Health Tips for February 2

Health Tip: Have Clean Air at Home

Polluted air inside the home can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms. The American Lung Association offers these suggestions to help keep the air clean at home: Don't allow smoking in the home. Have your home tested for radon gas. Make sure your home's humidity level is below 50 percent. Install a dehumidifier if humidity levels are too high. To prevent attracting mold, make sure no plumbing is dripping or leaking. Keep trash covered and food securely stored to ward off pests. Avoid using candles or sprays to hide odors. Avoid using household products that contain toxic chemicals. Health Tip: Protect Yourself From Air Pollution Air pollution can aggravate asthma symptoms, and make problems with the heart and lungs worse. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help protect you and your family from the effects of air pollution: When air pollution is high, stay inside for as much of the day as possible. Plan outdoor activities for first thing in the morning or after sunset. Avoid exercising or exerting yourself too much. The more rapidly you breathe, the more pollution you inhale. If you have chronic lung or heart problems, speak to your doctor about other steps you can take to protect yourself.