Once the season starts for me, there isn't a change in my focus, just a change in my tactics and strategies. ~Bode Miller
Well, summer's almost at it's August marks that; and with that brings fall with all it's beauty but also all of it's allergens Yikes! :() This time of year can be a sticky challenge for those who live with asthma and allergies because of Ragweed Pollens and Mold. One of the main culprits of fall are those beautiful but pesky Leaves! Leaves are vacation spot for hidden mold and ground resting allergens! Raking leaves can be a culprit for unleashing those allergens.
In a past blog this pic captured Clawdie and her reservations with using her inhaler in public, (her pals reassure her that her asthma management and care is far more important that silly looks or comments), their discussion helped to make Clawdie who's an adult more comfortable or confident in her asthma care. It's imperative for Anyone with asthma to carry their inhalers during any season and USE them no matter where you are. Worrying about what others think of your inhaler use is useless in your asthma care. Parents make sure to have discussions with kids and teens -who are often self conscious about their inhaler use in public places, especially school and sporting activities. Inhalers for asthma are our weapons against attacks!
Always a frequent reminder, be sure to have your Asthma Action Plan ready ( put together by you and your health care provider) and make sure your ( medicine levels) have been adjusted to the changing needs of your body especially as the seasons change. Many of the same preparations you've been doing all along still apply to daily living ( See my blog posts Living With Asthma under Asthma & Allergic living for more info!). Also inquire with your doctor if you're experiencing more nasal drainage, or congestion with the changing seasons because the upper airway has an effect on the lower airway where the lungs are located!
If you must partake in yard work, dress to protect, which means wearing covered clothes! I know it may still be warm so choose breathable fabrics like cotton that are lightweight. Long sleeves and pants and removing shoes as well as changing kids clothing after outdoor fall activities will prevent those allergens pollens and such that will be exposed as you move around leaves and grass from sticking to your skin and being passed onto other areas of your home.
Many of the newer electronic furnace control systems have automatic reminders for filter changes. If you don't have one of these, twice yearly filter changes are effective.
I know this is repetitive but it's important to make sure those furnace filters are being changed according to the manufactures instructions. Dirty filters hold dust, and other allergens as well as mold! Home air purifiers require the same treatment, you want the air that you breathe to be as clean as possible.
Our lungs are the epicenter for breath and life!
Fall is the time of year where viruses and colds rear their ugly heads. :() People with asthma and other lung diseases are more likely to catch some form of infection. Asthma can make even the simplest cold more severe than most due to weakened lung function, Upper respiratory tract infections and flu infections can be nightmare and a formidable enemy. Yikes!!
Nikita knows the importance of hand washing to stave off the germs, she's protecting her weary lungs that help her move through her asthma living.
While one can't stay hidden away from society, we can be diligent about hand washing and try to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
For children, fall and winter season can impose numerous risks. Now is the time that school begins and that means kids in close quarters with others who've contracted colds, and other viruses; and [if younger] touching one another with snotty, sticky
hands! :() This is the time for increases in asthma attacks for kids with asthma because many of these viruses can cause upper respiratory infections that lead to asthma distress.
While it's impossible to keep your child's hands germ free, it's a good time for educating them on the importance of hand washing , and keeping little fingers away from mouths and eyes! Its also time to bump up those nutrients which include fruits, veggies and other whole foods [ as opposed to processed food filled with artificial ingredients and chemicals ]. Here included is a little video t0 help the youngins' grasp an understanding on what germs are and how they effect us.
Do you have t wrestle with your kid to get something nutritious into them? :() Never fear, there are so many ways to get those antioxidants, vitamins and minerals into your picky little one!
Smoothies are an easy way to 'hide' veggies and other goodies, because they taste so delicious! The video below provides a quick example of the endless variety of combos for fruits, veggies and other goodies to keep your child's tummy happy and nutrient boosted!
Here's another video of a few ways to sneak in those veggies and fruits for the picky eaters in your life. However, when you start a child of young with a variety of fruits and veggies especially if they can sometimes be a part of the prep process they grow to accept these foods as a natural part of their lives.
Bento lunch boxes make packing healthy lunches simple and fun for the kids.
Now if you don't have the time {or desire lol} to cut food into shapes simply removing crusts from bread, and cutting food into small pieces will do the trick! :() Everyone loves a bento meal because they're visually appealing and packed with your personal choices. (Please just step away from those additive filled Lunchables!) These bentos are especially handy for kids with food allergies so they can know that their food is appealing and delicious too. :() You can find Bento Lunch boxes for kids of any age and adults too pretty much anywhere these days, I've seen them in my local supermarket. http://www.amazon.com has a multitude of choices and price ranges for bentos for the whole family!
So now that the kiddos are prepped on germs and given a nutritious boost, they are better armed for the fall/winter seasons! One very crucial note: always make sure your child of ANY school age with asthma has their inhaler(s) especially their rescue inhaler with them at ALL times. This can make the difference in saving a life...
This little guy is excited to make a re entrance in to our lives and tummy's! He knows that he's loaded with Vitamin A-more than 200% of your recommended daily intake! He's also full of Fiber, Beta Carotene (cancer fighting), Potassium, Vitamin C and his seeds are rich in amino acids that help to boost our moods and phytosterols to reduce LDL or 'bad' cholesterol! It looks like this little guy and his kind are superstars for disease fighting! Oh, and they make delicious pies! :()
All of the above mentioned tips apply for anyone who lives with allergies and or asthma during this fall season, but really in every season. Being forearmed with knowledge and action, even when it's inconvenient ( bringing your own food, meds, staying hydrated) is our responsibility. We do hold some of the keys to the control of our health conditions and that can make all the difference when it comes to our care. So get prepped and enjoy those seasons!
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