For people with springtime allergies, this time of year can be difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there are ways to help minimize your exposure to potential outdoor allergens and thereby reduce their aggravating effects. Yesterday, we provided a list of the top 5 "dos" for preventing outdoor allergy symptoms. Today we present a list of the top 5 don’ts for minimizing symptoms caused by springtime allergies.

• DON'T mow lawns or be around freshly cut grass, as mowing stirs up pollens and molds.
  
• DON'T rake leaves, as this also stirs up pollen and molds.
  
• DON'T hang sheets or clothing outside to dry, as they will collect pollens and mold.
  
• DON'T grow too many, or overwater, indoor plants if you are allergic to mold. Wet soil encourages mold growth.
  
• DON'T take more medication than recommended in an attempt to lessen your symptoms. If your symptoms are worsening, talk to your doctor or allergist about adjusting your medications.

To find out more about outdoor allergy treatments and prevention, see "What Treatments are Available for Outdoor Allergies?" and "How Can I Prevent Outdoor Allergies" in the Healia Health Guide to Outdoor Allergies.

_{Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Tips to Remember: Outdoor allergens. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/outdoorallergens.stm}

_{Photo: tanakawho, Flickr, Creative Commons}

It’s that time of year again. In many parts of the country, the snow has melted, the grass has resumed its growth cycle, flowers have started to appear… and springtime allergy season has begun.

For people with springtime allergies, this time of year can be difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help minimize your exposure to potential outdoor allergens and reduce their aggravating effects. The following tips include the top 5 things you can do to help avoid symptoms caused by outdoor allergens. Tomorrow’s list will give the top 5 "don’ts."

• DO keep your windows closed at night to prevent allergens such as pollens or molds from drifting into your home. If you live in a warm climate, use air conditioning, which not only cools the air but also cleans and dries it.
  
• DO minimize your activity during 5 and 10 a.m. when pollen is usually emitted.
  
• DO keep your car windows closed when traveling. Use the "re-circulate" setting on your vehicles’s vent system to keep allergens from getting in.
  
• DO try to stay indoors on days when the pollen count or humidity is reported to be high, and on windy days when dust and pollen can be blown around.
  
• DO take your allergy medications as prescribed by your allergist/immunologist regularly, in the recommended dosage. If your current regimen isn’t working, make an appointment with your allergist to have your medication adjusted.

To find out more about outdoor allergy treatments and prevention, see "What Treatments are Available for Outdoor Allergies?" and ""How Can I Prevent Outdoor Allergies" in the Healia Health Guide to Outdoor Allergies .

_{Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Tips to Remember: Outdoor allergens. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/outdoorallergens.stm}

_{Photo: spakattacks, Flickr, Creative Commons}

The report Shortchanging America's Health: A State-By-State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent was released this week by the non-profit organizations Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). It outlines federal government funding for disease prevention programs provided to the fifty states in fiscal year 2008.

The report found that annual per capita spending varies widely among the states (ranging from $12.74 and $52.78 per person). The national average for state funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for public health is $17.60 per person. The report notes that even at the high end, this level of spending on public health is a tiny fraction of the country's total investment in health. The vast majority of heath spending is invested in treating people after they've become sick. The report authors suggest that spending more money on disease prevention programs up front would lessen the need to spend so much on disease treatment "after the fact."

Below is a list of the bottom 10 states that received the least funding per state resident from the CDC in fiscal year 2008, followed in parentheses by the dollar amount of per capita spending.

The top 10 worst states for federal public health funding per capita are:

• Indiana ($12.74)
• Ohio ($12.76)
• Virginia ($12.88)
• Florida ($13.29)
• Kentucky ($13.94)
• Pennsylvania ($13.99)
• Tennessee ($14.96)
• Wisconsin ($14.97)
• Missouri ($15.14)
• Kansas ($15.14)

Interested in learning more about disease prevention? Join the Healia Support Group for Wellness and Lifestyle.

