There are a lot of industries that have caused health problems for those that live around them. Most of the unsafe practices have been stopped, but that’s only one way where you live has an impact on your health and well being. Here are some examples, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Allergies: Allergies can happen anywhere, but there are locations and seasons that have more than others. Unless you have asthma or other more serious reactions to allergens, you might be tempted to brush off the itchy eyes and runny nose. However, that’s not such a good idea. Ignored allergies can lead to an increased reaction that could be fatal.
Moving may not be an option for most people facing allergic reactions. In fact, moving might only make the situation worse. Instead, it’s important to treat them. Your doctor can help you set up a treatment plan, and will probably give you a list of things to avoid.
One tip: if the allergen is pollen or pet related, have someone come in and do a thorough, deep cleaning of your house. You should not be in the house when this is going on, as it will stir up a lot of allergens. Once it’s cleaned, it will be easier to keep it that way so the problem doesn’t resurface.
Goiter Belt: In the past, the northern part of the United States was nicknamed the goiter belt, due to the unusually large number of cases that developed in the region. Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, caused by too little iodine in the diet. The region’s soil is iodine poor, creating the outbreak. This problem was resolved by adding iodine to table salt.
It is unwise to self diagnose and self prescribe in any case but it is particularly true of iodine. Too much cause damage to the thyroid gland and other medical problems.
Mold: Like allergies, mold can occur in any environment, but it is more prevalent in areas that get a lot of moisture, whether it’s humidity, rain or snow. Homes that live close to a body of water may also have mold issues on a larger scale than normal.
Many molds are fairly harmless, but some can be deadly. Stachybotrys, a black mold, is one of them, and has been responsible for the death and illness of many infants. Allergies to mold can also be a problem.
Smog and Other Air Pollutants: Air quality has improved in many places due to the strict laws enforced by the EPA, but it can still cause problems. The age of venting dangerous chemicals like vinyl chloride into the air are over, but vehicle emissions and other pollutants are still a problem.
Studies indicate that children raised in areas with smog problems are more likely to develop asthma. There are still days where people with asthma, the very young and the elderly are encouraged to stay indoors with the air conditioner on. This is a good idea if you live in smoggy areas. You may also want to wear a mask if you must be outside.
Southeast: The states with the most obese people have a tendency to be in the Southeast. There are bound to be a lot of reasons, including some traditional Southern cooking techniques. Many rural areas don’t have much to choose from in the grocery store unless they travel to a large city, which doesn’t help either.
Solving the problems will take a combined effort. Getting easier access to healthy foods is key, and learning alternative cooking techniques may also be useful. Exercise is important, though it might be difficult in some areas. Narrow roads and inclement weather can reduce the ability to get out and go for a walk.
Allergies: Allergies can happen anywhere, but there are locations and seasons that have more than others. Unless you have asthma or other more serious reactions to allergens, you might be tempted to brush off the itchy eyes and runny nose. However, that’s not such a good idea. Ignored allergies can lead to an increased reaction that could be fatal.
Moving may not be an option for most people facing allergic reactions. In fact, moving might only make the situation worse. Instead, it’s important to treat them. Your doctor can help you set up a treatment plan, and will probably give you a list of things to avoid.
One tip: if the allergen is pollen or pet related, have someone come in and do a thorough, deep cleaning of your house. You should not be in the house when this is going on, as it will stir up a lot of allergens. Once it’s cleaned, it will be easier to keep it that way so the problem doesn’t resurface.
Goiter Belt: In the past, the northern part of the United States was nicknamed the goiter belt, due to the unusually large number of cases that developed in the region. Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, caused by too little iodine in the diet. The region’s soil is iodine poor, creating the outbreak. This problem was resolved by adding iodine to table salt.
It is unwise to self diagnose and self prescribe in any case but it is particularly true of iodine. Too much cause damage to the thyroid gland and other medical problems.
Mold: Like allergies, mold can occur in any environment, but it is more prevalent in areas that get a lot of moisture, whether it’s humidity, rain or snow. Homes that live close to a body of water may also have mold issues on a larger scale than normal.
Many molds are fairly harmless, but some can be deadly. Stachybotrys, a black mold, is one of them, and has been responsible for the death and illness of many infants. Allergies to mold can also be a problem.
Smog and Other Air Pollutants: Air quality has improved in many places due to the strict laws enforced by the EPA, but it can still cause problems. The age of venting dangerous chemicals like vinyl chloride into the air are over, but vehicle emissions and other pollutants are still a problem.
Studies indicate that children raised in areas with smog problems are more likely to develop asthma. There are still days where people with asthma, the very young and the elderly are encouraged to stay indoors with the air conditioner on. This is a good idea if you live in smoggy areas. You may also want to wear a mask if you must be outside.
Southeast: The states with the most obese people have a tendency to be in the Southeast. There are bound to be a lot of reasons, including some traditional Southern cooking techniques. Many rural areas don’t have much to choose from in the grocery store unless they travel to a large city, which doesn’t help either.
Solving the problems will take a combined effort. Getting easier access to healthy foods is key, and learning alternative cooking techniques may also be useful. Exercise is important, though it might be difficult in some areas. Narrow roads and inclement weather can reduce the ability to get out and go for a walk.
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