Prevent an asthma attack by avoiding these triggers

If you have asthma, you are not alone. In the United States, every 1 in 12 people suffers from asthma. Worldwide, there are an estimated 300 million people with asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Those 300 million people around the globe know just how frightening and sudden an asthma attack can be.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma attacks are caused by "triggers" that make it difficult for air to get into the lungs and thus restrict breathing. When this happens, an asthma attack is triggered.

Everybody is different and consequentially has different triggers. In order to best manage your symptoms, keep a journal noting the date and severity of an asthma attack, as well as possible triggers. Ask yourself, what kind of environment was I in? What was I exposed to? What could I have possibly inhaled? It is easier to answer the latter questions when you know both typical and less usual triggers. Continue reading to learn what triggers may be affecting you:

Most Common Triggers

1. Pets. You may love your cuddly friend, but be wary that Health.comreports the AAAAI statistic that up to 30 per cent of people with asthma are allergic to dogs and other household pets. If you can't part with your dog or cat, take preventative measures by bathing him or her at least once a week.

2. Dust mites. This is the big one. Health.com reports up to 90 per cent of allergic asthma sufferers are affected by dust mites. The best ways to reduce your exposure is to use a vacuum with an HEPA filter and to sleep on allergen-resistent bedding.

3. Cold air. For some asthma sufferers, cold air restricts airways. This is why Health.com recommends wearing a scarf that covers your nose and mouth when braving the chilly winter air.

4. Plug-in room air fresheners. If you like your home smelling like fall, you may want to opt for boiling cinnamon sticks in water, instead of a plug-in room freshener. According to Health.com, these little devices contain dangerous ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can wreak havoc on the airways.

Less Talked About Triggers

1. Thunderstorms. You may be surprised to learn that the rate of hospitalization for asthma attacks increases after a thunderstorm. Allergist and immunologist Dr. Myron J. Zitt explains in Everyday Health, this is because airborne allergens are released and spread during a thunderstorm.

2. Laughing or crying. Expressing intense emotions is one of the best parts of being human. But be careful next time you laugh so hard you cry. According to Dr. Zitt, heavy laughter and intense crying "is a form of hyperventilation, which, like exercise, tends to trigger an asthmatic response."

3. Stress. Stress is bad for your overall health, and can be especially dangerous to asthma sufferers. Everyday Health reports a massive study of more than 200,000 people found that psychological stress is strongly linked to asthma symptoms.

4. Food additives. There are many reasons to choose whole fruits and vegetables over packaged foods. Dr. Zitt warns food additives that contain the word "sulfite" in them (used to preserve, color, and flavor food) are among the most asthmatic. Deli meats high in nitrates, yellow food coloring containing tartrazine, and MSG are other food additives linked to asthma.

Treat shoulder pain with these home remedies

If you're experiencing shoulder pain without suspecting a broken bone, use this handy self-diagnosis tool from Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation center The Stone Clinic. Try the following recommended home remedies and do your best not to strain or put pressure on the shoulder. We're almost certain you'll feel better. But if not, it's time to see a doctor.

1. Stretch arm across the chest. To relieve pain in the right shoulder, hold your right hand out in front of you at waist height. Reach your left hand behind your elbow and gently pull your right arm to the left and across the chest. Hold for 30- 60 seconds, relax, and repeat 3- 5 times. Reverse for pain in the left shoulder. Genesis Orthopedics and Sports Medicine says if you do this and you still feel pain, lower the arm until the pain subsides. The goal is to do this exercise without experiencing pain.

2. Neck Release. Sitting upright, slowly lower the chin until you feel tension in the back of the neck. Taking care not to strain, lean the head to the left. You should feel the stretch in the right shoulder. Hold for up to 1 minute. Repeat on the opposite side. Genesis recommends repeating on both sides 3- 5 times for best results.

3. Chest Expansion. For this exercise, you will need an exercise band, rope, strap, or tie. Hold the band behind your back, grasping it with both hands. Draw the shoulders back and gently lift the chin toward the ceiling. Genesis says to breath deeply for 10- 15 seconds and then release before repeating 3- 5 times.

4. 90-90 shoulder stretch. Begin by standing in a doorway. Raise your arms so the elbows are at a 90-degree angle and the forearms form 90-degree angles with the rest of the body. Place each hand on one of the sides of the door frame. Stand so one foot is forward and the body is upright, the neck aligned with the spine. Lean forward, bracing yourself against the door frame. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, as instructed by Genesis.

5. Turmeric pain reliever. Home Remedy Hacks recommends applying a home remedy of coconut or olive oil mixed with turmeric directly to the shoulder in order to benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. Take precautions not to lie down, as the turmeric will stain.

