Asthma in the Office: How to Work Around the Condition

If you have asthma, it goes without saying that work can be a challenge. Often triggered by stress and anxiety, your symptoms can make a guest appearance when you really, really don’t need them to.

According to Asthma UK, 43% of people suffering with the respiratory condition say that their symptoms can cause them problems in the workplace. Here, we discuss three ways you can make your working day as symptom-free as possible. As for the stress? Well, that’s down to you.

Talk to colleagues

It’s important to inform the people you’re working with about your asthma. This ensures that they’ll know how to react if and when you have an asthma attack at work. So, be sure to inform your colleagues, managers and any first-aiders based at your workplace.

Remove triggers

If you know that certain triggers set your asthma off, discuss your requirements with your manager or HR personnel – they’ll make adjustments to ensure you’re comfortable. For instance, if you’re sensitive to dust, you’ll be given a well aired work space that gathers little dust.

Be prepared

Always have an inhaler with you at work, whether that means keeping one stashed in your desk drawer or in the pocket of your hi-vis jacket. You’ll be grateful if an attack strikes unexpectedly.

Image courtesy of Alvin Mahmudov, Unsplash

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5 Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens Instantly

Allergies are the medical equivalent of unexpected guests who don’t wait for an invitation, and tend to outstay their welcome. Stubborn, unforgiving and ultimately quite draining, allergies (and certain people) can have a negative impact on your life.

Indoor allergens are often responsible for many sufferers’ symptoms. You don’t have to skip through a field of flowers or work in a dusty environment to be affected by allergens, because actually, many of them are already in your home, making themselves comfortable and unlikely to leave any time soon. Remind you of anyone?

Now, we can’t do much about that neighbour who’s trying just a little too hard to be your friend, but we can do something about the other relentless presence in your home. Here, we round up five simple ways you can keep your house as allergen-free as possible.

Remove visible mold

If you’ve noticed patches of mold creeping up your basement or bathroom walls, it’s definitely time to do something about it. Mold and other fungi grow in moist, humid environments, and can be responsible for year-round allergy symptoms – so be assertive when it comes to removing dampness.

Swap your carpets

If you’re not a fan of square slates, don’t worry. You can swap your carpets for hardwood flooring in this instance. Allergens become attached to the fine fibres and are difficult to remove, while dust mites inhabit cosy, comfortable areas like carpets, curtains and other upholstery around your home.

Wash bedding frequently

Washing your bedding in hot water, and using high heat to dry it, will also help when it comes to battling it out with allergens inside the home. The high temperatures will ensure that any pesky particles will detach themselves from the material, and you can sleep easy at night. Try to clean your bed sheets and pillowcases at least once a week.

Keep pets separate

Rather than saying goodbye to your beloved companions for good, why not try keeping them restricted to a specific area or room in the house? If your dog or cat has been outside, they’re likely to return to the house with particles on their fur. Avoid having animals in your bedroom, and keep them as clean as possible.

Invest in technology

By opting for an indoor air cleaner, such as a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) device, you’re instantly improving the quality of air in your home. Additionally, you can purchase an air quality tracker that not only detects the particles in your home, but identifies them as well. Sensio AIR is set to hit shelves next year – find out more about the innovative device here.

Sources

http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/dust-mite-allergies.aspx

http://www.aafa.org/page/dust-mite-allergy.aspx

Image courtesy of Peter Raimann / Pixabay

#SensioAIR #asthma #allergy #respiratory #disease #triggers #cause #children #health #healthcare #symptoms #airpollution #allergens #illness #allergens #allergen #pet #pets #dander #fur #animals #animal #dogs #cats #dust #skin #tech #technology

5 Reminders to Help You Cope When Your Little One is Sick

You’ve not had a shower for two days, you haven’t slept properly for a week and you can’t remember the last decent meal you ate. Welcome to the Calpol Club.

When your little one is ill, you’re understandably worried 24/7, and it's likely you're putting your mini-me’s needs ahead of your own. You’re up with them through the early hours, reading and re-reading the medicine instructions you already know by heart and watching their every move. I know you feel like you’ll never leave the house again, but you will – just probably not today.

So, when you’re not being a napkin ninja and cleaning food off floors/walls/your face, take a second to realise that actually, you’re doing the best you can, and no, you’re not the world’s worst parent.

So, in honour of you being the household hero (no, really) we’ve compiled a little list of things you can do to help you get through the mini war zone your living room/bedroom/life has become.

Stay calm

This is easier said than done, but allowing yourself to get even more stressed won’t help you or your child. Take a step back and acknowledge you’re doing your best, even if your toddler’s tantrums say otherwise.

Get some rest

You need to be alert and aware when looking after your little one, so be sure to get some decent sleep when you’re able to. You’ll feel better after a few hours of rest, so when your child finally dozes off – that’s your cue.

Don’t forget to eat

It’s easy to forget to have breakfast, lunch and dinner when you’re busy tending to the needs of your child, but try not to. You need to keep your energy levels up, so try to eat regularly to stay on top of things.

Ask for advice

Don’t be scared to ask for help. Whether you have a question for your doctor, or want some advice from your best friend (a mother-of-four, how does she do it?) you should always seek support when you need it.

Enjoy downtime

Yes, really. A big part of your little one’s recovery process is downtime, which means you’re entitled to the same. If that means an evening in front of the TV with your child, or a blanket and their favourite toy – great. However, don’t feel bad if you decide to call upon your other half or the babysitter while you step outside for a quick run or a trip to the shops. Do whatever you need to do to keep a clear head.

#childhood #child #children #babies #toddlers #wellbeing #health #healthcare #illness #disease #medicine #medication #stress #parenting