Dr. Sloan, MD. ~~ [Home]

Have you ever experienced symptoms such as sensory irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, neurotoxic or general health problems, skin irritation, nonspecific hypersensitivity reactions, odor and taste sensations while working in your work place? Subconsciously, you feel more relieved upon leaving that particular room or working zone? Chances are, you may be a victim of SBS or what is termed as “Sick Building Syndrome”.

It is quite a common occurrence for a dozen sick occupants to report a surprising variety of individual symptoms which may be dismissed as unconnected. However, the increased incidence of illnesses in general within a relatively short period of time, usually with the onset of the cases within a period of a few weeks of each other, should raise the suspicions of the company doctor.

There may also be lingering effects of various neurotoxins, which may not have cleared up when the occupant leaves the building. However, the long term health effects of the people cannot be overlooked, especially in particularly weakened or sensitive individuals.

The contributing factors to the Sick Building Syndrome often relate to the design of the building and may include a combination of some or all of the following, such as poor indoor air quality, toxic mold, artificial fragrance (for example, emitted from dryer sheets), absence or limited natural sunlight in the building, poor heating or ventilation, microbial or mite contamination of HVAC systems, bad acoustics or infrasound, poorly designed furnishings, furniture and equipment (for example, computer monitors, photocopiers, etc.), poor ergonomics, chemical contamination and biological contamination.

Sick Building Syndrome may cause high levels of employee sickness or absenteeism, lower productivity, low job satisfaction and high employee turnover, leading to higher costs and losses for the corporation.

Therefore, it is in the best interest of the companies as well, to ensure a clean, healthy and safe environment for its employees.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: indoor air pollution, indoor air quality, sick building syndrome

Indoor air quality is something within our control. The place where we stay and work is certainly much more manageable than the outdoor environment. It is a relief to know that many diseases caused by indoor air pollution can be eliminated with just three simple basic strategies.

Firstly, we have to identify and control the source. We have to identify and eliminate the individual sources of pollution, or to reduce their emissions. Some sources of emissions are those like gas stoves, which emit poisonous gaseous into the air in the kitchen. It can be adjusted to decrease the amount of emissions, and checks can be carried out on a periodic basis for leakage. Some sources, like those containing asbestos, such as heat-resistant insulators, hot pipe coverings and inert filler medium, can be sealed up or enclosed.

The second strategy is to improve the ventilation. In addition to the source control, another method to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants in your home is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Open your windows and doors to let the air flow circulate in and out throughout your home or office on a daily basis for a period of time, either every morning or evening, or whenever the weather permits. Local bathroom or kitchen fans that exhaust the indoor air outwards can help to increase the outdoor air ventilation rate. This step is particularly important, if you are engaged in any sort of activities which generate high levels of pollutants, such as painting the walls, cooking, or maintenance activities such as soldering, welding or sanding.

Last but not least, the most simple and effective strategy is to install an indoor air purifier. There are many types and sizes of air purifier on the market, ranging from relatively inexpensive table-top models to sophisticated and expensive whole-house systems.

Although some air cleaners may be able to remove air particles rather effectively, but not many are known to remove airborne contaminants effectively and also the bad odor at the same time.

A good air purifier must be able to remove allergen, bacteria, fungal spores, virus including the Virus Influenza A which causes H1N1 pandemic, pollen, chemical like ozone, radon as well as mineral like asbestos which is known to be a carcinogenic- cancer causing agent. For energy saving, look for ENERGY STAR (which pass the guidelines set by the US EPA and US DOE) whenever you purchase an air purifier.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: air purifier, atmosphere air purifier, good air purifier, indoor air purifier, indoor air quality

Influenza viruses (commonly known as the flu viruses) are divided into three broad categories, which are influenza A, B or C. Influenza A is the most common type. The new virus that is causing the H1N1 flu (or commonly known as the swine flu), is a variation of influenza A.

Influenza AH1N1 is reportedly a deadly variety from the mutated virus strains of the deadly avian flu (or bird flu) and the equally deadly swine flu. These viruses are airborne, and spread across borders, first infecting animals, then humans.

The World Health Organization (WHO) phase 6 pandemic indicates that AH1N1 influenza is occurring all around the world due to the H1N1 flu virus and that human infection is widespread. It continues to issue warnings, advice and caution about the next wave of influenza when people have forgotten, gotten lax and taken things for granted.

Although the specific adverse effects of H1N1 flu on pregnancy are unknown, anyone at high risk of complications from seasonal flu is thought to be at high risk of complications from H1N1 flu, especially pregnant mothers.

Pregnancy puts extra stress on the heart and lungs besides affecting the immune system. These factors increase the risk of developing serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory distress, which may lead to miscarriage, premature labor or other pregnancy problems.

Additionally, our natural immunity against the H1N1 swine influenza virus is limited, as it is a new strain of influenza virus, and our immune system has not developed immunity against it yet.

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible, especially during the annual winter flu season. It is crucial for people to be constantly concerned about influenza and stay informed.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: h1n1 swine influenza, pregnancy problems, swine flu, swine influenza, swine influenza virus

With the rapid spread of swine flu (also known as A H1N1)which has entered the stage 6, the highest level of pandemic which indicates the risk of widespread and human to human transmission. It is a dangerous and contagious disease which could lead to the deaths of many people. Special care should be taken for the patients, as well as urgent stringent measures should be enforced globally to curb the spread.

Although medical history has clearly pointed out that the seasonal flu has claimed more lives than this A(H1N1), people from all walks of life continue to press the panic button following increased number of A(H1N1) related deaths. The spread of the virus is alarming and that itself has caused much worry and drastically altered the lives of many people.

Now there is no more question of if the human to human transmission has taken place as it is already in the stage 6-the worst stage of pandemic despite all the early measures to control suspected cases from entering certain countries.

It is very obvious how this swine flu pandemic has affected us. Many staff and workers would be advised to stay at home for quarantine if respiratory symptoms persists. Attendance to classes and colleges would also be greatly affected. Productivity of factories reduced while clinics and hospitals have become a popular place among people to seek medical advice and treatment.

WHO also reported research conducted in the USA and published 29 July in The Lancet has drawn attention to the increased risk of pregnant women infected with the swine flu virus which could result in severe or even fatal illness.

In addition to that, several other countries experiencing widespread transmission of the pandemic virus have similarly reported an increased risk in pregnant women, particularly during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, which could result in spontaneous abortions or risk of fetal death.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: dangerous disease, h1n1 pandemic, h1n1 related, h1n1 related deaths, human transmission, pregnant women, swine flu