Related blog post: The Top 10 States for Federal Public Health Funding

_{Source: Trust for America’s Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Shortchanging America's Health: A State-By-State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent, 3/09. http://healthyamericans.org/assets/files/shortchanging09.pdf}

_{Photo: ThrasherDave, Flickr, Creative Commons}

Two non-profit organizations, the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) today released a new report on federal government funding for the fifty states in fiscal year 2008 for publich health disease prevention programs. The report, Shortchanging America's Health: A State-By-State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent also examines how the economic downturn could lead to serious cuts to disease prevention and emergency preparedness programs at the state level.

The report found that states receive an average of $17.60 per person from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for public health programs and that annual per capita spending varies widely among the states (ranging from $12.74 and $52.78 per person). The report notes that even at the high end, this level of spending on public health is a tiny fraction of the country's total investment in health. The vast majority of heath spending is invested in treating people after they've become sick. The report authors suggest that spending more money on disease prevention programs up front would lessen the need to spend so much on disease treatment "after the fact."

In tough financial times, the problem of small investment in public health is only expected to get worse, leading to serious long term consequences for the nation’s health and health spending. State funding for public health programs is expected to drop given the widespread budget shortfalls among the states and federal funding is unlikely to make up the all difference. However, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (also known as the stimulus package) includes an additional $1 billion for public health programs for next year, which will help provide additional support in many communities.

Below is a list of the top 10 states that received the most funding per state resident from the CDC in fiscal year 2008, followed in parentheses by the dollar amount of per capita spending. It is no coincidence that the list is populated mostly with America’s smallest states: some public health programs funded by the CDC are not apportioned by population, giving smaller states a larger amount per person.

The top 10 states for federal public health funding per capita are:

1. Alaska ($52.78)
2. Vermont ($35.15)
3. Wyoming ($32.43)
4. Rhode Island ($32.09)
5. New Mexico ($30.94)
6. South Dakota ($29.12)
7. North Dakota ($27.45)
8. Hawaii ($25.55)
9. Delaware ($24.98)
10. Montana ($24.33)

Interested in learning more about disease prevention? Join the Healia Health Community for Wellness and Lifestyle.

_{Source: Trust for America’s Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Shortchanging America's Health: A State-By-State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent, 3/09. http://healthyamericans.org/assets/files/shortchanging09.pdf}

_{Photo: jswieringa, Flickr, Creative Commons}

This weekend is the start of Daylight Saving Time. Sunday, March 8 at 2am, most Americans will "spring" forward one hour (despite the fact that the recent lengthening of DST now means the "springing" actually takes place during the winter). In a previous blog post, we presented some of the health problems associated with the sudden time change and its attendant lack of sleep, and provided some tips for easing the transition into DST. We also mentioned that the adjustment can be made more easily if you regularly practice good sleep hygiene. In this article, we present some tips for good sleep hygiene that, if practiced regularly, can not only aid the transition to DST but also help you fall asleep more easily and get more restful sleep for the rest of the year.

In order to practice good sleep hygiene, researchers advise you to:

• Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, even on the weekends.
• Avoid daytime naps or limit them to one brief (15-30 minutes) mid-afternoon nap.
• Avoid drinking alcohol in the evening and do not use it to help you sleep.
• Avoid caffeinated products (coffee, tea, soda, chocolate) after mid-afternoon.
• Eliminate tobacco use, especially close to bedtime and during the night.
• Exercise regularly during the day, but avoid evening exercise.
• Avoid using the bedroom for homework, reading, business affairs, TV-watching, or exercise.
• Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable.
• Set aside about 45 minutes or more to wind down at the end of the day before going to bed.
• Avoid stress and worrisome thoughts in the evening before sleep.

For more information about good sleep habits, read the Healia Health Guide to Excessive Sleepiness. If you have a question about methods for easing the transition to DST, Ask the Experts at Healia Health Communities.

