would yield minimal results but the truth is that reading labels can help you eliminate large portions of saturated fats, sodium, cholesterol, and sugars from your diet. When those things are reduced or eliminated not only will your body have more energy but you’re likely to lose a significant amount of weight as well.

The law has required, for some time now, that labels be placed on all foods so that consumers can make an informed decision as to what they want to put into their body. Ironically however many people are content in just purchasing food, ignoring the labels on their favorite items. Once people begin reading labels however they are often surprised at just how bad some of the foods they consume are. Many foods are extraordinarily high in fats, sodium, and more often than not contain high level of sugars. Others contain unhealthy amounts of preservatives and synthetic properties both of which are unhealthy and should be avoided as often as possible.

The next time you go shopping do two things. Go shopping only after you’ve eaten a hearty meal. Doing this will allow you to shop patiently and with your brain rather than with your stomach. Secondly take the time to read labels on anything and everything you’re considering buying. If you do this you will eliminate a great many things your body doesn’t need and you’ll get more of what your body needs to stay healthy. You’ll also notice that as you make better choices by reading food labels you’ll begin to look and feel a whole lot better.

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Part 1:  Understanding the Allergy Basics

Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or indoor allergies to dust mites, molds and pet dander, you may be regularly faced with allergy symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing or more.  You may experience allergy symptoms while outside as a result of seasonal allergies.  Or, your allergic reactions can come about due to exposure to indoor allergens while cleaning, coming into contact with pets or even while sleeping!  In order to understand the secret to living with allergies, you must educate yourself about allergic triggers, environmental controls and what causes your allergy symptoms.  As Part 1 of the Allergy Control Products series on The Secrets to Living with Allergies, learn some time-tested allergen avoidance steps toward living a healthier life that is free of allergy symptoms. 

Step 1:  Diagnose the Allergy Triggers that Cause Your Allergy Symptoms

Any allergy sufferer knows the misery that can be caused by allergy symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, headache, watery eyes, sneezing, itching, rash and even severe symptoms such as asthmatic reactions.  What some allergy sufferers don’t fully know is what may be triggering their allergies, and the key to managing these symptoms is diagnosing precisely what causes allergic reactions.  It may be surprising that many allergy sufferers who have mild allergy symptoms may not be able to pinpoint what they are allergic to.  Without consulting with a physician to understand the nature of their allergies, these allergy sufferers are unable to proactively control their allergies. 

In some cases, identifying allergy triggers is easy.  For instance, if you sneeze and have trouble breathing when around cats, it’s likely that you have a pet allergy.  Certain food allergies, contact with allergen sources or exposure to obvious allergy sources (such as dusty or moldy rooms) may also be easy to identify.  However, many people are unaware that they can come into daily contact with large allergen sources throughout the home that cause or worsen their allergy symptoms.  Understanding your sensitivity and resulting allergy reactions to these indoor allergens can have a profound impact on alleviating your allergy symptoms.

For the best understanding of your specific allergies, see your physician or allergist for allergy testing.  A skin test may be performed in order to determine whether you many be allergic to dust mites, pollens, pet dander, fungi or other sources.  Allergy medications or allergen injections may be recommended.  Physicians can help you outline a plan for addressing your exposure to allergy triggers in order to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Step 2:  Identify the Dust Mite as One of the Biggest Culprits in Causing Indoor Allergies

The top 3 indoor allergens are dust mite allergens, molds and pet dander.  All three can be found in most homes and millions of dust mites can be found in even the cleanest of homes.  One easy way to find allergy relief is to reduce your allergen exposure within your home.  Many people who have allergies are allergic to dust mites and because they cannot be seen by the naked eye, you could be totally unaware of how much you come in contact with dust mite allergens. 

Dust mites are relatives of the spider, and they thrive in the dark, warm and humid environment found in pillows, mattresses, bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture.  Dust mites excrete fecal particles and it is these particles, as well as their dead bodies, that cause your allergic symptoms.  In fact, “dust” is made up of dust mite allergens and other allergen particles. Inhaling these particles triggers your allergies. 

Around the home, you come in regular contact with indoor allergens, but the greatest allergen exposure is to dust mite allergens.  A large dust mite allergen source is your bed.  If you wake up feeling congested, sneezing, with swollen eyes or a runny nose, or with other allergy symptoms, inhaling dust mite allergens while you sleep is to blame.  You spend up to 8 hours a day in bed, inhaling these allergens and unwittingly aggravating your allergies.  The second largest source of dust mite allergens is found in carpeting. Since many homes have carpeting, the carpet is another large area for causing allergy symptoms. 

