See how much you know about youth and smoking in Canada. The facts could astound you. Answer true or false to the following statements.

1. Almost all adult smokers began smoking before they could legally buy cigarettes.

2. The sophistication, fun and glamour messages seen in ads, or in the movies, do not play an important role in getting young people to start smoking.

3. Teenagers smoke more than a billion cigarettes a year.

4. Children exposed to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) from parents have more childhood illnesses than children in smoke-free homes.

5. One out of 10 teens that try smoking get hooked.

6. Research has shown that tobacco prevention programs should be taught continuously from kindergarten through high school if students are to lead a smoke-free lifestyle.

Answers

1. True. And among teen smokers, females had their first cigarette by approximately the age of 12 and males by the age of 13.

2. False. Kids are twice as likely to be influenced by advertising as they are from peer pressure. Young people are three times more likely to smoke if their film heroes smoke.

3. True. Teenagers do smoke more than a billion cigarettes a year, resulting in retail sales worth over $400 million. The average teen spends $1,000 per year on cigarettes.

4. True. Children exposed to ETS in homes have a higher number of childhood illnesses than children in

smoke-free homes. For example, in Canada there are 2,200 bronchitis hospitalizations, 11,000 ear infections and 180,000 asthma cases per year.

5. False. In fact, the number is much higher. Eight out of 10 teens that try smoking get hooked. Seventy percent of 15-19 year-old smokers report at least one attempt to quit smoking over the last 12 months.

6. True. Building a foundation in the early grades gives students a head start in gaining an awareness and attitude to shape a healthy lifestyle. A new and innovative smoking prevention program is now available to all elementary and high schools in Ontario through The Lung Association.

To learn more, visit www.lungsareforlife.ca or call 1-888-566-5864 (LUNG).

From The Lung Association

About the author:

News Canada

Posted: November 30th, 2006 under Asthma.
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When it comes to many breathing problems, symptoms tell only part of the story. You cant always tell whats happening inside your lungs based on how you feel. You could feel fine and not really notice any symptoms — but still have lung problems that prevent you from breathing your best.

Just like with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you need a test to help tell if you have a hidden breathing problem or poor control of a condition like asthma.

Two reliable and objective tests for measuring how well the lungs are working include spirometers and peak flow meters. A spirometer is a simple, and often computerized, device that measures how well air can flow in and out of the lungs. A doctor or a respiratory therapist typically performs a spirometry test. A peak flow meter is a hand-held device that measures how fast air can be blown out of the lungs. If recommended by a doctor, asthma patients should use a peak flow meter at home on a daily basis and monitor the results.

Both tests are simple, noninvasive, and easy to use — patients simply blow as hard and as fast as possible into the devices (as directed) and, in the case of peak flow meters, record their results.

“Spirometry often reveals that lung function is far worse than many patients and their physicians perceive it to be, says Homer Boushey, M.D., president-elect of the American Thoracic Society. Without the benefit of this test, the severity of a condition like asthma might be under-diagnosed and patients would not get the most effective treatment.”

Without a lung function test, you may not know if your asthma is being managed as well as it could be. Poorly managed or undiagnosed asthma can put you at risk for severe symptoms, asthma attacks and lasting lung damage. Properly managed asthma means that you have fewer asthma symptoms and can do more of the things you enjoy.

Ask your doctor or health care provider about whether you should get a lung function test. Experts recommend that people with asthma get tested at least once per year or more often if asthma is severe.

Remember . . . check your lungs, and breathe your best!

For more information on asthma and lung function testing, please log onto www.respiratoryinstitute.com.

About the author:

Courtesy of ARA Content

Written By: ARA

Posted: November 27th, 2006 under Asthma.
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Initially used to treat wheezing (Asthma), Ma Huang is an herbal plant with the primary active ingredient being ephedrine. Ephedrine accounts for 80 to 90 percent of the alkaloid content of the Ma Huang plant. Ma Huang is commonly available as a whole plant dried and powdered. Teas, extracts and supplements can also contain Ma Huang.

What is Ma Huang used for?

In traditional Chinese medicine, Ma Huang, or ephedra was used to treat colds, asthma, and other upper-respiratory disorders. Ma Huang helps lessen congestion by opening up bronchial and nasal passages. Ma Huang can also speed up the heart rate, raise blood pressure and have a diuretic affect.

