Health Briefs TV and How to Get a Jump on Spring Allergies

We welcome spring and its warmer weather. We don’t welcome the allergies that come with it. Health Briefs TV covers how to get a jump on spring allergies.

People who live in the south will vouch for how much pollen is in the air by the amount of pollen on their cars. Spring is tree pollen time and it is also grass and flower pollen time. Other factors of spring allergies changes in the atmosphere are shifting pollen patterns and warmer temperatures for longer periods of time. The higher the temperature, the more favorable pollen is to aerosolization. Pollen causes sneezing, watery eyes and for some migraines.

Mold is another spring allergy. As with pollen, warm air helps mold grow everywhere. Mold, a miniscule fungi, can live almost anywhere from soil, plants, bathrooms and even older cars. Mold spores are in the air. They are more prevalent in warm weather climates.

Hay fever is another spring allergy. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 19 million adults and six million children live with and manage this type of allergy. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffiness, runny noses, itchiness in the nose and roof of the mouth, throat and, having itchy eyes.

Health Briefs TV relays some tips for get ahead of spring allergies:

• Use a smart phone app to see what the pollen count is in your area for the day and week.
• Use a nasal steroid spray. Start it one to two weeks before the onslaught of pollen season.
• Over-the-counter antihistamines are also very good at curbing allergy symptoms.
• Allergy shots may also work to ease symptoms.
• Ask your doctor if a sublingual tablet (melts under the tongue) is advisable for you.

Keep mind that taking a shower before bed is best because it washes allergens off of the body and away from beds. It is also a good idea to stay inside when the pollen count is the highest. Get ahead of spring allergies this year.

Health Briefs TV Reviews Steps to Relieve Fall Allergies

If the spring and summer allergy seasons left you feeling miserable, why not get a jump on fall allergies with these steps to relieve them from Health Briefs TV?

Fall is prime allergy season for people who suffer from hay fever or are sensitive to high pollen counts and mold. Hay fever can result from the major pollen producer ragweed. This yellow-greenish plant causes itchy eyes and serious sneezing fits. Many people have are allergic to ragweed. Pollen is everywhere in the fall. You can see it on cars, in people’s hair and on their clothes. Reduce the amount of pollen in your life by keeping home and vehicle windows closed.  Change or clean air filters once a month.

Another allergy irritant is mold. Mold grows on decomposing plants, wet leaves and damp outdoor furniture cushions. Clean up the backyards, patios and porches in the morning. Thoroughly clean furniture cushions using a product especially made for them. Rake, bag and toss all fallen leaves, branches and ground material.

Exercise outdoors only in the morning. Pollen is less likely to be in the air at this time of that than others. If pollen collects on hair and clothing, strip clothes off and wash them right away. Take a shower to wash pollen out of hair and off the body. Use the home A/C all the time. The filter will collect any pollen in the air.

The Health Briefs television show suggests an appointment with allergist before fall allergy season begins to be tested for possible irritants. Take over-the-counter antihistamines to control symptoms. An allergist can prescribe medicated inhalers and eye drops if needed. Get a jump on fall allergy season now. 

Health Briefs TV on What Your Cough Means

Sometimes, it seems that a cough is just a cough. But there are different types of coughs which Health Briefs TV shares with readers.

Asthma can cause coughing when airways become inflamed. It is a dryer cough which ends with a rattle or wheeze. It can get worse at night. If this sounds familiar, go visit the doctor who can order a lung function test. Over the counter meds and longer-lasting medications are usually prescribed for relief.

Allergies can cause post nasal drip which can produce an either wet or dry cough. Mucus drips down the throat tickling nerve endings which cause coughing. Coughing is worse at night. Itchy eyes and sneezing also are also symptoms of allergies.

Gastroesophagal reflux disease or GERD is the second most common cause of chronic coughing. It is a dry, spasmodic cough and one which occurs when gastric acid backs up in the esophagus. It is most common as soon as you lie down in bed at night or after eating.  

COPD is another kind of chronic cough. It is mostly caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema from smoking. The Health Briefs TV show notes that is produces a wet, mucus cough and occurs mostly in the morning.

If you have one of these types of chronic coughs, visit the doctor to see if there is anything which can help lessen it.

Health Briefs TV Offers Tip to Rid Home of Allergies

Twenty percent of the US population suffers from allergies. And our homes are one of the most common places where allergens can ruin a good night’s rest or a day’s worth of family fun. Health Briefs TV shares some tips to get rid of allergies in the home.

Bathrooms – Use a mold and mildew killing cleaner on all hard surfaces such as shower floors and bathroom walls. Turn the ventilator fan on every time someone uses the shower and leave it on for 15 minutes after getting out of the shower to suck moisture from the air. Wipe the spaces around sinks and toilets once a week to prevent mold buildup.