_{Source: University of Michigan Center for Sleep Science, Principles of Sleep Hygiene. http://www.med.umich.edu/neuro/Sleeplab/patients/resources.htm#principles}

_{Photo (adapted): ***j9***, Flickr, Creative Commons}

This Sunday, March 8^th marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST), when most Americans will move their clocks ahead one hour. This is the third year in which DST will start "early" on the second Sunday in March, thanks to a Congressional bill passed in 2005 that lengthens DST by nearly a month. While the energy saving from this program is still a topic of debate, there is ample evidence that "springing forward" may have negative health consequences.

Researchers from the University of Michigan say that while for some losing an hour of sleep causes only minor sleepiness and irritability in the period immediately following the clock change, for others the effects of the switch to DST may be more serious. The good news is that some simple preparations may help reduce these negative effects for everyone.

Studies show that in the weeks following the switch to DST, work performance may suffer and there is a greater risk of car accidents while driving, especially on the Monday following the switch. Other studies indicate that heart attacks increase in frequency after the switch, which may be related to a lack of sleep.

The impact of sleep deprivation tends to manifest itself differently in children, who instead of being sleepy may become hyperactive and inattentive in the days following the switch. This can impact their ability to function in school and can lead to disruptions in their relationships with friends and family.

So what can you do to help minimize the impact DST for yourself and your family? Some experts recommend taking a nap on the day before the switch, but the nap must be brief and take place well before bedtime in order to avoid disrupting the night’s sleep. If possible, you can try to get some extra sleep for a few days leading up to and after the switch to assist with the adjustment, particularly if you are a good sleeper. Another idea is to gradually shift your sleep schedule by going to sleep and waking 15-20 minutes earlier each night for 3-4 nights preceding the changeover, which can help your body adjust to the time change. Treatments often used to prevent jet lag may also be beneficial, such as exposure to bright light upon waking or a short course of melatonin pills. Talk with your doctor to find out if such treatments might be appropriate for you.

Other suggestions for easing the transition to DST include:

• Modify your eating schedule ahead of time by having dinner one hour earlier.
• Avoid napping after the switch, particularly before bedtime.
• Keep a light schedule on the Monday after the time change and avoid operating heavy machinery.
• Eat properly, stay hydrated, and remain physically active.

The adjustment can also be made more easily if you regularly practice good sleep hygiene. More information about this will come in about this in tomorrow’s blog. Also, firefighters would like to remind you that the switch to and from DST is a great time to check the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

For more information about good sleep habits, read the Healia Health Guide to Excessive Sleepiness. If you have a question about methods for easing the transition to DST, Ask the Experts at Healia Health Communities.

Related blog post: One-third of Americans Losing Sleep over Financial Concerns

_{Photo: Randy Son of Robert, Flickr, Creative Commons.}

A new study reveals that a higher intake of calcium may reduce the overall risk of cancer for women and also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and other digestive cancers for both men and women. The study appears in the February 23 edition of Archives of Internal Medicine.

Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) analyzed data from nearly 500,000 people who participated in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study that began in 1995. Participants between the ages of 50 and 71 filled out a questionnaire reporting how often and in what quantities they consumed dairy products and a wide variety of other foods, and whether they took supplements. Their records were then linked with state cancer registries to identify new cases of cancer.

After an average of seven years of follow up, nearly 50,000 cases of cancer had occurred. Calcium intake was associated with a decrease in the overall risk for all cancers in women and the more calcium women got, the more the risk decreased. Beyond 1,300 milligrams of calcium per day, no further reduction occurred.

While men did not display the same overall reduction in cancer risk, calcium intake was associated with reduced risk of cancers of the digestive system for both men and women. The top 20 percent of men who consumed the most calcium through food and supplements (about 1,530 milligrams per day on average) had a 16 percent lower risk of digestive cancers than the bottom 20 percent who consumed the least calcium (526 milligrams per day).

For women, those in the top 20 percent of calcium consumption (1,881 milligrams per day) had a 23 percent lower risk of these cancers than those in the bottom 20 percent (494 milligrams per day). This risk reduction was particularly pronounced for colorectal cancer. The study found no relationship between calcium and prostate cancer, breast cancer or other cancers.