Not surprisingly, several manufacturers developed weight loss pills containing the herb Ma Huang. These Ma Huang weight loss pills were marketed as helping people lose weight, enhancing their athletic performance and boosting energy. Ma Huang users reported feeling far more energy, which allowed them to increase their physical activity resulting in significant weight loss.

What happens if you take Ma Huang?

Most people experience no side effects when consuming a weight loss pill containing Ma Huang, providing the level of Ma Huang is low. However, at high doses, some people had serious enough reactions to Ma Huang to warrant comprehensive public health investigations. Serious side effects of Ma Huang usage include elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and interference with heartbeat rhythm and force. In extremely rare cases, there were reports of cardiac death related to Ma Huang usage.

Although still available and in use in many countries, in December 2003, the United States FDA imposed an Ephedra ban on the sale of all ephedra / Ma Huang containing products. Recently, the U.S. lifted the ban, which will now allow the sale of Ma Huang supplements with a daily dosage of 10mg or less. For order information and public availability visit www.EphedraEnergy.com This is the only company that actually offers the legalized pure form that can be safely taken daily. For more diet and supplemental information, visit our trusted partner site at www.DietWeightLossNews.org

About the Author

Todd Brenner is currently the Executive Vice President of Fitness By Design. He serves on the board for A Healthier America and has 18 years of nutritional experience and natural healing. He holds a Masters in Business from University of Louisville. Copyright 2005

Written By: Todd Brenner, MD

Posted: November 24th, 2006 under Asthma.
Comments: none

If you are in the dark about what air purifiers are and what they actually do, you are not alone. Many people have at least thought about the notion of improving their indoor air quality, but quickly abandon the idea because of the confusion surrounding the topic of air purifiers. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will have a working knowledge of air purifiers and how they work.

First of all, lets define the term air purifier. An air purifier is a mechanism that is designed to free air from contaminants. Different techniques are used to render this task and these include filters, adsorbents, and electrostatic charges. Asthma sufferers, those that have allergies, and those with other respitory problems have the most to gain from an air purifier.

Air purifiers work by drawing these contaminants (pollutants, particles, and pollen) from within the air that we are breathing. Harmful air is pulled into the air purifier by the inlet grill. Some air purifiers have a pre-filter that helps contain the larger of the airborne particles. Air will then travel through the carbon filter which will help reduce unpleasant odors. Then the air will pass through another filter that is composed of many tightly woven fibers. Finally, the fan redirects the filtered air throughout the room.

There are several factors that must be taken into consideration to determine how much expense will be involved in the purchase of an air purifier. When considering cost, you must look into how much the replacement filters will run as well as how often they will need changed. What may appear to be a bargain up front on a less expensive model, could potentially cost you much more later on down the road. Also, it is important to see if you can order the replacement filters in bulk at a discounted rate. It is always a good idea to find out from the manufacturer what the estimated electrical usage will be and whether or not the air purifier runs on a cycle or does it have to stay on constantly.At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide if an air purifier is right for you and your family, but hopefully the information contained here has given you a working knowledge on what exactly air purifiers are and how they work.

About the Author

Reggie Dunn is a long time volunteer environmentalist and a webmaster.

Written By: Reggie Dunn

Posted: November 21st, 2006 under Asthma.
Comments: none

According to the Asthma Society of Canada, asthma kills 10 people every week and afflicts 10 per cent of the Canadian population. Dr. Dean Befus, from the University of Alberta, in collaboration with Dr. Alan Schreiber from the University of Pennsylvania, are trying to arrest this process. Asthma usually strikes people when they are children, in the form of an allergic reaction to something. The body develops an antibody that reacts in the form of excess mucous or breathing difficulties. Dr. Schreiber discovered that one gene helps this reaction is called the Syk gene, and developed a way of blocking the inflammation. Dr. Befus implemented a test on a lab rat and effectively blocked the inflammation in the rat’s allergic reaction to egg shells. This could lead to promising new treatments for asthmatics everywhere.

Their research is being funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). CIHR is Canada’s preeminent health research catalyst and is funded by the government of Canada. An exciting new concept, CIHR is modernizing and transforming the health research enterprise in Canada.

To learn more about CIHR please visit: www.cihr.ca, e-mail: info@cihr.ca or write to: CIHR, 410 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa ON K1A 0W9.

