Dear friends, welcome to the December issue of BReATHE™ e-newsletter, full of free information about asthma and allergy education, advocacy and research.
Holiday Tips for Families with Food Allergies
The holidays are upon us and with some careful planning and awareness building, those with food allergies can have a festive and safe holiday season.
During food related celebrations, planning and communication are critical to ensure safety. If possible, plan food related celebrations at your house so you can control the food being served. If events will be away from home, be sure to talk to the host ahead of time to develop a plan for safe foods. In some instances, eating before the event or bringing your own food will be the best option.
It is also important to be aware of non-food items and events that could trigger a reaction such as faux fire logs or scented candles. Take time now to think through your holiday food allergy plan so when the celebrations start you can enjoy and feel safe. For more information about planning safe holidays at home and school visit, www.kidswithfoodallergies.com and www.aafatexas.org.
Healthy Holiday Tips for Indoor Allergens
You might think that by the time the holidays arrive, allergy season is long gone. However, for millions of allergy sufferers, the reality is that allergens still are prevalent. From pet dander to volatile organic compounds, indoor allergens can cause discomfort and health issues as bothersome as when pollen is in season. The holidays can be particularly difficult, as we visit family and friends and welcome guests – and the allergens they bring with them – into our homes. Tips to consider this holiday season are:
 |
Most people store holiday decorations in attics, basements or garages and they can pick up dust, mold and other irritants while in storage. Thoroughly clean all stored decorations before using them in your home and after you finish with them. Seal them in plastic bags and store them in airtight containers. |
|
If you or a loved one suffers from a tree or pollen allergy, artificial trees (without sprayed-on snow) can be a less irritating substitute. |
|
Limit the use of air fresheners like candles, oils and potpourri. If you really want to fill your home with a holiday aroma during a special occasion, try baking using naturally fragrant ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon or citrus. |
For more detailed tips and information about potential allergies during the holidays, click here.
It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Annual Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age, especially anyone with asthma who is at greater risk of flu-related complications. An annual flu vaccine is necessary because the virus strains change from year to year. To protect children younger than 6 months of age from the flu, everyone charged with the care of young children (i.e. child care workers, babysitters, etc.) and family members of these young children should also be immunized. Use our flu shot finder to find a clinic near you!
Speak Up for Asthma and Allergy Patients Today!
Become an AAFA advocate for clean air and other vital issues affecting patients with asthma, allergies and food allergies! Sign up TODAY at capwiz.com/aafa/mlm/signup/.
AAFA promotes issues that directly impact the lives of patients with asthma, allergies and food allergies. We believe everyone deserves clean, safe air to breathe- that’s why one of our biggest battles is protecting the air from pollution. Thousands of studies show that soot (particle pollution) from diesel engines, power plants and factories damage the lungs and heart, trigger asthma attacks and can even kill.
The government sets soot standards to limit the levels of fine particle pollution in our air. Independent scientists recommend much stronger standards to safeguard the public’s health, and AAFA agrees.
Click here and join other AAFA advocates to defend clean air! Tell the President you want soot standards set at levels that will protect our communities from this dangerous and deadly pollutant.
Cool Video Tutorials: How to Use Inhalers
There’s a great new interactive resource for parents and patients who want to learn how to use your asthma inhalers better and more effectively. Visit www.use-inhalers.com, a Web site created by a group of doctors in Rhode Island, full of videos and educational tools in English and Spanish. And it’s all free! Whether you use a metered-dose-inhaler (MDI) or a discus, there are videos here for you, plus an “Assist Me” app for your phone or tablet that uses your webcam to help you communicate in real-time with a doctor who will watch your current inhaler technique and give you tips to improve. Now that’s cool!
Subscribe to Allergic Living Magazine
Get this great new glossy lifestyle magazine for families with asthma and allergies. Over 60 pages each quarter full of news, stories, recipes and more! Subscribe today for a discounted $19.99 for two years at www.allergicliving.com/aafa. For more information, write to info@allergicliving.com or call 888-771-7747.
“Like” Us on Facebook
AAFA Texas has a lot of great information to offer. “Like” us on Facebook for daily updates about our initiatives, fun and interesting facts, discussions with other people living with asthma and allergies, and chances to win great prizes in our frequent sweepstakes. Visit www.facebook.com/aafatx and “like” us today!
Happy Holidays from AAFA, Texas
We wish you the happiest of holidays, during this season. Please remember to include us in your annual giving if you have not already partnered with us. www.aafatexas.org/support/donations/
Thank you, and Happy Holidays from AAFA, Texas.
Follow Us