From Oil-Washing to Green-Washing

Posted in Green Living Tip, Healthy-n-Green Tip

From Oil-washing to Green-washing

Watching the life-changing environmental disaster in our Gulf makes me angry and in disbelief as a sense of helplessness and hopelessness overcomes me.  How can such a catastrophic accident happen?  Where were the safeguards?  Why hasn’t our government taken control?   It is obvious that no one expected anything like this would or could occur.  They were wrong.  And, they were wrong not to have a plan in the event the unexpected did happen.  Hindsight is 20/20.

 I can’t even imagine how those who live on the coast in the Gulf region are coping.  This catastrophe has no end in sight, and will affect many generations to come.  The effect will not only be in environmental damage, but in a collapse of their economy in an already depressed state. I live in South Florida where the beaches are many times taken for granted.  They have always been there, looking beautiful and giving surfers, fisherman and beachgoers a lifestyle that is now in jeopardy like the rest of the coastlines.

I have heard many say “stop driving, ride bikes; use public transportation….it is OUR fault for depending on the oil companies.”    I do agree we are dependent and need to make changes, but, we need leadership to help make those changes a reality.  “Greening America” is not a trend anymore – it is a movement, and we all need to do our part in making this a reality.  Did you know that oil is used in many other products besides gasoline?  To name a few:  Plastics, Personal Care Products, Cleaning Products, Pesticides, Pharmaceutical Drugs, Paints, Etc. Etc.   Being dependent on oil is far-reaching to many industries who do not want to change.  Bottom line, change affects their profits.

Clean Water to our ocean life is like clean air is to our human life

We spend 90% of our lives inside bubbles we call our homes/offices/schools and public buildings.  The health effects we have by being exposed to petrochemical products on a daily basis are linked to increases in cancers, endocrine disruption, asthma and environmental illness.  The catastrophic death we are witnessing on the marine life is from an extreme one time event.  On the other hand, our daily exposure to low-levels of petrochemicals and other toxic agents has been well documented. We are being poisoned in our own homes every day by using products which have little if any testing.   

The fox is watching the henhouse 

Most of us have a false sense of security believing that corporations and our government is doing what is in the best interest of society to protect our health and the environment.  Many times, greed and money is a common motivator – not your health or mine.  The lack of planning and using the precautionary principle are thrown by the wayside in the mindset of “don’t fix it till it’s broke” –  “why re-invent the wheel, we have been doing it this way for years”  or “we’ll figure it out later”.

Precautionary Principle

Public policy using the Precautionary Principle protects us and the environment from harm:        

When an activity or product raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.  In this context the proponents of an activity (the product manufacturer), rather than the public, should bear the burden of proof  (to prove a product is safe).  The process of applying the Precautionary Principle must be open, informed, and democratic and must include potentially affected parties (the public and consumers).   (www.ecologycenter.com)

From Green Black                                                                                                                                                                         Did you notice that BP recently changed their logo and claims to be “green”?  Since green has become the new “black” – all companies are GOING GREEN.  But, just what does that mean? There are many companies who will tout this self-appointed designation; leaving you with the impression their products are healthy and safe.  While energy consumption, water consumption and waste management are all extremely important green features, many times the health and safety feature is ignored.  Uses a little recycled paper and call yourself green.  Put some plastic bottles in a recycle bin, call yourself green.   Until there are real standards, it is hard to know who to trust which is why third party non-profits or advocates who do not have a financial interest in a product or service are good sources of information.  

Education is key to change                                                                                                                                                     We do have the power to make positive change that will green our nation forward.   As we watch the oil spill disaster play out to our future generations, let’s become educated and empowered where we can.  You’re your home healthy and green.  Purchase products that are truly green and safe for your family and the environment.   Do not use plastics.  Change your personal care products to natural alternatives.   Practice green cleaning and integrated pest management.    As the Native Americans call their 7th Generation Law: 

“In our every thought and deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.”   

 

We can make change, we can make a difference, it is up to us to fix what we have left our next seven generations.

Resources for further study:                                                                                                                                                 www.healthylivinginteriors.com   make your home healthy-n-green         

www.healthy-n-green.com   educational books for kids, downloadable CD about healthy indoor air     

www.ewg.org    safety guides on personal care products                       

www.greenguide.com  list cleaners, personal care products, home & garden products   

www.buildinggreen.com  green building products

Add comment | May 31, 2010 - 2:35 pm | DR

World Asthma Day May 4, 2010

Posted in Green Living Tip

May 4, 2010 World Asthma Day

The one element which we all share, we all need to live and is the single most important thing is AIR. We all breathe. Most of us don’t ever “think” about breathing – unless we have asthma or some type of lung disease.

