Diabetes Guidelines

“Green Building” is a broad term used to describe the design and construction of sustainable and environmentally conscious buildings.

The driving force behind this is to lower our negative impact on the environment and, at the same time, make the buildings we live and work in safer and healthier for us.

According to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) statistics,`buildings are responsible for all of the following:

• 39% of US carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
• 70% of US electricity consumption
• 15 trillion gallons of water consumption

Even though there is still some controversy over the effect of greenhouse gases on the environment, the last two statistics are very important for those of us living in urban areas experiencing continuous growth, especially the American Southwest. With our population expansion, aging water and electrical infrastructure, and shrinking landfills, designing and constructing green and sustainable buildings makes practical sense from a utilitarian perspective.

In fact, USGBC data shows that green buildings use 36% less energy, require fewer raw materials, and divert less waste to our landfills. Furthermore, the “increased” cost of green building is only one or two percent more expensive than a conventional building. This minute difference exemplifies the tangible and long-term benefits of sustainable design, primarily due to the fact that green buildings conserve water and electricity. Thus, while they are more expensive to build, green structures will save money by conserving more energy over time.

Another push towards the green build movement is by local governments. More and more municipalities

are adopting the USGBC LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) guidelines for new

and renovated buildings. In 2006, at the USGBC Greenbuild expo, the Mayor of Denver challenged other major cities to see who can have the most LEED® certified green buildings. They are accomplishing this by offering tax breaks to private corporations and mandating sustainable construction for city-financed projects.

This has led to a dramatic increase in the number of sustainable projects built by LEED® Certified general contractors. However, this growth has not come without challenges. Currently, the following issues are restricting the number of green projects being built:

• Increased demand for green products has lead to long lead times
• New and unspecified materials are labeled “green” products which are not necessarily certified
• Building officials are struggling with a steep learning curve on how to evaluate these new products and sustainable building techniques

Despite these difficulties, the USGBC, sustainability advocates, and green building construction management firms are meeting to overcome these challenges.

The LEED® process is constantly under review and continues to adopt the latest codes and products. This includes Standard 189, a new minimum standard for green building. The USGBC is currently developing LEED® 3.0 and working with national code writers to include new products and techniques.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has even rolled out a new initiative called “Sustainability 2030,” which at its roots, is looking to design all buildings by the year 2030 as carbon neutral. The USGBC has even initiated the Green Advantage Builders Certification for contractors to certify their knowledge in green building

techniques.

So what does green building mean at the end of the day? It’s simple yet profound: Do the right thing for you, the environment, and the next generation. While most companies are concerned with their bottom line, they ought to embrace the idea that energy and water conservation, green building, and the use of “green materials” in construction stands to increase their savings over time while positioning them as a leader in environmental stewardship.

According to the USGBC, we spend 90% of our time indoors. Due to this fact, scientists have identified an increase in allergies, asthma, absenteeism from school, and even work. There have been numerous studies done on post occupancy productivity levels, which have increased within “green” built facilities. Not only does

green adaptation result in less sick days taken, but also shows an increase in productivity, job

satisfaction, and in the case of schools, better grades.

So, as we positively affect the environment around us with sustainable green construction, we eventually create better health for ourselves.

Matthew Hancock
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/trends-in-green-building-and-sustainable-construction-330656.html

At the annual meeting of the American Association of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Dr Gary Rachelefsky explains a sweeping update to the Asthma Guidelines Implementation Plan. The plan aims to inform health care providers, patients, policymakers and educators on how to improve the lives of people with asthma.

Duration : 0:1:59

At the annual meeting of the American Association of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Dr Gary Rachelefsky explains a sweeping update to the Asthma Guidelines Implementation Plan. The plan aims to inform health care providers, patients, policymakers and educators on how to improve the lives of people with asthma.

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In a world that is experiencing a rise in diseases such as autism, asthma, cancer and birth defects, it is time to evaluate the toxic chemicals that are in our homes and our diets. The National Environment Trust reported that the amount of toxic chemicals in the home is increasing at a rapid rate, exposed to individuals through their mouth, skin and lungs. Even organically grown foods have a very small percentage of chemical contamination allowed within their guidelines.

New Health Gadget Designed to Prevent Deadly Diseases

A newly designed health gadget, the Lotus Sanitizing System is designed with two main goals. The first is to remove and kill any and all pesticides and germs on the food that is eaten by your family. The second is to disinfect surfaces that your family touches on a daily basis. These two goals are accomplished with the use of simple tap water and the chemical free products that make up the Lotus Sanitizing System.

This revolutionary new system provides a natural and chemical free way to free your family from harmful chemicals in their daily diet and your home. It takes ozone molecules and infuses them into ordinary tap water. Ozone is an unstable molecule made up of three oxygen atoms (03). This creates a natural sterilizing agent that destroys bacteria and other microorganisms. The ozonated Lotus water is safe to use on food, skin and even your baby’s toys.

Buy The Lotus Sanitizing System Today For a Chemical Free Tomorrow

If you are someone that enjoys locating the newest health gadget on the market, you will truly enjoy the new Lotus Sanitizing System. Your purchase price of just under $200 will include the main unit and two specially designed containers for cleaning food items. A 16 oz trigger spray bottle and a clear plastic bowl with a combined lid/strainer. It comes with a one-year warranty and the peace of mind of knowing that you are doing all you can to provide a chemical free world for your family.