6. Garlic. Like turmeric, garlic is anti-inflammatory. To relieve pain, massage garlic oil into the strained shoulder, says Home Remedy Hacks.

7. Stand straight. It sounds simple, but Arthritis Research UK explains the importance of good posture in treating shoulder pain and preventing it from getting worse. Check yourself when sitting that you're not slouching and when standing that your head is in line with your shoulders. Always make an effort to keep your shoulder blades up and back. Small adjustments can make a monumental difference.

8. Sleep right. If shoulder pain makes it difficult to sleep, try this supported sleep position, as suggested by Arthritis Research UK. Lay on your good side with a pillow under your neck and a pillow in front of the body so you have a place to prop up your arm.

Which of these home remedies worked for you? Tell us when you SHAREthis article on social media!

Oil pulling may not just improve your appearance, but it could positively impact your health too

What is the secret to getting having a beautiful smile and fresh breath? The answer may surprise you. Oil pulling may not be a term you are familiar with, but it’s actually an age-old method for oral health. In fact, oil pulling is popping up again as a go-to remedy for gingivitis, plaque, teeth-whitening, and bad breath. That’s right; certain oils can help you prevent some gum diseases and maintain healthy teeth. 

Oil pulling is not a new method, but it’s gaining popularity once again. In a time where people are interested in natural remedies, it’s no wonder that people want to know more about this ancient technique. And the great news is that it’s not based on pseudo-science, but real results! What is this exactly? Let’s discuss. 

How were oils used throughout history?
As mentioned, oil pulling is not modern day medicine. According to WebMD, this oral therapy dates back almost 3,000 years. It is considered an Ayurvedic medicine, which is a traditional Indian system. Oils were used before the concept of toothpaste or toothbrushes came to exist. Instead, people relied on the natural remedy of oils to cleanse their mouths and protect them from tooth decay and oral diseases. 

How does it work?
Oil pulling, or swishing, as it is sometimes referred is actually a simple process. The idea is to swish oils in your mouth for 20 minutes per day. However, when first starting it is a good idea to build up to that amount of time. For the first few days, start pulling for about 5-10 minutes. You can gradually increase time. 

You should not swallow the oils. Using a small amount will reduce the risk of consuming. When you are finished, remember to spit the oil in a trash can rather than your sink because it could cause a clog. 

Which oils are recommended for use?
With so many oils to choose from, which ones actually work for oil pulling? According to Live Science, five oils are the most common: coconut, palm, olive, sesame, and sunflower. Coconut oil tends to be the more attractive option, but the oil can turn to a solid if temperatures are too low. Sesame, sunflower, and coconut blended creates a detoxing mixture that proves beneficial to oral health.

What are the benefits?
While oil pulling should never take the place of brushing and flossing, it does have its perks. Primarily used to whiten teeth and freshen breath, there are a few other added benefits as well. According to Live Science, some people use the oils to curb symptoms of TMJ and other jaw-related pains. Food Matters indicates that the properties found in oils are an excellent toxin cleanse. As such, oil pulling becomes a great source for detoxing the body, reducing headaches, and keeping skin clear. 

Who knew so much could be accomplished by one simple method? Tell your friends about oil pulling!

Reflexology to control diabetes and diabetes symptoms

There is some very good news for diabetics. A 2014 study reports reflexology therapy may be effective in reducing neuropathic pain from diabetes and improving the quality of life for patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people with diabetes can develop painful nerve damage known as neuropathy. Symptoms can be light, manifesting as a tingling sensation, or excruciating, as in stabbing pain. They can also be frightening, as when hands, arms, feet, or legs fall numb. An astonishing 60 to 70 percent of diabetics experience neuropathy in one form or another.

Modern Reflexology recommends the following techniques to treat pain from neuropathy in the hands and feet.

For neuropathy in the feet, target the pressure point a thumb-width below the ankle bone on the inside folds of the leg. This is known as K6. Use your thumb to apply steady pressure to the pressure point

To treat numbness and pain in the upper limbs, apply pressure to L10, located on the center of the thumb pad on the palm side of the hand.

For diabetics without neuropathy, reflexology can help you too!

Healthy Ojas recommends a foot massage to help maintain healthy blood-glucose levels. Reflexology works because such therapy stimulates the stomach, intestine, liver, pancreas, and muscle cells – all of which are connected to carbohydrate and glucose metabolism

Ask a loved one, or use your own magic fingers, to massage points in the feet associated with the endocrine system and organs that are a cause of or effected by high blood sugar levels. According to Healthy Ojas, those are the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, thymus, adrenal, and pancreas glands, and testes or ovaries.

For more tips on using reflexology to control diabetes, refer to the below YouTube video by At Peace Media. After you've seen the video and tried the reflexology techniques, SHARE your thoughts with this article on social media!