The researchers believe that calcium may help prevent digestive system cancers by reducing abnormal growth in cells in the gastrointestinal tract or by reducing damage to the mucous membrane in the large intestine.

Calcium has long been known to be associated with bone health and calcium intake is critical in preventing osteoporosis. However, previous research into the role of calcium in cancer prevention has produced mixed results. The present study is one of the largest ever undertaken, but it relied on interviews instead of blood tests and can therefore only estimate the amount of calcium each participant had consumed.

Does this mean you should run out and buy calcium supplements? Perhaps, but the researchers found that the benefits of calcium were mostly associated with calcium-rich foods rather than supplements, although calcium from supplements alone was still effective in reducing colon cancer risk in men. Foods with lots of calcium include dairy products such as milk and yogurt and leafy green vegetables. The recommended daily calcium intake for older people is 1,200 milligrams, while for younger adults it is 1,000mg. Adolescents should get 1,300 milligrams per day of calcium.

For more information about nutrition or dietary supplements, join the Healia Health Community for Diet and Nutrition or the Healia Health Community for Dietary Supplements. Find out more about colorectal cacner at the Healia Health Community for Colorectal Cancer.

_{Photo (adapted): erix!, Flickr, Creative Commons}

The second annual Caffeinated Cities Survey was released earlier this year, which assessed local levels of caffeine consumption. The survey was conducted via telephone by Prince Market Research for HealthSaver and involved over 2,000 consumers in 20 major metropolitan areas in the U.S. It was designed to gather information about the amount and type of caffeine consumed in cities across the country to help understand the people’s attitudes about this most widely-used stimulant.

Evidence continues to accumulate that the most commonly consumed form of caffeine, coffee, has several health benefits for people who do not have heart problems or high blood pressure, including lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and colon cancer. It is likely that some of these benefits may be attributed to moderate caffeine consumption. However, coffee is not the only way to consume caffeine. The study also looked at other favorite ways that Americans obtain caffeine including caffeinated energy drinks, teas (green, black, and iced), colas, chocolate, and caffeine pills.

The top 5 cities in the U.S. for caffeine consumption are:

1. Tampa, FL. Tampa ranks second in tea consumption and fifth in coffee consumption among the cities on the list.
   
   
2. Seattle, WA. Not surprisingly, Seattle ranks first in consumption of coffee (including regular coffee and specialty drinks). Seattle also ranks first in chocolate consumption, and fourth in energy drink use, and is first in the proportion of people who admit being addicted to caffeine. Keeping Seattle from the top spot is the fifth lowest level of tea consumption on the list.
   
   
3. Chicago, IL. Chicago comes in third in chocolate consumption and fourth in cola drinking, but also tops the list with the highest proportion of respondents saying they were not addicted to caffeine.
   
   
4. New York, NY. New Yorkers drink the most tea of any city on the list, but also have the lowest cola consumption. Interestingly, people from New York are also the most likely to say that caffeine is good for you.
   
   
5. Los Angeles, CA. L.A. comes in fourth in coffee consumption and ties for fifth with Boston for admission of caffeine addiction.

Have a question about the health benefits or risks of caffeine-containing products? Ask the Experts at Healia Health Communities.

Related blog posts: Coffee Drinking Reduces Risk of Mouth and Throat Cancers by Half
Johns Hopkins Researchers Issue Warning about High Caffeine Levels in Energy Drinks

_{Source: HealthSaver Caffeinated Cities Survey, 01/09. http://www.affiniongroupmedia.com/themes/site_themes/affinionassets/releases/health_saver/08caffeine/media/National_RLS.pdf}

_{Photo: mararie, Flickr, Creative Commons}

More than 50 new Healia Health Information Guides have just been launched. The Health Guides are original, consumer-friendly health information guides that provide trusted information about common health topics. Each Health Guide, written by a medical writer and reviewed by a physician, provides essential information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors and prevention.