About The Author

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Written By: News Canada

Posted: November 18th, 2006 under Asthma.
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In approximately 25% of people with lung cancer, there are no symptoms and the cancer is detected during screening or a routine physical examination. However, in three-quarters of lung cancer patients there are warning symptoms and signs that can alert the patient or their physician.

Most commonly, lung cancer patients experience respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness and a persistent cough. These symptoms are very common among smokers, and are also present in a number of other conditions such as asthma, emphysema and chest infections. A new cough should always be evaluated, as it may be a symptom of lung cancer. Lung cancer may spread to the chest wall, causing chest, shoulder and back pain. If cancer cells erode lung blood vessels, the patient may cough up blood. There may also be other generalized effects that occur with most cancers, such as fever, fatigue, appetite loss and weight loss.

As a lung cancer grows, it increasingly compromises the normal functioning of an affected lung. Secondary complications may occur, such as collection of fluid in the tissue lining the lungs (pleural effusion), lung collapse, airway obstruction, and repeated lung infections. Lung cancer may also spread or metastasize to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver and brain. Bone pain and abnormal liver or brain function may result.

The absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate early disease, and the presence of non-specific chest symptoms can often go unheeded. Both these factors contribute to the fact that only about 15 percent of lung cancer patients are diagnosed in the early stages of disease. The later lung cancer is diagnosed, the less effective treatment options are. Delays in diagnosing lung cancer patients result in an overall survival rate of only 15 percent at five years after diagnosis.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Asbestos Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Asbestos Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

Written By: Steve Valentino

Posted: November 15th, 2006 under Asthma.
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Identifying the triggers can help Asthma sufferers

Asthma affects millions of Americans each yea and is extremely prevalent in children, affecting more than 5 million. Asthma is caused by the smaller airways in the lungs being blocked causing the person to cough and to have shortness of breath. Many people may not be able to breath for an extended period of time requiring an emergency response.

Symptoms of chronic asthma sufferers are coughing, especially once the person is exposed to cold, shortness of breath and wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing. However it is important to note that not everyone that suffers from asthma wheezes and vice versa.

There are many different triggers that can cause asthma. Persons with asthma in their family tree are more likely than others to develop asthma as children. Many environmental factors can trigger asthma, including living in an urban environment with increased levels of pollution. Many studies show that pollution is a major trigger of asthma sufferers. Allergies have also been shown to trigger asthma. Allergies such as mold, mites and pollen have uncomfortable affects on asthma sufferers. Virus’s such as parainfluenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus are also leading triggers of asthma.

Reducing the above triggers can be extremely useful in reducing asthma. Paying close attention to the environment that you live in, such as staying away from areas with high levels of pollution. Effectively cleaning your home to remove mold and mites can also lessen the intensity of asthma as well as purchasing a good filtration system if you live in an area with a high pollen count.

If you think that you or a loved one may be suffering from asthma it is best to consult with a physician.

About the author:

Jay is the web owner of Weight Loss, that provides information on weight loss, diets, and excercise. You can also visit his website at: Diet Pill Information or Health Insurance Information

Written By: Jason Bauder

Posted: November 12th, 2006 under Asthma.
Comments: none

Have you ever walked into a room and your breathing became difficult, you started wheezing and looked for the closest door for escape? It is called Allergy Asthma.

Allergy asthma can be caused by the exposure to allergens in the home such as animal dander, dust and mold spores.

Allergy Asthma – the typical symptoms are wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Most people with allergy asthma find their symptoms get worse when they are exposed to certain triggers, or allergens. Many times this will be the dust mites, pollen, mold, mildew, cigarette smoke, chemicals or animal dander found in your home.

Once you find out what your asthma triggers are, managing your asthma includes avoiding exposure to your particular allergens.

So it is important to make your home an asthma friendly place. You want to remove as many allergy causing items as you can.

Some suggestions to make your home a safe place so you dont have an allergy asthma reaction:

If someone smokes, ask them to smoke outside. This will clean up your air so that you do not have an allergic asthma attack. Make sure that no one smokes in your bedroom as you spend about 8 hours sleeping in that room.

Have good ventilation in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

Dont have open fires, or use wood for heating, as wood is often an allergen.

Chemicals can set off your asthma. Most of the air fresheners are chemicals. They have become so common and come in decorator type containers. Many people simply forget they have them. Look around and remove any you have in your home. This may give you some allergy asthma relief.