Our lungs act as a “filter” to unhealthy toxins and allergens – with every breathe we take; we are inhaling these particulates into our lungs. Someone with asthma has a much harder time, as their “filter” is not as healthy as the rest of us. This is why it is so important to educate others about the sources of indoor (and outdoor) air pollution and its effects on our health.

Asthma is the most chronic serious childhood disease and number one reason for school absenteeism. One in ten children presently has asthma which is expected to rise to one in five by the year 2020. The annual cost to society for health and lost productivity is over twenty billion dollars.

We are finding that daily low-level exposures to toxins are predisposing us to developing asthma. According to Physicians for Social Responsibility, “Researchers are increasingly focusing on indoor air pollution as a leading contributor to asthma particularly among poor inner-city populations.” The EPA states that indoor air quality is in the top five environmental health risks to public health. These are just a few studies linking indoor air quality to the increase in asthma.

On May 8, in honor of World Asthma Day I will be speaking at a Parent Asthma Workshop for the Broward Public Schools about how to create healthy indoor air in a home. As a licensed Interior Designer, I will be giving tips on how to make affordable and easy design changes within a home. These tips will include what makes a product healthy, how to find sources of indoor air pollution and ways to create a healthy interior.

Please join me in honoring all those who have asthma, as well as educating others to create and maintain healthy indoor air.

www.healthylivinginteriors.com                                                                                                                                    facebook: Denise Robinette – HealthyLiving Interiors – Healthy-n-Green

Add comment | May 4, 2010 - 10:54 am | DR

Birds, Bees & Bunnies… Happy Earth Day!

Posted in Green Living Tip

 

Birds, Bees & Bunnies…  Happy Earth Day!

Birds , Bees & Bunnies…

Hummingbirds,  Snakes,  & Earthworms? Spiders, Frogs, Lizards and of course Ladybugs?  These are signs of life – these are signs of a healthy yard.

If you don’t see any of these insects or critters it is a sure sign that you are using fertilizers and chemicals which are killing these essential pieces in the puzzle we call EARTH.  I have spoken to people who live in communities where there are no birds chirping outside, no lizards running for cover as you walk across the sidewalk.  In fact, I have been told that they have witnessed dead birds in their communities, possibly from over spraying of chemicals.

As we celebrate 40 years of Earth Day, it brings me back to the Native Americans 7th Generation Law:

 “In our every thought  and deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” 

 

Native Americans understand that we are all connected to each other and to the Earth.  When we our choices harm the earth, we in turn are harming ourselves and many generations to come.  It is truly self-centered to care about the earth, as without a healthy planet we will not be healthy.

Every day we make thousands of choices that affect the earth and our lives.  All of these choices impact our life and our world.  Small changes can have huge impacts.  We are just beginning to understand these impacts with the increase in chronic diseases we suffer. 

“There is virtually no major chronic disease to which environmental factors do not contribute, directly or indirectly.”        (1979-Surgeon General Report)

Over thirty years ago our Surgeon General noted the link between our health and our environment.  Asthma, Autism, ADD/ADHD, Allergies and Cancer are in epidemic numbers.  These chronic illnesses have been directly linked to our living environment – the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.  It is not rocket science.

As I look outside in my yard, I see the rabbits (more by the dayJ) hopping around, slithering snakes in the grass and earthworms on my driveway after a rain.  I see birds, bees, butterflies – and at the right time of year, an occasional hummingbird.  My grass is green, but not manicured – it has what many would consider full of weeds.  The tradeoff?  I get to see the beauty of nature – and chemicals don’t end up inside my house which in turn affects my family’s health.  It is well worth it. 

The choices we make outside our homes affect the inside of our homes.  Studies have shown more outdoor chemicals inside the average carpet than outside in the yard.  The reason?  It doesn’t rain inside to dilute and wash away.  It sits in the carpet, some studies showing for over a year after the one-time application outside.    Our shoes are taxis for these toxins which get parked in the long-term parking garage called our carpet.  And who crawls and plays on our floors? – our kids and our pets.  They are the innocent casualties of our decisions.

What do you see when you look outside in your yard? 