Step 3:  For Indoor Allergy Relief, Control Your Environment to Eliminate Allergy Triggers

The good news is that simple steps around the home could alleviate allergy symptoms and possibly reduce your need for allergy medications and treatments.  The first step is to address the bedroom due to the large amount of time spent there each day.  Cover your pillow, mattress and other bedding in allergy bed encasings to create a barrier between you and the dust mite allergens in the bed.  Wash your linens frequently in hot water to remove allergens.  Treat your carpet with special allergy-removing carpet products, or remove carpets in favor of hardwood floors or tile.  Vacuum weekly with a quality HEPA vacuum, which will contain allergens while you clean, and wear a face mask while cleaning.  Keep your home’s humidity level below 50% as low humidity discourages dust mite and mold growth. 

For more tips on controlling dust mite allergies in your home, request a copy of the Allergy Control Products Improving Life Indoors catalog or visit the Allergy Control® Allergy Learning Center for more allergy education.  Also, visit allergycontrol.com for upcoming topics regarding The Secret to Living with Allergies.  Next, Allergy Control Products will cover Addressing Pet Allergies and future series will include Controlling Mold in Your Home.  Don’t miss these helpful allergy tips from the allergen avoidance experts!

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Get Physical

Exercise not only helps you build muscle and lose weight, giving you more self-confidence, but it’s vital in maintaining a healthy heart. And don’t think you need to spend hours at the gym to achieve a new physical you. From strength training and cardio workouts, to walking the dog or taking the stairs — anything that gets your heart pumping will benefit your health.

Stress is a Mess

Over time, stress can lead to serious health issues such as obesity, depression and even death. When you start seeing red, instead think blue … as in blueberries. Antioxidants found in the tasty fruit fight stress hormones. Also, don’t forget to breathe. Inhaling a deep breath for five seconds, then exhaling for another five seconds, can help clear your mind and enhance blood circulation.

Get a Grip on Safety

Think bath safety products are just for older generations? Think again. With wet, hard surfaces, the bathroom is your home’s biggest danger zone. So, get a grip on safety by adding a few stylish and safe products to your ensemble, such as grab bars, tub grips, bathtub tread strips, shower chairs or transfer benches. HomeCare by Moen offers a wide assortment of stylish, stable and durable bath safety products at Lowe’s. Visit homecare.moen.com for more information.

LOL Laugh Out Loud

Build your immune system through laughter. Health-increasing hormones, such as endorphins, are released through your body when you laugh. Additionally, laughter works your abdominal muscles and boosts your state of mind. Web sites such as www.FunLOL.com can be a quick fix for a downer day.

Eat Healthy

We know we should eat healthy, and with new online tools it’s a no-brainer. The new MyPyramid program, www.MyPyramid.gov, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allows you to choose the ideal proportions of foods and food groups to eat according to your body size and structure.

Get Plenty of Zzzzzz’s

Between work, family and extra activities, it’s sometimes difficult to get the necessary six to eight hours of sleep per night. Be sure to avoid caffeine or exercise right before bed. Instead try reading a book or meditating. And, if you still need extra help to unwind, Bath and Body Works offers the Aromatherapy Sleep Collections, featuring chamomile bath salts and a warm milk and honey pillow spray to aid in a good night’s rest.

What’s Up, Doc?

Going to the doctor only when you’re sick isn’t going to cut it. For both your physical and mental well-being, it’s wise to have a routine annual physical examination. Especially if your family has a history of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, getting regular check-ups can help prevent or detect serious health issues.

Yoga-ta Do It

Yoga, an ancient practice of stretching and breathing techniques, has become a popular exercise for both men and women. In addition to releasing positive energy, yoga prevents injuries, promotes flexibility and can add relief to a stressful day. In fact, according to the book, “Real Men Do Yoga,” PGA golfer David Duval practices yoga every day. So, if it’s good enough for professionals, it may be an excellent addition to your weekly stress-relief routine.

S.O.S. – Save Our Skin

As the largest organ of the human body, your skin’s health is vital. Luckily caring for your protective layer can be easy and enjoyable. Try a trip to the spa, or even create a spa at home. There’s no better way to start your day than with an invigorating, spa-like shower. Try a multi-function showerhead, such as Moen’s Inspire showerhead at Lowe’s, that will envelope you in a variety of massaging or refreshing sprays. Finish off your pampering shower with your favorite body cream to lock moisture in your skin.

Your Right for Recreation

You schedule meetings and appointments each week, so why not schedule time for recreation? Be sure to set aside time each week for activities you enjoy. Whether it’s dinner with family and friends, or taking the phone off the hook and curling up with a good book, be sure to block out time on your calendar with activities that you enjoy and will rejuvenate you.

