HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Respiratory Health

Bad Air Day

MEDICAL NEWS

Ozone. It’s an invisible gas but it pollutes the air and may make it harder for you to breathe.

Ozone is created when sunlight triggers a chemical reaction between oxygen-containing molecules and pollution that comes from cars, power plants, factories, and other sources, says the NIH News in Health. Hot weather is one of the triggers for the creation of ozone. It’s not as much of a problem in winter, say the NIH scientists.

High levels of ozone might cause you to cough or have throat irritation. Your eyes might water, and you may have trouble breathing. The ozone irritates the lining of your airways and lungs. If you have a lung condition such as asthma, the damage can be greater.

Adjust your activities on a bad air day to reduce your exposure to air pollution and stay indoors. Limit outdoor activities. Even if you’re in good health, mow the lawn or take a run or walk later in the evening or first thing in the morning. Ozone levels tend to peak between mid-afternoon and early evening. You can track air quality atwww.airnow.gov.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cold, Flu, Or Allergy?

SELF-CARE CORNER

You’re feeling pretty lousy. You’ve got sniffles, sneezing, and a sore throat. Is it a cold, flu, or allergies? It can be hard to tell them apart because they share so many symptoms. But understanding the differences will help you choose the best treatment, advises the NIH News in Health.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is It The Flu?

MEDICAL NEWS

Influenza, or the flu, circulates every winter and leaves thousands of people sick with a cough, aches, fever, and fatigue. The flu is much more serious than a cold: thousands of people die each year from flu-related complications. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have the flu until it’s too late. By then, they may have exposed people at work, school, or other public places. Here’s how to know if you have the flu, or just a cold:

When you come down with a cold, your symptoms usually appear very gradually over a few days. They often start with a sore throat followed by a runny nose. The flu often hits hard, very quickly. Symptoms appear suddenly and the exhaustion and aches can quickly become severe.

If in doubt, try to stay home and stay away from others when you’re sick. In particular, try to avoid exposing young children and older adults, who may be more likely to suffer from flu-related problems. Wash your hands frequently and encourage others in your household to do the same.

If you think you have the flu, call your doctor right away. You may be able to take an antiviral medication (brand name: Tamiflu), which can decrease your symptoms and the amount of time you are sick. Antiviral medications should be taken within 48 hours of the start of symptoms.

Finally, talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot each year: it’s the number one way to help avoid getting – and spreading – the flu!

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Keeping Asthma Under Control

SELF-CARE CORNER

According to the CDC, 25 million Americans have asthma today, including 10 percent of all children. Although it’s common, it should not be taken lightly. Asthma can severely affect quality of life, and can be deadly.

Asthma attacks occur when a person with asthma comes into contact with an asthma “trigger.” A trigger causes inflammation and narrowing of your lungs’ airways. This can lead to coughing, wheezing and can limit or even prevent breathing. Asthma attacks require rescue medicines and can be a medical emergency.

If you or your child has asthma, the most important thing you can do is keep it under control to avoid attacks. The keys to good asthma control are to:

Have regular asthma checkups with your doctor.

Working with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan plays a key role in good asthma control. Keep a diary of your asthma triggers and symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Discuss these with your doctor to find better ways to control your asthma. The goal is to minimize asthma attacks and take medicines, as needed.

Use your asthma control medicines as prescribed.

Control medicines are taken regularly, usually every day. These medicines help you avoid an asthma attack by minimizing inflammation. They do not help during an asthma attack.

Know your asthma triggers and avoid them.

Each person’s asthma triggers are different. They may include irritants, like cigarette smoke or chemical fumes, or they may be allergens such as dust, mold or pollen. You and your doctor should discuss your asthma triggers and how they can be avoided.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026