Happy Earth Day and many more to come….

www.healthylivinginteriors.com      www.healthy-n-green.com  www.healthylivingfoundation.org

Add comment | April 22, 2010 - 9:33 am | DR

One element we need to live – It could have saved 29 miners

Posted in Healthy Living Tip

One element we all share and could have saved 29 miners – we ALL need it to live

The one element which we all share, we all need to live and is the single most important thing that could have saved 29 mine workers lives – AIR. While we do not know the exact cause of the explosion, we do know that Gov. Joe Mancin stated “there needs to be a focus on better ventilation and on sensors to alert mine personnel when gas levels become dangerous”.

In the “old days”, canaries were used in the mines to signal to the workers of any dangerous levels of gases such as methane or carbon monoxide. Remember the phrase “canaries in the coal mines”? Back then, we did not have the ventilation equipment that is available today. I suspect we will find that this will be another example of a completely preventable tragedy – strict laws and regulations which were not practiced. The result is human life and a many, many families with heavy hearts.                
Our common link in this tragedy is that we all breathe air – and, we all share our air. We can survive one month without food, a week without water, but less than 5 minutes without air. Most of us don’t ever think about breathing – unless we have a job like a miner, or some type of lung disease. I learned about how important our air and its quality is when my son was diagnosed with asthma. Educating myself about sources of indoor air pollution and ways to make his life better led me on a journey of making our home – our interior – a safe-haven. As a licensed Interior Designer, I found that our interiors are environments which would either promote health and wellness or promote the development of disease and possibly life-long chronic illness. Through this research, I found our home actually became healthier for our entire family.                                                                                                
Most of what we are breathing we do not see. Our lungs act as a “filter” to unhealthy toxins and allergens. With every breath we take, we are inhaling these particulates into our lungs. Our lungs then transport whatever is in the air via our bloodstream to all of our body’s systems, including our heart, liver, brain and other organs. It is easy to see how important it is to have the air be healthy. As Winston Churchill said “We shape our buildings, then our buildings shape us.”

 
I learned that our indoor air is 3 to 5 times more polluted than the outside air – and we recirculate it in our air conditioning systems. I found that the average home produces forty pounds of dust per year for every 1,500 square feet of living space – and in each ounce of dust, there are 40,000 dust mites. I learned the average home contains 150 chemicals that are linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities. I had no idea that according to the EPA, indoor air quality is among the top 5 environmental risks to public health and repeated exposures to even “low-levels” of allergens can lead to allergic sensitization. The most surprising thing I learned was that everything we bring into our interior, every activity we perform and all the products we use affect our indoor air quality. To me this was empowering because it meant to a large extent, we could actually control the quality of our indoor air.                                                                                                                 
Some suggestions about how to improve your homes indoor air quality are below. The information is given out of respect and in memory of every miner who lost a life this past week.   It is also for all miners who risk their lives every day and who depend on the company they are working for to protect their air quality. Laws need to be practiced, not just preached …. Otherwise, we need to go back to the days of the canaries.

 

Be aware: C.A.R.E. about your indoor air:
C. Choose healthy products:
Use NO-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints – Ask for Green Labeled Paint Use cleaning products that are unscented, contain no phosphates or petroleum, and are environmentally safe
Use only pure essential oils for aroma with no-phosphates
A. Air out and ventilate
Open the windows at least once a week to flush out toxins
Change the air conditioning filters monthly
Control the moisture to below 60% by fixing leaks and regular maintenance of air conditioner
Use exhaust fans when bathing and cooking
R. Reduce dust and allergens Remove carpeting and replace with hard flooring
Use air cleaning machine with HEPA filter
Encase bedding with dust mite protectors
Vacuum with HEPA filter and damp wipe surfaces
Do not burn candles or incense
E. Eliminate exposure to toxins                                                                                                                              Do not use chemical perfumes in air fresheners or beauty products
Use integrated pest management principles such as bait, traps and natural deterrents to prevent pest’ access to food, water and shelter
Remove your shoes at the door and place walk-off mats at each door entrance
Do not smoke or perform hobbies which require the use of toxic chemicals inside a closed space

www.healthylivinginteriors.com                www.healthy-n-green.com

Add comment | April 12, 2010 - 12:20 am | DR

Create a Healthy-n-Green Bedroom Makeover – Help One Child – Educate the Community

Posted in Green Living Tip

 

 Create a Healthy-n-Green Bedroom Makeover     

Help One Child – Educate the Community

I write to you to ask for your support in sponsoring a project I am working on with the Broward County Public Schools.

