Allergy Relief Expert

Many consumers do not realize the hidden dangers that lurk in the fragrance of the product. This is because, in the U.S. as in many other countries, manufacturers have not that labels specify exactly what ingredients the product contains a fragrance. With many “fragrances” which now includes hundreds of complex mixtures ingredients, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not require safety testing of cosmetic products, this makes the exact composition of the fragrance from “” a black box for many different chemicals.In not tested the worst case, some of the chemical cocktail contained in product labels simply like the fragrance of “” have been linked to allergies, skin reactions, hormonal disorders, birth defects and the problem still is not confined cancer.This a few products, with about 95% of 3,000 fragrance ingredients used different now consist of low-cost synthetic compounds derived from petroleum.Phthalates, Phthalate esters are a higher risk of fragrance mixtures. This is a group of chemical compounds that are mainly added to plastics to increase flexibility. Insurance phthalates are also used in the manufacture of nail polish, paint, adhesives and fragrances. In 2004, a joint Swedish-Danish research team found a strong link between allergies in children and phthalates, this study was later published in The Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives. Subsequent studies Phthalates have also been associated with birth defects, toxicity and damage to reproductive adult liver, adrenal, and kidney organs. Although some manufacturers have removed these chemicals from their products, a recent study by the Environmental Working Group found phthalates in nearly three-quarters of the 72 products by the brand-name tested.Artificial musks can also cause unwanted side effects. These chemicals are still popular, however, since the price of natural musk, which is derived mainly from a gland in the male musk deer, has become prohibitive. Of the three major types of synthetic musk (nitromusk, macrocyclic musks and musk), nitromusk is particularly dangerous since it has been linked to reproductive and fertility problems in women at high exposure levels. Because of this, the EU has banned the use of some nitromusks in cosmetics and personal care products, but in the United States, chemicals musk remain unregulated, and safe levels of exposure have not been established. Many synthetic fragrance components are considered allergens and both may cause asthma and trigger asthma attacks. But when the Working Group on the Environment conducted a survey in 2005 of U.S. industry reviews of cosmetic ingredients, are found that about one third of all ingredients, allergens and sensitizing of the determinations were made inadequately.In contrast, fragrance ingredients natural, such as essential oils are derived entirely from plants. When properly prepared, have not been associated with significant side effects. However, natural ingredients tend to be more expensive than synthetic chemicals, resulting in the care of minor skin manufacturers use.

About the Author:

Paul Penders is the founder of Paul Penders organic skin and hair care, a unique line of organic, cold-blended products incorporating ingredients from the oldest rainforest in the world: http://www.paulpenders.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Difference Between Artificial and Natural Fragrances

Fragrance Allergy -Created by Group 4 Diversity Day 2008 BHS

Here’s the big idea: Noise is bad for you. During my career as a pioneer in the simplicity movement, I have taken note of numerous studies that link unwanted sound to increased levels of stress. Even low-level noise has been associated with increased aggression and other mental health problems, as well as poor sleep, high blood pressure and heart disease. A few of the reporting organizations include Cornell University, the Acoustical Society of America and the World Health Organization.

The following tips for increasing moments of silence in daily life will help us all feel better and live healthier:

• Start each day with silence. Before running headlong into an¬other day, do something relaxing for 12 minutes upon waking.
  It may be meditating, stretching or reading inspirational literature. According to the National Institutes of Health, our cortisol levels (”the stress hormone” Produced by the adrenal glands) are highest between 6 and 8 o’clock in the morning, when we first get out of bed. Most people have coffee and turn on the news. That’s the worst thing we can do. Studies have shown that only 12 minutes of quiet in the morning can bring down the stress-hormone levels, and get you off to a better start that will last all day.
• Eat at a table, without watching television or reading. Mind¬ful eating helps us to enjoy our food more, prevents overeat¬ing because we are tuned into our body’s satiety signals, and allows the body to metabolize food more efficiently.
• Try driving in silence. Because there is so much noise that we can’t control, find small ways to create silence that you can control. The car is a wonderful place to get in touch with your thoughts and just be with yourself. Silence is rejuvenating.
• Create a silence retreat at home. Set aside an evening at home with no talking. Turn the phone ringer off and don’t answer it; turn off the television. Don’t run any extra machines. Try to have the family do this together, or trade nights with a partner in taking the kids out to dinner and a movie.
• Practice silent exercise. Exercise without iPod, magazines or video. If possible, exercise outdoors. Silence helps us pay attention to everything the body is doing—breathing, muscle function and posture. Silence helps us listen to the helpful signals our body is giving—to slow down, go faster or straighten up.

