To Enrich Lives

According to the Arthritis Foundation:

Organic Food and Your Health

Does going organic make you healthier? Get experts’ insights.

Organic animal products may also have added benefits. English researchers found that organic milk has higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, which may help alleviate arthritis symptoms and enhance health, than non-organic milk. That may be one reason why organic milk is often richer and creamier than conventional. Other studies have shown that organic milk has higher levels of vitamin E and other antioxidants as well as minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and chromium.

Q: How do the hormones and antibiotics in conventional animal products affect people with arthritis?

A: If you’re immune-compromised organic livestock products may be safer than conventional varieties. “When you eat meats, eggs or cheeses that contain antibiotics, you get a dose, too,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “So, the next time you have a bacterial infection, there may be a greater chance that your antibiotics won’t work.” Beyond that, he says, there’s no evidence that conventional foods are bad for people with arthritis. Read more

According to the American Lung Association:

Guide to Controlling Asthma at Work

1. 1. Step 1: Avoid Exposure
2. 2. Step 2: Get Help
3. 3. Step 3: Report Symptoms
4. 4. Step 4: Take Care of Your Asthma

Unlike at home, you may have less control at work over your exposure to certain irritants and allergens that can be harmful if inhaled and can cause asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath).

Here are four steps to prevent asthma symptoms at work.

Step 1: Avoid exposure to allergens or irritants that cause asthma symptoms.

The best way to prevent asthma at work is to minimize the sources of indoor and outdoor air pollution. Identifying the sources, removing the sources, making sure the ventilation system is working properly and the airflow is not blocked are key steps to solving indoor air problems.

One of the most important steps you can take to prevent asthma symptoms is to identify what you are being exposed to at home and at work that may be causing your asthma to flare-up. Some exposures in the work environment have been associated with causing asthma symptoms.¹ You may think of an industrial workplace or “dirty job” as a place where you may be exposed to things that could make your asthma worse. But, exposures to allergens and irritants in an indoor office spaces are equally as important to consider when you have asthma. Office buildings can be a threat to lung health if not properly maintained. Read more

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), known formally as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS),

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), known formally as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS),are devices designed to look similar to cigarettes in shape, size, and general appearance.1 They operate byvaporizing a solution containing nicotine, creating a mist that is then inhaled.1 The tips of these devices oftenhave an indicator light, designed to emulate the burning ash of a traditional cigarette.1 According to productmanufacturers, e-cigarette cartridges are available in various flavors, such as vanilla,2 menthol,2 and piñacolada,2 and varying claimed levels of nicotine.1 Using an e-cigarette is commonly referred to as “vaping.”1Popular brands of e-cigarettes, sold at convenience stores and gas stations, include “blu” and “NJOY.”

For more information, click here:

http://www.legacyforhealth.org/content/download/582/6926/version/5/file/LEG-FactSheet-eCigarettes-JUNE2013.pdf