Available Health Information Guides include the following topics:

• Acid Reflux
• Alcoholism
• Allergies
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Back Pain
• Breast Cancer
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Celiac Disease
• Chickenpox
• Childhood Vaccines
• Chlamydia
• Dementia
• Depression
• Ear Infection
• Excessive Sleepiness
• Fibromyalgia
• Genital Herpes
• Genital Warts
• Graves' Disease
• Heart Disease
• Heart Palpitations
• Hepatitis B
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Lupus
• Lyme Disease
• Menopause
• Menstruation
• Migraine
• Mono
• Obesity / Overweight
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Pink Eye
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Pregnancy
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Ringworm
• Salmonella
• Sinusitis
• Stress Management
• Tuberculosis
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Uncontrolled Asthma
• Vaccines
• Weight Management

This Sunday, with millions of people attending Super Bowl viewing parties in homes, bars, and restaurants across the country, safety and health should be a primary concern. With so many people heading out to parties, the roads can be a hazardous place to be both before and after the big game. The living room can also be hazardous for kids and pets when it is full of raucous partygoers. Also, Super Bowl gatherings often provide the opportunity to eat and drink too much. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has come up with a list of 5 tips to help ensure your Super Bowl Sunday is a safe and healthy one.

1. Eat healthy. If you are attending a Super Bowl party, it is a good idea to eat a healthy meal before you go. That way you won’t be tempted to snack throughout the long game or to overindulge in unhealthy foods. If you are hosting the party, include some healthy snack and entrée options. You can still serve the traditional typical pizza, wings, and chips, but try including some fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples or carrot sticks, and food and options that are low in sugar and fat, such as "baked" potato chips, low-fat dips, and pretzel sticks. You can also offer low-fat beverage options such as coffee, tea, and fruit drinks.
   
   
2. Limit alcohol. If you are a partygoer, avoid overindulging in alcoholic beverages before, during, and after the game. Moderate alcohol consumption may be fine, as long as you are not driving. Plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver before the party begins. If you are a host, take steps to make sure that all your guests avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver. Offer alcohol-free beverages. Take responsibility and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
   
   
3. Move around. If you watch the pre-game, game, and after-celebration, you will spend eight hours or more sitting. Make sure to include some physical activity during the day. You don’t necessarily need to go for a two mile run a halftime, just try to include some activities that raise your breathing and heart rate. Play a game of touch football during pregame or at halftime. Take a brisk 10 minute walk. Go up and down the stairs a few times. Anything to get you moving around.
   
   
4. Stay warm. Many parts of the country are pretty chilly right now. If it’s going to be cold where you are, take steps to stay warm, especially if you have to be outdoors for any length of time. Dress warmly wearing loose-fitting layers that you can easily remove if you get hot. Drink warm liquids that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol, which tend to dehydrate you. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not warm you up; instead it actually causes your body to lose heat more quickly. When using a heat sources such as a radiator or space heater, make sure it is at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
   
   
5. Be careful. Injuries can easily occur to adults or children if you are not paying attention. Parties and tailgating can be fun, but it’s important to pay close attention to things that may cause injury. Take precautions to help prevent unwanted contact (physical, emotional, or sexual) between individuals. Watch the kids: DO NOT leave children unattended. Make sure your pets can handle the excitement before placing them in new or strange situations. If not, keep them in a safe place away from the noise, but make sure they have adequate food and water and that they get an opportunity to go to the bathroom. Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other or other combustible heat source indoors. Have a first-aid kit in your home and vehicle to handle injuries, like small cuts and bruises. Be especially careful when playing with children, particularly if you have been drinking.

Enjoy the game!

Have questions about party safety or other health issues? Ask the Experts at Healia Health Communities.

<sub>Source: CDC Office of Women's Health, modified January, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/men/superbowl/index.htm

Photo: Alissa Gail Oakley, Flickr, Creative Commons</sub>