Search Results for: blog what can you do on bad air quality days

Go Ahead – You Work From Home

One of the fun things about being a home – based professional is that you can do your work in any way that floats your boat. You do not need anyone else’s permission to structure your work day, your work area, or anything else about your work in a way that inspires or motivates you. If you are not sure what I am getting at, here are a few fun suggestions. You can dress for work in any way that motivates you. Unless I have a court date, I do my best work in yoga pants and tee shirts. When … Continue reading →

Keeping Your Family Safe

Do you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home? If you don’t, go get them now! Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, tasteless and at high levels can kill you in minutes. I spoke with my furnace guy when he was here and he said that our energy efficient homes allow carbon monoxide to build up much more quickly than older, less energy efficient homes. What in your home emits carbon monoxide? Anything powered by gas, gas furnace, gas water heater, gas dryer, gas stove. Also lawnmowers, cars, weed eaters, snow blowers and generators. Any fuel burning appliance whether in the … Continue reading →

Freaking Out Over Airline Fees

Just when you thought commercial airlines couldn’t suck you dry any more than they already do, several carriers are making headlines for the astronomical fees they charge for severely overweight checked bags. American Airlines reports that it charges passengers a whopping $450 for a bag weighing 71-100 pounds on its Asian flights. Meanwhile, United and Continental Airlines charge $400 for bags that weigh 71 to 99.9 pounds on international flights. According to a USA TODAY survey, those are the most expensive fees that airlines charge flyers these days. I am stunned by the numbers, but at the same time, I … Continue reading →

Dealing with Summer Allergies

I’ve been waiting all year for the return of beautiful summer weather. While I love the sun and warm temperatures, the pesky summer allergies are something I could definitely live without. If you are like me, then the lush lilacs, bountiful begonias and gorgeous gardenias that scream summer, can lead to pounding headaches, itchy eyes, and violent sneezing. According to my doctor, allergy season is in full swing, and that is making life miserable for me, and the millions of other allergy sufferers, who rely on pills and sprays to make it through the day. Unfortunately, in most cases, oral … Continue reading →

What Triggers Asthma?

Asthma has come to be an unwanted word in our home. Our youngest was first diagnosed with asthma when he was about a year old. His first asthmatic attack resulted in an emergency room visit. The doctors went through all the possibilities as to why his asthma could have started. The top of their list was allergies, however, at that time they wouldn’t test children that young. Asthma has become one of those things that you just never know when it is going to hit. At one point my son became part of a study at Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee. … Continue reading →

High Fashion On A Low Budget

With the economy as bad as it is, being frugal is a must. You could be cutting costs by making your own frugal cleaning products, or making more meals at home. When it comes to clothing though, being frugal takes work. Thrift shops are no secret to those with a tight budget, and today they’re almost trendy compared to 20 years ago. But I see a lot of people who shop at thrift shops dressing like they shop at thrift shops. All it takes is a bit of time and patience and you can accumulate a wardrobe that would even … Continue reading →

Confessions of a Foodie Mom: The Good Mood Diet Review

The Good Mood Diet, by Susan Kleiner, is a book this “Foodie” mom has found helpful. Kleiner is a registered dietitican experienced in working with both weight loss groups (which included people with chronic illnesses) and also professional- and Olympic-caliber athletes. The jacket blurb says: “One day to feeling better than yesterday; one week to erasing depression ; one month to lasting weight loss!” Normally such hyperbolic statements make me avoid a book, but incredibly I found the first two statements fairly true—I was in a much better mood with much higher energy after several days following Kleiner’s advice. (I … Continue reading →

Asthma and Weather

If you have asthma, what triggers an attack for you may be very different from what triggers an attack for another person. Common asthma triggers include: smoke, air pollution, dust mites, mold, and animal dander. But for some people, the weather itself can trigger an asthma attack. Extreme cold, high humidity, and even thunderstorms can kick off an asthma attack. Many chronic lung issues are exacerbated by weather — so the problem isn’t unique to asthmatics. It used to be that experts suggested asthmatics live in warm, dry climates. But nowadays, we have a lot of technology that lets us … Continue reading →

Sensitive Eyes

Sensitive Eyes sounds like a good title for a dreamy romance novel… but I was thinking more of your actual eyes being sensitive to things. Maybe I’ll write that romance someday, though! You may already know if you have sensitive eyes. Symptoms can include: Bloodshot eyes Excessive tearing or watering A generally uncomfortable feeling Basically, sensitive eyes are easily irritated by things that don’t bother most other people. You may find your eyes easily irritated by smoke, dry air, wind, chemical fumes, and more. A number of different things can lead to sensitive eyes. A healthy, normal eye has a … Continue reading →

What Can You Do on Bad Air Quality Days?

I was driving around Portland last week when one of those traffic message boards nearly stopped me in my tracks: HIGH SMOG TODAY. It went on to suggest that I limit my driving (hard to do when one is already in the car and on the road). I didn’t think the Pacific Northwest was a major smog area, but I guess the traffic message flashers don’t lie. Air quality depends on a lot of things, including what’s in the air (it may be particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, even pollen and mold). Urban areas tend to have more problems with … Continue reading →