It doesn’t take a radical change in your behavior to start living a healthier lifestyle. By following these simple tips, you’ll be on the road to a happy, healthy, safe and balanced life.

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In Part 1:  Understanding the Allergy Basics of the Allergy Control Products series on “The Secret to Living with Allergies,” the differences between seasonal allergies and indoor allergies were covered as well as diagnosing allergy triggers, the causes of allergy symptoms and important steps to take to find allergy relief.  In indoor allergies, the top three allergen sources include dust mite allergens, molds and pet dander.  Although some allergy sources are harder to identify, pet allergies may often be self-evident as contact with the animal or pet can cause obvious allergy symptoms.  What may not be as well known is what causes pet allergies, as it is not actually the pet hair that is at the root of the problem.  In Part 2 of the Allergy Control Products “The Secret to Living with Allergies” series, what causes pet allergies and steps to reduce allergy symptoms related to pet allergies will be covered.

Step 1:  Learn the Facts About Pet Allergies that Cause Your Allergy Symptoms

Many people believe that what causes pet allergies is the pet hair, but the allergy-causing material is instead a protein found in the animal’s dander (made up of flaky skin cells and dried saliva), saliva or urine that triggers allergic reactions.  These pet allergy particles are particularly small and your allergy symptoms begin as they are inhaled into the nose and lungs or come in contact with your eyes.  In some cases, your allergic reaction may build up and occur hours after you come in contact with an animal.  However, most often, an allergic reaction and the resulting allergy symptoms happen very quickly (within minutes).  

Since all dogs or cats produce animal dander, unfortunately, none are hypoallergenic.  Some animals may produce less dander and people with pet allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds than others.  Symptoms of pet allergies can include sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, runny nose or nasal congestion and contact-induced rash or itching.  For asthma sufferers, allergic reactions such as wheezing, shortness of breath and lung congestion can bring about even severe asthma symptoms.

Pet allergens (pet dander) are the highest in homes with pets, however, pet allergens can be found even in places where pets are not allowed.  Pet dander is very sticky and can travel on clothing to public places.  Pet dander can remain allergenic and cause allergy symptoms for long periods of time and important steps, covered in Step 3, should be taken to reduce contact with pet allergens. 

Step 2:  Millions Suffer from Pet Allergies, with Cat Allergies Being the Most Common Pet Allergy

Although many animals (from birds to horse to dogs) can cause pet allergies, the most common pet allergy is to cats.  Cat allergy may be more predominant due to a higher potency of cat dander as an allergen or the fact that cats are not bathed as frequently as dogs and do more self-grooming, further increasing the presence of saliva and pet dander that leads to allergy symptoms.  According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 10 percent of Americans may be allergic to animals.   Of these allergy sufferers, many may have asthma and 20 to 30 percent of asthma sufferers have pet allergies.  These asthma sufferers include kids with childhood asthma.  The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) explains that allergic asthma (caused by allergens such as dust mites, cat and dog dander and other environmental allergens) is the most common form of asthma in children.

Taking important steps to control pet allergies can lead to a healthier life for you and your children and potentially avoid instances in which severe asthma or allergy reactions may take place.

Step 3:  What to Do for Pet Allergy Relief

If you have pet allergies and there is a pet in the home, it may be necessary to find a new home for the pet.  This step can be difficult to do and the necessity may be dependent on the severity of your allergic reaction.  If your pet stays at home, the pet must be kept out of the allergy sufferer’s bedroom and you should wash hands or clothing after any contact.  In either instance, cleaning steps throughout the home should be undertaken as it is important to get rid of pet allergens or keep levels as low as possible. 

For effective pet allergy relief, begin with cleaning steps in your bedroom.  Create a barrier between yourself and pet allergens that have accumulated in your bed by covering pillows, mattress and other bedding in allergy-proof bed encasings.  Wash your linens and any other bedding frequently, and even consider replacing bedding items.  The carpet can be the second largest allergy-causing source after the bed, and removing or treating the carpet will reduce your continued exposure to allergens that have built up in the soft carpet surface.  Vacuum any remaining carpet regularly, and it is particularly important to use a HEPA filtration vacuum, as these vacuums are designed to contain small allergy particles such as pet dander.  Air filters in your vents will keep pet allergy particles from circulating in the home, and special filters over an air vent in the bedroom provides an extra level of filtration in the allergy sufferer’s bedroom.

Using HEPA air cleaners or HEPA air purifiers can be particularly good for people with pet allergies, as the tiny pet allergy particle stays in the air for longer periods of time.  The HEPA air filter has a better chance to capture these particles before they settle to the ground, for improved air cleaning.  Give your pet frequent baths to help remove dander on the surface of skin or fur and reduce your pet’s need to groom itself.

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