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Asthma in the Office: How to Work Around the Condition

  • Sep 27, 2018
  • 1 min read



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



5 Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens Instantly

  • Sep 27, 2018
  • 2 min read


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



7 Food Allergies You Didn’t Know Existed

  • Sep 26, 2018
  • 2 min read



We all know someone allergic to peanuts. I know at least two peanut-fearing beings, and I really do feel for them. Peanut butter is one of the best things I’ve ever encountered. Then there are those who are allergic to shellfish. I’ve never been a fish fan, and as a child I’m sure I pretended to be allergic to the slimy scales – anything that lives in the sea should stay in the sea, in my opinion. 


However, there are allergies that are slightly less common, and a bit more unusual. Here, discover the seven strangest food allergies there are.


Sesame seeds

You might not be that devastated if you find out you have a sesame seed allergy, but apparently it can happen. It’s more common in the Middle East, where sesame seeds are almost as popular as houmous. Almost.


Dried fruit

If you’re not a fruit fan, this may not bother you – but a dried fruit allergy is also possible. However, it’s more likely to be caused by preservative sulfites than the fruit itself. 


Marshmallows

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have a marshmallow allergy – just last night I sat down with a plate of smores. It’s actually the gelatin and sugar that can cause an adverse reaction, and I’m not talking about a food coma.


Avocados

I know what you’re thinking – an avocado allergy would be problematic, to say the least. I’m sure there are a number of “avocado cafes” in London now, where hipsters meet for Sunday brunch, retro cassette player and miniature canine in hand. Surprisingly, the proteins found in avocados are similar to those in latex – so if you’re sensitive to latex, beware the avocado.

 

Mangos

Like the avocado allergy, the proteins in avocado are linked to latex. If you’re allergic to mangos, you might want to avoid poison ivy and poison oak – these plants contain a chemical called urushiol, and it’s best you don’t come into contact with it if mangos aren’t your friends.

Hot dogs

As you probably know, hot dogs aren’t the most natural food on the menu. Highly processed, the meat contains an array of additives and an allergic reaction could be the result of any ingredient found in them. Spoiler alert: it’s often the nitrates and yellow dye that are to blame.

 

Wine

I can only apologise for being the bearer of bad news, but some people are actually allergic to wine. Before you pour yourself a glass (I know this is a lot to take in), note that the hangover you had last week may well have been an allergic reaction. A wine allergy can also be mistaken for a cold or seasonal allergies, so be aware of any respiratory discomfort you experience the next time you open a bottle – especially if you have asthma. Side note: ladies, you’re twice as likely to have a wine allergy than men. Sorry.


Sources


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