Five Steps Families Can Take to Mitigate Asthma's Affect on Children, Elderly

May 12, 2008 9:46 AM EDT

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The ongoing battle against natural, environmental and man-made pollutants affects more than 34 million Americans and racks up costs of nearly $20 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity. As part of National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, Homewatch CareGivers, a leading worldwide provider of in-home care services for people of all ages, offers families and the caregivers who support them a five-step approach that can help reduce the impact of asthma.

Asthma affects one in every 15 children. More than 2.5 million Americans aged 65 and older also have asthma, and there is no known cure for this chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes that causes swelling and narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing.

"Creating a five-step family care plan to control the in-home stimulants and stressors of asthma in children and the elderly can help achieve quality of life and improve the family's overall environment," said Leann Reynolds, president, Homewatch CareGivers, a worldwide provider of customized in-home care services for more than 26 years. Homewatch CareGivers advises:

    1. Eliminate all indoor smoke immediately. If family members smoke
        in the home, create or locate an outdoor area far removed from
        the asthma sufferer to end second-hand smoke exposure. Reduce
        exposure to wood burning stoves as well as outdoor fire pits
        and barbecue grills. Ensure proper ventilation. Encourage the
        asthma patient to do deep breathing exercises several times a
        day and rest in between activities.

    2. Reduce pet dander from family pets with regular bathing and
        grooming. Retrain dogs and cats to sleep outside the bedrooms
        of asthma sufferers. Discourage pet use of furniture regularly
        used by the asthma sufferer, such as futons, upholstered sofas
        and chairs. Remove pet cages that house birds, mice or gerbils
        from bedrooms.

    3. Reduce exposure to mold and mildew. Fix water leaks especially
        in areas where water can collect in or on woodwork or
        carpeting. In some U.S. climates, using a dehumidifier can
        keep basements and household areas drier.

    4. Clean the house regularly. Vacuum indoor carpeting often and
        shake out area rugs in the outdoors. Mop floors with clean
        water and white vinegar. Wash bedding regularly. Shake
        pillows, blankets and bedspreads outside regularly.

    5. Reduce exposure to and properly dispose of pesticides, like
        weed killers or bug sprays, household cleaning products,
        especially aerosol-based products, and products commonly found
        in family garages like charcoal lighter fluid, paint, oil and
        gasoline.

"Most importantly, every caregiver must know how to recognize and respond to a loved one's asthma attack -- shortness of breath, wheezing, nonstop coughing and chest pain -- and seek medical attention immediately when symptoms are severe," added Reynolds. "Our caregivers are responsible for understanding and implementing emergency procedures at all times, knowing where the client's inhaler is and being prepared to assist as needed."

About Homewatch CareGivers

Homewatch CareGivers is a leading worldwide provider of in-home care services for people of all ages, including seniors, children, veterans, the chronically ill, and those recovering from medical procedures. Its caregivers are triple-screened and continually trained and supervised by nursing professionals to provide reliable, compassionate, and highly skilled services in companion, personal and comprehensive care. With 156 locations in 9 countries, each office is locally owned and dedicated to ensuring quality of life for clients and peace of mind for their loved ones. Founded in 1980, Homewatch CareGivers is the fourth largest in-home care company in the U.S. For franchise, company and caregiver information, visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com.

Source: Homewatch CareGivers

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