Anmol Taneja
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/health-gadget-promises-chemical-free-diet-126318.html

At the annual meeting of the American Association of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Dr Gary Rachelefsky explains a sweeping update to the Asthma Guidelines Implementation Plan. The plan aims to inform health care providers, patients, policymakers and educators on how to improve the lives of people with asthma.

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Dr. Talal Nsouli is interviewed on Washington DC’s NBC 4 News at 6PM regarding asthma guidelines for sufferers. Patient and former Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham and son are featured.

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New information and treatment considerations for Asthma.

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Dr. Barry Ramo talks about New Asthma Guidelines and help better manage their illness.

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Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder in which the inner lining of the respiratory tract becomes inflamed. Alternatively it could be blocked with a layer of mucus or could become constricted due to some other reason. All these factors could lead to severe problems in respiration, which could even result in death of the person.

Though asthma is a chronic disorder, it does not manifest itself all the time. It is exacerbated by certain triggers, which can lead to the bouts of respiratory problems, known as asthmatic attacks. During an asthmatic attack, there is severe difficulty in breathing, characterized by wheezing, gasping, shortness of breath and inability of speech. Generally an attack does not last more than a few minutes. However, a severe attack could kill within those few moments the attack lasts.

The exact cause of asthma is not known. But in asthmatic people, the attacks are caused due to some environmental factors to which they are allergic. There are many allergenic factors in the environment such as dust, hair, pollen, lint, smoke, cigarette smoke, perfumes, deodorants and many others. When such an allergen is present in the environment of the person whose respiratory tract is inflamed, the person develops a violent reaction. This is known as an asthmatic attack.

Asthma is known as Shwaasa roga in Ayurveda. There are five main types of asthma in Ayurveda: tamaka shwaasa roga, urdhwa shwaasa roga, chinna shwaasa roga, maha shwaasa roga and kshudra shwaasa roga. All these kinds of shwaasa roga are due to vitiation of vata and kapha doshas. The main types of vata that are vitiated are the praana vata and the udaana vata.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Asthma

- Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)

Aniseed is useful in the treatment of asthma due to its expectorant properties.

- Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

The bark of the arjuna plant has benefits in the treatment of asthma. It is taken in a powder form sprinkled on the preparation of rice and condensed milk known as kheer.

- Asafetida (Ferula fetida)

Along with whooping cough and bronchitis, asafetida is also useful in the treatment of asthma. For better results, its gum is taken in a mixture with honey.

- Bay Berry (Myrica nagi)

Bay berry bark is effective in the treatment of asthma. It can be taken in the form of either a decoction or a powder.

- Bishop’s Weed (Trachyspermum ammi)

Bishop’s weed is an expectorant. It can relieve dried up phlegm within the respiratory tract. It can be taken with buttermilk for best results.

- Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

Black nightshade can remove the catarrh and phlegm deposited in the bronchial tubes. Its fruits are taken for the remedy.

- Celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery has antispasmodic properties; hence it is beneficial in the treatment of asthma. Either the herb itself or its seeds can be used for the purpose.

- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Clove has expectorant properties; hence it is effective in the treatment of asthma.

- Garlic (Allium sativum)

Regular use of garlic can reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks.

- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is used in treatment of asthma due to its expectorant properties.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Asthma

The following dietary guidelines must be followed in order to reduce asthma:-

- Sour foods such as curd and buttermilk must be avoided.

- Cold fruits such as bananas, guavas, watermelons and papayas are very risky as they can build up phlegm in the bronchial tubes.

- Fried and pungent foods must be avoided.

- Dry grapes are beneficial in asthmatic patients.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma

Sitopaladi choorna is a very common medicine taken by asthmatic patients. It is to be taken thrice or four times a day, mixed with honey. One alternative to sitopaladi choorna is the pippaladi choorna.

Agastya rasayana is another popular medicine which is prepared with Chebulic Myroblan as its main ingredient. Along with Chyavanprasha, it is commonly prescribed to asthmatic patients.

There are some specific Ayurvedic preparations that are prescribed in order to reduce the attacks of asthma immediately. These are Shwasa Kaasa Chintamani rasa, Suwarna Pushpasuga rasa, Kanakasava, etc.

(4) Home Medications

- Mix a couple of leaves of the holy basil with honey and consume them every morning. This is a very effective remedy to keep asthmatic attacks away.

- When an attack is about to come, then chewing on some leaves of the holy basil mixed with rock salt.

- In order to clean the respiratory tract, roast gram and have them with milk just before going to bed.

- Grind some turmeric (use old turmeric for better results). Mix one teaspoonful of this powder with one tablespoonful of honey (again, the honey must be as old as possible). This is to be taken orally. This recipe is believed to work even when all other methods fail.

- For asthma in the early stages, it is beneficial to chew on some black pepper before going to bed.

- For temporary relief from asthmatic attacks, mix some leaves of the holy basil with black pepper and consume them.

- One more remedy is to mix some lemon juice with ginger and consume it once a day.

- Chewing a single fruit of the Chebulic Myroblan (harad) every night will give tremendous relief from asthmatic attacks.

- Boil six cloves in half a cup of water. Take a teaspoonful of this decoction with honey thrice a day.

Tom alter
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/asthma-cure-herbs-and-ayurvedic-remedies-asthma-home-remedy-109242.html

Michael Marcus MD
Ped Pulm
DrMDK.com

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