Remove any other known causes of allergies. Note the room you are in when you start wheezing and look around. What could be causing it? Remove suspect items from your home for a week and then put it back in and see if your asthma is set off again.

When you clean up your indoor environment, you will find that you have less allergy asthma attacks.

Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac.

For Alternative Health Care and high quality Nutritional Supplement visit www.health-doc.com

Written By: Jeannie Crabtree

Posted: November 9th, 2006 under Asthma.
Comments: none

Anyone with a carpet needs a vacuum to help keep it clean. There are many different types of vacuums on the market, and choosing the right style is easy with a little bit of information. Here are some types of vacuums and their benefits.

Upright Vacuums
These vacuums are used more for carpet than for bare floors. They are easy to store and to move around the house.

HEPA Vacuums
Best for those with allergies or asthma, these vacuums contain filters to clean the air. They are good options for home or office use.

Canister Vacuums
These vacuums are useful for stairs and bare floors, as they are very portable.

Stick Vacuums
Perhaps the most convenient vacuums to store, these are good for bare floors or area rugs.

Backpack Vacuums
These are very quiet to use. They are also very portable and help you clean difficult-to-reach areas.

Hand-held Vacuums
Perhaps the most portable, these vacuums can be used to spot clean areas of the home but are also very useful to clean out vehicles. They require very little storage space.

Steam Vacuums/Carpet Cleaners
For deep-cleaning carpets and upholstery, these vacuums are your best bet.

Commercial Vacuums
These hardy vacuums are good for frequent usage, particularly in office buildings. They usually have a longer power cord, allowing you to reach faraway areas.

Vacuums come in a number of different brands. Prices vary depending on quality, durability, and type. When selecting among vacuums, consider how often you will need to use your machine (Will you use it daily?); where you will use it most frequently (Do you have a lot of hard-to-reach areas?); and how much space you have to store it.

Some homes or offices require more than one type of vacuum, to serve different purposes. For example, if you have a combination of carpet and hardwood floors, you may want to have a stick vacuum as well as an upright or canister vacuum, as these serve different needs. Wet vacuums are also useful if you need to clean damp areas. A salesperson can help you determine which specific brand or model will help you best serve your needs.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Vacuum Information a website providing information on Vacuums

Written By: Jeff Lakie

Posted: November 6th, 2006 under Asthma.
Comments: none

Tobacco intake is the single most preventable cause of premature death in todays times. Tobacco or nicotine is the chemical that narrows our blood vessels thereby reducing the life giving air that we intake, which in turn forces us to fight for that extra air.

Why we are drawn towards smoking
The younger generation of todays times is the one, which is the most stricken by this deadly disease. The biggest reason for which is they are in a haste to prove them selves to be grownups and mature.
A 13 yr old boy standing in the streets with his friends puffing the circles of smoke in air, feels he is mature and big enough to take his decisions and thinks that now it is that he has broken free from the shackles of his parents boundations which say that smoking is injurious to health. He does so in pure enjoyment and fun, not realizing that he is indeed letting the shackles of a deadly disease trap him and is not in fact breaking free from any.
Hey! Boy, QUIT SMOKING, or else soon you will be in the clutches of the deadly disease.

Ill effects of smoking
It is smoking that triples the risk of dying from various heart diseases, bronchitis and emphysema. It is smoking that leads to asthma and lung cancer in many people. It is smoking that makes a person baffle for air 3 times more that a non-smoker. Smoking makes you weak and unfit for athletics and various other sports. Smoking makes people avoid you because it makes your hair and clothes stink. It stains your teeth and you have bad breath. Your lips are often cracked and you look pale.

Is that what you call looking mature. No. So quit smoking because it will do no good to you.

Smoking is a contagious disease because it not only weakens it victim but also those who are around him. This is better known as passive smoking where the smoke puffed out by a smoker does harm to the lungs and chest of the person who inhales that air.

It is thus the need of the hour that we should take up the matter seriously and do something constructive to free our society from the grips of this deadly disease.

About the author:

Rob Mellor owns the number one website that helps people quit smoking in only 7 days, Guaranteed, http://www.quit-smoking-expert.com

Written By: Rob Mellor

Posted: November 3rd, 2006 under Asthma.
Comments: none