I am co-founder of a non-profit, HealthyLiving Foundation as well as a licensed Interior Designer (Palm Beach County). I got involved with designing healthy interiors because I have two children with asthma. Through the years with my advocacy, I have partnered with others to educate about indoor air quality issues and the impact to our health. I was asked to be part of Broward County Schools Parent Asthma Workshop in giving a lecture on how to create and maintain healthy indoor air on May 8, 2010. I was also asked if I could give the winner of their Asthma Poster Contest a “healthy-n-green bedroom makeover” which will take place mid-June.

Asthma Facts:
Asthma is the number one serious chronic illness in children today. One in ten children presently has asthma, which is expected to rise to one in five by the year 2020. There are more missed school days because of asthma, and it is said to be cost 20 billion dollars to society in health and lost productivity. We spend up to 90% of our time indoors, and typically it is three to five times more polluted than outside air.

“Researchers are increasingly focusing on indoor air pollution as a leading contributor to asthma, particularly among poor inner-city populations.”
(Physicians for Social Responsibility)
Our children are more at risk because their bodies are still developing, they breathe more air per pound than an adult; their airways are narrower than an adults and they are closer to the ground where concentration of toxins is higher. Children are twelve times more affected than adults to toxic chemicals in dust. And, we are learning that daily exposure to even low-levels of toxins and allergens may actually help develop asthma.

Benefits of Sponsorship:
Creating awareness to asthma – Empowering our youth to be solution-oriented – Education on the health impacts and benefits – Social impact
• On site signage at the Parent Asthma Workshop.
• Recognition in media including BECON ITV.
• Listing of sponsorship level or donation on website link. This website will be used in media, partners and for continuing education.
• Platinum sponsor will have name on educational coloring books “Healthy-n-Green is…. Healthy Indoor Air” to be given to students at
workshop. They will also receive 100 educational coloring books to use in their own events.
• Gold and Silver sponsor to receive educational coloring books to use at their own events.
• More details of the marketing and media are available in the sponsorship package.

Overview of Bedroom Makeover
Listed below are the essentials to transform the bedroom to be healthy-n-green. These are suggestions, and the final makeover will depend on the needs of the winners’ room, as well as the contributions received. We appreciate all input and levels of sponsorship.
• Hard Surface Flooring – bamboo, cork, marloleum SPONSOR: FORBO, INC. LABOR: ECO-SIMPLISTA
• Painting of walls – SPONSOR: ECO-SIMPLISTA
• Furnishings – headboard, nightstand, dresser and possibly desk – no formaldehyde – environmentally friendly materials
• Bedding – new mattress and pillows encased in dust-mite protectors. All bedding to be organic and washable.
• Window treatments – simple, limited fabric
• Lighting – energy efficient
• Air Cleaning machine to show that proper maintenance is key to the overall long-term benefits
• Green Cleaners will eliminate exposure to VOC (volatile organic compounds)

This will be a great event to educate the entire community on the benefits of a healthy bedroom and educate about how easy it can be to make it “green” for our planet. We appreciate all donations, sponsoring, labor or other means. Thank you for your consideration and help in this event.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me. I have a complete sponsor package I can e-mail you to review.

Thank you for your commitment in the healthy and green movement.

Denise Robinette
561-743-1412 www.healthylivinginteriors www.healthylivingfoundation www.healthy-n-green.com

Add comment | April 8, 2010 - 9:43 pm | DR

Healthy Home vs. Anti-bacterial Cleaners

Posted in Healthy-n-Green Tip

Healthy Home vs. Anti-bacterial Cleaners

Spring – a time to clean up our homes and open up our windows. Everyone loves a clean and healthy home, but beware of being “too clean”. In a recent article in The Washington Post, the FDA said “recent research raises ‘valid concerns’ about the possible health effects of triclosan, an antibacterial chemical found in a growing number of liquid soaps, hand sanitizers, dishwashing liquids, shaving gels… It is literally in every type of product – - most soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics, clothes and toys”.

The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) states that the concerns about triclosan are unfounded. Brian Sansoni of the SDA states “It’s more important than ever that consumers continue to have access to these products. It’s a time of increased threats from disease and germs.” Would we expect any other statement from a $ 30 billion cleaning products industry? It is interesting that other countries including members of the European Union have banned or restricted the use of this chemical.

Just how clean is clean?