Living, family and other rooms – Get rid of plug-in air fresheners which can emit VOCs and exasperate allergies. When dusting furniture, use a spray that collects and hold the particles. Vacuum the furniture to get rid of pet hair and dander.

Bedrooms – Wash bed linens in hot water and dry on hot once a week to thoroughly wash out mites and other irritants. The Health Briefs TV show suggests purchasing allergy-proof pillow covers.

Other places – Search high and low for drips from pipes, fridges and freezers and washers. Even a small drip can make a dry spot a moldy spot in time.

Ban mold, mildew, dust mites and other irritants from the home every day and week with these easy to do chores. No one wants to spend the spring and summer months sneezing, wiping watery eyes or runny noses. 

Health Briefs TV and How to Get Ahead of Spring Allergies

Even though the first day of spring is here, the spring allergy season has already begun. Health Briefs TV offers advice on how to get ahead of spring allergies.

Spring has sprung and so have the allergen counts in the air. People who suffer from allergies can attest to the watery, itchy eyes, skin rashes, stuffed noses and continual sneezing and how bothersome it is. Those who have already been tested for allergies can take over the counter medicine to combat some of the symptoms. March is a good month to renew prescriptions for allergy season. Be sure to notify the pharmacy about when to auto re-fill the prescription.  In the meantime, try a non-drowsy antihistamines to lessen sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes. Nasal decongestants and eye drops for allergy sufferers are also good OTC choices. A board-certified allergist can give people a test to determine what they are allergic too. Also, the FDA just approved a new drug –a tablet—that acts like an allergy shot. Call your allergist of physician to learn more about that.

Other ways to get ahead of spring allergies: switch to a HEPA filter for air conditioners, take a shower before bed to wash way any pollen stuck the hair and body, and wash pollen-laden clothing as soon as possible. As always, if allergy symptoms become worse, call the doctor. A reminder from the Health Briefs TV show to keep all medicine out of reach of small children and pets.

Health Briefs TV and Why Hand-Washing Dishes Might be a Good Idea

Nearly every kitchen in America has a dishwasher in it. Most families use one to clean and sterilize dishes, glasses and utensils. However, some people prefer to hand-wash dishes. Health Briefs TV explains why this may be better.

Families with children who suffer from allergies may want to consider doing the dishes by hand rather than using a dishwasher.  Researchers found that kids were less likely to develop allergies if dishes were done by hand rather than by a dishwasher. Hand-washing usually leaves some microbes on the items which in turn are ingested during the next time used. These built up children’s immune systems which protected them from developing allergies.

The Health Briefs TV show learns that kids who parents hand-washed dishes had lower allergy rates than kids whose parents used a dishwasher. Although these study results seem promising, there is no recommendation to stop using a dishwasher. Seek the advice of a pediatrician or other health care professional if a child is struggling with the sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and stuffed nose that allergies cause. Keep homes clean and free from dust mites, mold and mildew. Get an allergy test early on to determine how to treat them. There are many options for children with allergies. 

Health Briefs TV Reports on a Toothpaste for Allergy Sufferers

Imagine brushing your teeth with a toothpaste that not only cleans the mouth but blocks and stops an allergic reaction. Health Briefs TV shares news on a new prescription toothpaste that is doing all that.

Scientists in New York have formulated a toothpaste called Allerdent which contains the extracts of what some test patients are allergic to. The toothpaste is being tested on 12 people at the moment. The extracts in the toothpaste make contact with the lining of the mouth and can desensitize the allergy suffer to the allergens. It appears to be more effective than a weekly allergy shot or daily allergy drops. The prescription toothpaste is said to taste, feel and work the same as regular toothpaste.  Itching or tingling in the mouth is two side effects which have been reported. Health Briefs TV believes that this special toothpaste is not yet available across the country, but recommends interested readers ask their family doctor or allergist about it. It is available in several states. Imagine simply brushing your teeth every day to finally get rid of the sneezing, wheezing, coughing, eye watering and nose dripping misery that can ruin a day’s worth of activities.

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Health Briefs TV Reports on the Respiratory Illness Affecting American Kids

It seems to be mostly affecting children who suffer from mild asthma and those who live in the Midwest. Health Briefs reports on the respiratory illness that is sending kids to the hospital.

It starts off as a cold and quickly turns much more serious when a child cannot breathe and his or her face is turning blue. The human enterovirus 68 starts off mimicking the symptoms of the common cold. But within hours, it can become fatal if parents do not rush kids into the emergency room. It has sent thousands of kids in 10 states to the hospital. Doctors believe that with summer over and school back in session, kids are picking up viruses from other kids and bringing them home to siblings. Symptoms can be the same as the common cold: runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and some experience wheezing. But when that wheezing becomes more labored, it’s time to get the child to an urgent care center or hospital. Health Briefs TV notes that the CDC recommends basic sanitary practices to avoid spreading germs and the virus such as washing hands often, avoid those who are sick, and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing. Parents of asthmatic children should be sure inhalers are up to date and kept in a handy place. Caregivers and teachers should know how to handle a child suffering an asthma attach. The key to preventing a serious respiratory illness is knowledge.

