Republished by Asep Setiabudi
Allergies arise when you come in contact with a foreign substance that sets off a reaction from your body. Inhalant allergies, which we experience when we breathe in irritants, cause your nose to get congested. You'll start to sneeze. Your eyes may also get itchy and you can develop a cough.
The four most common airborne allergens are dust, pollen, pet dander (dead skin cells shed by animals) and mold. If your home is clean, there are fewer chances of you encountering these substances. But since your home isn't hermetically sealed and you go to many places, there are times when these substances find their way to you. If you're allergic to any of them, then you're in trouble.
To help you fight your allergies, here are some of the practical moves you can make to deal with them:
1. See your doctor.
This would be the most logical move to make -- but so many people put off going to the doctor unless the ailment is "serious." However, if you don't want to suffer anymore, take note of your symptoms and record all the details about your allergic reaction. Share all the useful information to your doctor to help him or her determine the cause of your allergic reactions. He or she will then prescribe you with the necessary antihistamines. Make sure that you always have a ready supply of the prescribed medication.
2. Invest in air conditioners.
This will help alleviate pollen, mold and dust. Air conditioners keep the humidity level low, which prevents the development of molds, the accumulation of dust and the transfer of pollen. You should also make sure that your car's air conditioning is working well.
3. Wear a face mask.
To prevent allergic attacks, make sure that you wear a face mask whenever you're doing anything that will expose you to allergens. It's advisable for you to wear it when you're doing chores or when you're going to be outdoors for hours.
4. Disinfect dark and damp areas.
Make sure that ever corner of your home is clean. Pay attention to inaccessible corners and areas where moisture easily develops such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry area. Your garage and your basement should also be kept uncluttered and clean. If you have carpets, you should replace them with throw rugs, which are easier to clean.
5. Isolate your pets.
If you can't stay away from your pets, make sure that they're restricted to certain areas of your house. They should not be allowed to wander around everywhere so that you can easily seek refuge in the uncontaminated areas each time you feel your allergies acting up.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Conversations With a Six-Year-Old - And What We Can Learn About Ourselves By Steve Wickham
Republished by Asep Setiabudi
EXPERIENCE is a wonderfully rich thing; not in the moment always, but as we reflect, the significance simply overwhelms. Seated at a table at a wedding as an impromptu guest recently, my neighbour was one delightful young man with the propriety of an adult. Trying not to look too conspicuous I engaged him in dialogue, and after introduction, I asked him questions ranging from naming pleasantries to what he enjoyed doing.
I marvelled later regarding what my conversation with young Sam--his nearby parents of which I know--revealed about myself through his eyes and I felt as if I was talking almost with myself; certainly a glimpse of the inner "me."
Asking his age, he indicated he was turning seven. I was curious to know if that would make him a 'lot bigger,' thinking how significant my own memories of passing birthdays were at that sort of age. With a short pause he simply answered matter-of-factly with poise and politeness: "No, I'll just be a little bigger."
When we got onto the subject of counting, he proudly declared he was no longer allowed to count with his fingers; he can count to "nine thousand and ninety nine" you know! And then he set about demonstrating... but his favourite pastime was 'playing cars' at Recess and Lunch at school with his friends. Showing his growing aplomb with physics he described the hazards of inclines, slopes and the various terrains his cars must negotiate as he plays with them.
As we ate and talked, it was clear that this little guy was really socially conscious and recognising this forced me to adjust to his sensitivities. I had to respect this little guy. I think this is what struck me most. He was guarded but in a way wise beyond his few years; the eldest of three, a defender and explainer of his younger two siblings--which is not atypical of an eldest child.
During the remainder of the event, my interactions with young Sam built upon the initial rapport we'd developed. Like with all our relationships we're loath to threaten the trust developed, and even more so with ever-trusting children. Our minds skip fancifully to some of the darker things adults have done with or to children, harming our precious future.
What I learned most of all during this cherishable quarter hour was just how much thought needed to go into the interaction as we wove through each other's psyches, building rapport.
We can learn so much about ourselves through chatting with children, for we're but kids ourselves. We never fully reconcile our pasts I find; we're always mystified by them, and quite possibly both from positive and negative viewpoints.
Getting to know, appreciate, and most of all accept the inner child within is probably the greatest freedom we can bestow on ourselves and others we relate with.
© 2010 S. J. Wickham.
EXPERIENCE is a wonderfully rich thing; not in the moment always, but as we reflect, the significance simply overwhelms. Seated at a table at a wedding as an impromptu guest recently, my neighbour was one delightful young man with the propriety of an adult. Trying not to look too conspicuous I engaged him in dialogue, and after introduction, I asked him questions ranging from naming pleasantries to what he enjoyed doing.
I marvelled later regarding what my conversation with young Sam--his nearby parents of which I know--revealed about myself through his eyes and I felt as if I was talking almost with myself; certainly a glimpse of the inner "me."
Asking his age, he indicated he was turning seven. I was curious to know if that would make him a 'lot bigger,' thinking how significant my own memories of passing birthdays were at that sort of age. With a short pause he simply answered matter-of-factly with poise and politeness: "No, I'll just be a little bigger."
When we got onto the subject of counting, he proudly declared he was no longer allowed to count with his fingers; he can count to "nine thousand and ninety nine" you know! And then he set about demonstrating... but his favourite pastime was 'playing cars' at Recess and Lunch at school with his friends. Showing his growing aplomb with physics he described the hazards of inclines, slopes and the various terrains his cars must negotiate as he plays with them.
As we ate and talked, it was clear that this little guy was really socially conscious and recognising this forced me to adjust to his sensitivities. I had to respect this little guy. I think this is what struck me most. He was guarded but in a way wise beyond his few years; the eldest of three, a defender and explainer of his younger two siblings--which is not atypical of an eldest child.
During the remainder of the event, my interactions with young Sam built upon the initial rapport we'd developed. Like with all our relationships we're loath to threaten the trust developed, and even more so with ever-trusting children. Our minds skip fancifully to some of the darker things adults have done with or to children, harming our precious future.
What I learned most of all during this cherishable quarter hour was just how much thought needed to go into the interaction as we wove through each other's psyches, building rapport.
We can learn so much about ourselves through chatting with children, for we're but kids ourselves. We never fully reconcile our pasts I find; we're always mystified by them, and quite possibly both from positive and negative viewpoints.
Getting to know, appreciate, and most of all accept the inner child within is probably the greatest freedom we can bestow on ourselves and others we relate with.
© 2010 S. J. Wickham.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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