About the author:
Janet Luhrs is the international bestselling author of The Simple Living Guide.

Hearing Loss, Vertigo and Facial Nerve Problems

The spring and summer months – the revival of long dormant vibrant colors, the spicy smell of the flowers and the nasty flea that may be waiting to attack your pet. Fleas are blood sucking, parasitic little irritants which can may cause itchy, hair loss and flea allergy dermatitis (caused by hypersensitivity to flea saliva).  These little demons can create misery for your pet and humans if allowed to invade the home.

There are over 2200 species of fleas which can live for weeks or months on a host such as a pet. Fleas are attracted to the hosts by factors such as smell, body temperature, air currents and lack of lighting. Fleas can also cause tapeworms in dogs. Most flea infestation cases will occur in the summer, which is the peak of flea populations.  Usually, a flea diagnosis is made by visual inspection of the pet and is better performed on a large white towel so they can be spotted easily.  Parting the hair can reveal flea excrement or moving fleas. Flea excrement is brownish black and shaped like a small pellet.

Eliminating Fleas

Eliminating fleas can be a month long process that requires multiple treatment of your pet and their indoor and/or outdoor environments. Here are some additional tips for helping your pet get through their flea infestation:

• Prevention of flea bites. Consider treatments which will prevent flea bites that are gentle on your pet skin.
• Treatment of secondary skin infections. Antibiotics and antifungal drugs may be necessary to treat secondary skin infections triggered by a flea sensitivity.
• Breaking the itch cycle. If your pet is itching regularly, then consider a short course of steroids. This may be necessary to break the itch cycle and make your pet more comfortable.
• Frequent bathing. Bath your pet regularly with a gentle and soothing bathing product. There are natural products which contain essential oils such as lavender which is known to kill fleas.
• Clean bedding and rugs frequently. Bedding, furniture, rugs and carpets should be cleaned regularly to help remove flea larvae. Frequent vacuuming and carpet cleaning can help remove eggs and larvae from the pet’s indoor environment.
• Flea preventatives. If your pet has flea allergies, a topical adult flea preventive is preferred instead of an oral product. The goal is to kill adults before they bite and reduce the pet’s exposure to their saliva.
• Groom frequently. Groom your pet regularly if their skin is NOT irritated with a “flea comb” to help remove fleas.

Once fleas have been identified, it is important that pet owners remove the fleas and their eggs from the animal’s environment. Keep in mind that the flea life cycle is up to 35 days which may require an additional treatment to kill the new fleas as their eggs hatch. Treatment includes the removal of all household animals from flea infestation areas to prevent the pet from becoming reinfested. There are many available products that will kill fleas both indoors and outdoors.Products should chosen according to the animal for which they will be used and show be mixed or used as directed by the manufacturer.

You must treat both the outdoor and indoor environment simultaneously to prevent them from reoccurring. If you use a pest control chemical outdoors, make sure you allow to fully dry before allowing the animal access to the area. If your pet is believed to have flea or other skin allergies, then consult with a veterinarian which can customize a flea control program to meet animals  individual needs.

Related Post: Feline Allergy, Dog Allergies and Dander Allergy.

About the author: Dr. Elliott is one of the leading natural pet healers in the US. He has formulated products for the Queen of England’s dogs and horses and is the author of the best selling natural healing book-”The Healthy Wholistic Dog” and writes articles for a major pet insurance company.

Flea Allergy

If you or someone you know are among the 35 million people across the globe who suffer from seasonal allergies, here are ten steps you can take to minimize spring allergies at home:

1. Consult an allergist.

   Consider allergy tests and allergy shots.

2. Remove shoes.

   Leave shoes at the door entrance as you enter the house.

3. Avoid exposure.

   Keep the doors and windows closed to minimize pollen from entering your home; keep car windows closed.

4. Clean yourself frequently.

   Wash your hair and change your clothes after coming in from the outside.

5. Use higher efficient filters.

   Use pleated air filters regularly in heat pumps or air conditioners.

6. Use the clothes dryer.

   Don’t hang your clothes outside to dry.

7. Wear a mask.

   When outside working, consider wearing a N95 face mask approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

8. Purify the indoor air.

   Use High Efficient Particle Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners and air purifiers. They are efficient at removing 99% of airborne allergens.

9. Clean bedding and linens.

   Wash your bedding and pillow covers weekly.

10. Clean your carpets, rugs and furniture.

    Vacuum twice a week with a HEPA vacuum.

Go back to Home Page from Top 10 Allergy Tips.