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Health Briefs and What Irritates Seasonal Allergies

Fall is creeping up on us and with it come the allergies of the season. To make matters more watery, there are some odd things that can make them worse, as Health Briefs points out.

Pollen found on some very common fruits can wreak havoc on those who suffer seasonally allergies. The irritants are usually on raw produce like apples, tomatoes, and cantaloupe. People who suffer from this secondary type of allergy have what is called OAS or Oral Allergy Syndrome. Peel or cook the produce before eating it to prevent a severe attack.

Soft contact lenses can trap pollen under them which can cause serious eye problems for allergy sufferers. Allergy-prone people might want to go with disposable soft lenses until the worst of allergy season is over.

Health Briefs TV learns that alcohol, and especially red wine, can cause someone with allergies to suffer from a stuffed up nose more than usual. The sulfites in red wine can be bothersome for some people and more so for those with allergies.

Perfumes, candles and chlorine are also big irritants. Eliminate anything too fragrant from the home and stay away from chlorine, which is a strong irritant to even those without allergies.

To rid allergens even more, wash clothes in hot water after wearing to rid them of allergens. Avoid wool and stick with cotton and blends, which tend to release allergens.

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Why Gluten-Free Fad Diets are Not Healthy from Health Briefs

Gluten-free products are swiftly taking their place on grocery store shelves and many celebrities and others are snapping up the specialty food items in order to lose weight fast. Health Briefs explains why avoiding gluten is not healthy to those who are not allergic to it.

People who are diagnosed with Celiac disease are allergic to the gluten protein in wheat, barely or rye products. They feel physical pain and discomfort when gluten is ingested. For those who are not allergic to it, going gluten-free is not a good idea. Many of the wheat products we enjoy are full of needed fiber and vitamin B. Whole wheat also provides a good source of grains which gives us the roughage we need to stay regular. Also, Health Briefs learns that more gluten-free foods contain more sugar than those that are not gluten-free. In fact, the gluten-free craze gave food manufacturers an opportunity to roll out whole new lines of food and make a profit on them. However, people who have tried a gluten-free diet often quit shortly into it because they didn’t feel full. The proteins and vitamins in food with gluten is essential for healthy living for those who are not allergic to it. Why give up something good for you when you don’t have to? Read more here.

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Health Briefs TV on the Differences Between ER and Urgent Care

You bang your knee hard while playing soccer. You pass out in the heat. Where would you go if either one of these situations happened to you? Emergency room or urgent care center? Health Briefs explains the differences.

If you bang your knee hard, go to an urgent care center. There are about 10,000 of them nationwide that accept medical insurance and also take the uninsured. Some emergency rooms refuse to pay insurance companies for non-life threatening medical problems. Urgent care centers are good for injuries, vaccinations, minor illnesses and small medical concerns. If you pass out in the heat, it is better to be taken via ambulance to the emergency room. Cost is another good reason to visit an urgent care center versus the ER. You can find out what they charge before leaving the home by visiting their website. To note—they are one fifth less expensive than the emergency room and you are not as likely to be charged for services you did not receive.

Health Briefs outlines when to visit the emergency room:

  Chest pain

·         Difficulty breathing

·         Loss of consciousness

·         Sudden loss of vision

·         Major traumatic injury

When to visit an urgent care center:

Minor burns, cuts, or injuries such as sprains and strains

·         Minor bone fractures

·         Coughs, sore throats, fever, flu, vomiting

·         Ear infections

·        Non-life threatening allergic reactions and mild asthma attacks

Locate the nearest urgent care center online and review their costs. Sometimes, this is the better place to be for life’s less critical medical concerns and injuries.

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Why Dirt and Dust s Good for Babies from Health Briefs TV

Sometimes, a little dirt, dust and pet dander is good for babies and kids. Health Briefs TV explains why these usual irritants can prevent allergies later in life.

When infants are around normal household irritants, they begin to develop antibodies to them. As they grow up, they become immune to the allergens and therefore have less or no allergies. Researchers from Johns Hopkins Hospital tested the amount of pollution in an infant’s home and then re-tested them a year later to measure health conditions such as sneezing and wheezing. They found that when the home had some levels of pet dander, dust and the droppings of bugs, they were less likely to suffer asthma or from allergies. Their bodies showed a stronger immune system. The Health Briefs TV show reports that children who have allergies and are prone to respiratory problems were not exposed to the allergens as infants and small children. The researchers point out that the rate of developing these health conditions is 51% to 17% if children are not exposed to the irritants. Early life exposure to a variety of allergens and germs makes infants and children healthier later. We also suggest not going overboard with hand sanitizers as they can strip hands of healthy germs. In order for infants and children to have healthy and strong immune systems, they should be exposed the germs and allergens.

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