Costco Connection - June 2005

for your
health

MAYBE IT’S A PERSISTENT COUGH, a chanceofdevelopingallergies. runny nose or constant sneezing. Or perhaps Inhalant allergies typ ically it’s an irritating itch or a headache keeping developinschool-agechildren, your child up at night. while sensitivities to cer-

Seasonal or environmental allergies affect tain foods, pet dander and about one in five children, and, according to dust mites usually occur the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of much younger.

America (AAFA), this number is on the rise. Some children may

Furthermore, asthma, which affects up to 20 grow out of their allergies, says percent of children, is usually triggered by pediatrician Dr. Michelle Ponti, allergies. About 80 percent of children with but parents shouldn’t count asthma have allergies. on it and should develop a

Some believe the increase could be influ- coping strategy. enced by a decline in indoor and outdoor air “Allergies can’t be cured,” she says, quality or the tendency to superclean our “but there’s a great deal that par-environment, which has compromised our ents can do to help ease the immune systems. symptoms of allergies.” C

Coping with
childhood
allergies

■ Ensure the baby’s bedroom has wood or linoleum floors and use dust-mite covers on crib mattresses.

■ Don’t have pets, or, at the very least, keep them out of your child’s bedroom.

replace furnace filters regularly and consider investing in an air purifier and dehumidifier.

■ Wash bedding and
stuffed toys in hot
water to kill dust mites.

■ Stay in with air
conditioning during
peak pollen seasons.

PHOTODISC

■ Help build a strong
immune system in your child
through regular exercise and
healthy eating habits.

According to the AAFA, these types of sensitivities tend to run in families. If both parents have allergies, their child has a 75 per- The Costco Connection cent chance of having allergies. If one parent Costco offers a wide variety of products related to men’s, women’s and children’s health, is allergic, then the child has about a 50 percent including exercise equipment, vitamins, smoking-cessation items, allergy alleviators,

diabetes medications and healthy foods and juices, including pomegranate concentrate.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 blood and inject herself with insulin twice each day. She has maintained her good health through faithful attention to diet and regular exercise and by carefully monitoring her blood-sugar levels.

PHOTODISC

For some type 1 diabetics, like Higgins, insulin is now administered through a portable pump that more accurately—and conveniently—monitors blood-sugar levels. Although expensive, insulin pumps offer diabetics peace of mind.

Other new advancements in treatment technologies have made testing easier, more accurate and less painful for diabetics, especially for people with arthritis or vision problems—common consequences of diabetes.

New test strips have been developed to reduce the amount of blood needed for an accurate test. The test strips are analyzed in meters, which have become more portable and convenient for active diabetics. In addition, newer, “smarter” meters help diabetics keep track of food intake, exercise, medication, blood-glucose readings and weight. C

A simple test to help
better control asthma

By David Wight

If you are among the 20 million — How often have you had shortness of Americans suffering from chronic breath?

asthma, the American Lung Association — How often did your asthma symp-wants to help you learn if your current toms wake you up at night or asthma treatment is really effective. earlier than usual in the The new five-question Asthma morning?

Control Test was designed to give — How often have you used patients a simple method to assess yourrescueinhalerorneb-symptoms and medications. The results ulizer medication? can be discussed with a physician to — How would you rate your determine if your treatment needs asthmacontrol? adjustment. Each question has five This self-test concentrates answers scored one through five. If on your symptoms during the you score 20 or more points on the past four weeks and gives you 25-point test, your asthma is likely a way of rating that experi- well controlled. A score of 19 points ence. It focuses on these basic or less is reason to discuss your questions: asthma management with a physician. — How often did your asthma keep you To obtain a free copy of the test from from getting as much done as you the American Lung Association, call would normally at work, school or 1-800-990-4100 or log on to www.asth home? macontrol.com. C