Anti-bacterial soaps kill 99.6% of germs while regular soap (without triclosan) kill 99.4% of germs. In my opinon, it is not worth the .2% risk to use a chemical which has been found to cause health effects such as disrupting the endocrine system as well as creating bacteria which is becoming resistant to antibiotics. In 2005, the FDA said that there is no evidence that the antibacterial soaps work any better than soap and water.

Back to the Basics

If you are looking for a “natural” alternative to the chemical warfare, try vinegar.
Vinegar kills 99% – viruses, 82% – mold, 80% – bacteria
If you do not like the vinegar smell (which dissipates in about 5 minutes) you can add your favorite 100% pure essential oil.

Many hand sanitizers, such as Purell, use alcohol and do not contain triclosan. You need to read the label.

April Healthy-n-Green design principle:  Safe Maintenance Products

For more information, read The Washington Post article                                            http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/07/AR2010040704621.html

Add comment | April 8, 2010 - 2:10 pm | DR

Abalone Shell – One shells ‘trash’ is a jewel for your home to treasure

Posted in Green Living Tip, Healthy-n-Green Tip

                        One shell’s ‘trash’ is a jewel for  your home to treasure.  

 

 This could be said for the abalone shell, which is a by-product of the abalone sea snails.

 The inside layer of the shell is made up of mother of pearl, which are in a variety of beautiful iridescent changing colors. This material is used in many decorative objects. The meat inside is considered a delicacy, and the shells are a by-product of catching paua for their meat. The paua fishery is managed with a quota system in order for the sustainability of this natural resource. Paua fisher’s free-dive and pry the mollusks from the rocks. This beautiful by-product has been adored for centuries.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a designer, the sky is the limit in using this material. Use it on the walls, floors or anywhere you want a special detail. I have used it as an accent inlay in floors and it is stronger than most man ceramics and/or granite. The photo above shows it being used to frame out a mirror in a stairwell. Be creative and have fun using this unique material – it will reward you with its iridescent qualities that change like the skyline.

check out other uses at  www.healthylivinginteriors.com    Gallery Photos

Add comment | March 23, 2010 - 9:37 pm | DR

Green Renovations Get Tax Credits

Posted in Green Living Tip

                       Green Renovations  =  Green Tax Credits       

             Green stimulus bill saves money in green home renovations. 

Now is the time to get going on that renovation you have been dreaming of.  Tax credits which were effective for  2009 have been extended to 2010 and have been raised from 10% to 30%. The maximum credit has tripled from $ 500.00 to $ 1,500.00 for 2009 – 2010. Some larger ticket items like solar, and geothermal have higher maximums.

Have a home built before 1983? A 2008 California study revealed that retrofitting older homes can have four to eight times more cost savings and carbon savings compared to new home energy efficiency options. Also noted was “homes built before 1983 are to blame for 70 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions related to single-family energy consumption in California”. An investment of $ 10,000.00 in retrofitting a 1960’s home for energy efficiency could save 8.5 tons of carbon.                 

Here are a few Green Tips for Tax Credits:

 
1. Use no- VOC paint. Painting is the fastest, least expensive design trick in the book. You can help save the planet and your health by using no-VOC paint. Traditional paints contain VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) which make our indoor air polluted.
2. Environmentally-friendly flooring is beautiful and healthful. Bamboo, a grass which matures in 3 to 5 years, is a renewable resource. It is very resilient and has a variety of colors available. Cork is also a sustainable product, as it is peeled from the cork tree. It has also been used commercially because of its superior acoustical properties as well as durability and ease of maintenance. Marmoleum flooring is a type of linoleum flooring. It is extremely durable, and is made from natural raw materials such as linseed oil, flax, wood flour and rosins. These floors are stain resistant, biodegradable at the end of its useful life, and even resistant to bacteria growth. Remember to use green adhesives and maintain with green cleaners.
3. Energy Star Ceiling Fans 50% are more efficient than conventional fans and use less energy to operate. Programmable thermostats allow you to control the cooling/heating needs up to 4 settings a day. Why cool/heat a home when you aren’t there?
4. There is a home-shell improvement credit for insulation, windows, doors and sealing. Studies have shown about 1/3rd of energy loss could be stopped by preventing air leaks by caulking and insulating. By installing double-pane windows offer insulation as well as soundproofing from the outside noise. By installing skylights, you may also reduce your need to use artificial lighting.
5. HVAC (home heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) investment in renewable energy systems is eligible for credit until Dec. 31, 2016. We spend 50 – 70% of energy in heating and cooling our homes. Efficient air-conditioners and furnaces will save you money in energy costs.
6. Energy-star appliances will help reduce your energy and water costs. The refrigerator is one of the homes highest consumers of energy. Front load washers will help reduce water consumption as well as reduce the amount of detergent you need to use.
7. Alternative energy: A nonrefundable tax credit will also be for installing a solar hot water heater and geothermal heat pumps.

Always consult your tax advisor to get the current rules.  For more information:
Energy Star – www.energystar.gov/taxcredits
IRS – http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206871,00.html

March:  Healthy-n-Green Tip – Laws that affect our health and wallets

Add comment | March 15, 2010 - 10:10 am | DR

Healthy-n-Green Unplugged!

Posted in Green Living Tip

HEALTHY-N-GREEN UNPLUGGED!

This morning I was interviewed by TBN Unplugged!  (Cincinnatti Based Tri-City Business Network) 

The interview was general information about what I do as an enteprenuer.  This photo represents what I do:  Healthy Interiors that promote wellness.  I have been a licensed Interior Designer for over 23 years, WOW that is scary!    I fell into creating healthy interiors after having asthmatic children – and trying to create a safe-haven for them.  Many years of research has followed – and of course the internet has made that journey much easier. 

The purpose of my blog is to educate and empower anyone who wants to create their own healthy interior.  Knowledge is power – and ignorance is bliss.  Sometimes it takes trying to protect a loved one to realize how important everyones health is.   We are just learning about how our indoor air is contributing and many times causing illness.  Asthma, allergies, ADHD, cancer etc etc. is all on the  rise.  We as individuals can find ways to make the right choices in our own homes, offices and public buildings.  It isn’t hard, it is about choices. 

I welcome any questions, comments or suggestions on how I can better serve you.  My goal is to spread information I find, advocate for healthy interiors and help you create a space that is not only beautiful, but healthy-n-green! 

Listen to the short interview to find out what I am up to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ6IH9YGUO8

To healthyliving!

Denise

Add comment | March 11, 2010 - 10:59 am | DR

Asthma drug warning – prevent asthma with a healthy interior

Posted in Healthy Living Tip, Healthy-n-Green design principle

Drugs = health risk
Healthy Interiors = healthy life

Having healthy indoor air quality in your home or office is the number one preventitive for controlling your asthma. Having the FDA issues a warning on 4 Asthma Drugs should be enough cause for concern.

Anyone taking Advair, Symbicort, Foradil or Serevent should read the article linked below from Forbes Magazine. The FDA warns that only asthmatics who can not control their asthma should take these medications,and in very short time frames, as the medicines might make the asthma worse.

Having two children with asthma, I completely understand the need for medicine. When a child can’t breathe, nothing else matters. What I have learned is that there are many natural ways to control asthma. And, it starts with the quality of air you or your child is breathing.

It is really easy to understand that if we are trying to lose weight, we can’t be going through drive-thrus before heading out to the nearest ice cream store.  It is common sense.  The same goes for someone with lung disease, whether it is asthma, COPD or even pneumonia. The air should be as free from allergens and toxins as possible.

Be aware! C.A.R.E. about your indoor air will help put the principles of a healthy-n-green space. The are:
C.   Choose healthy products
      no VOC paints, unscented products or airfresheners
A.   Air out and ventilate
      open your windows and “flush” out the built-up
      toxins …. even for a few minutes. control the
      moisture to below 60% – use exhaust fans
R.   Reduce dust and allergens
      remove carpeting if possible – replace with hard
      flooring
      use air-cleaning machines with HEPA filters
      encase bedding with dust mite protectors
     do NOT burn candles or incense inside
E.  Eliminate exposure to toxins
     do NOT smoke or perform hobbies which require
     toxic chemicals inside
     remove shoes at the door, and place large walk-off
     mats at each entrance
     use integrated pest management principles like bait,
     traps and natural deterrents to avoid pests

These are simple steps that you can make over time – or all at once.  You and your family deserve to breathe healthy indoor air  -  it starts with taking control of your health.    When we rely on medications to do it for us, we have to suffer the consequences which we may not know for decades. 

read the entire article:                                                                                      http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/02/21/health-us-med-asthma-drugs_7373532.html?partner=alerts

Add comment | February 25, 2010 - 6:18 pm | DR