7 best and unfavorable cities for people with asthma

7 best and unfavorable cities for people with asthma

Over 25 million people in the country live with asthma. Where people live can dramatically affect the severity of their symptoms daily and the quality of care they receive. For example, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America drew up the 2019 Asthma Capitals Report, where they examined over 100 metropolitan cities across the country along eight risk factors that influence asthma outcomes to find out the best and worst cities to live for asthmatics.

The worst cities for people with asthma are:

Springfield, MA
Springfield has a high rate of asthma-related emergency room visits, the overall prevalence of asthma, and pollen counts, making it one of the worst cities for those with asthma.

Dayton, OH
Dayton has high asthma rates, indicated by the high usage of quick-relief treatments and controllers.

Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has a low rate of asthma specialists and a high rate of uninsured citizens, making it one of the worst cities to live in as an asthma patient.

Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has a high prevalence of asthma, a high number of emergency room visits, and a high number of asthma-related fatalities.

Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has poor air quality, a high rate of quick-relief treatment use, and a high occurrence of asthma.

Allentown, PA
Allentown has poor air quality, high asthma prevalence, and a low number of asthma specialists. Residents of the city are also highly affected by pollen, making it a difficult place for people with asthma to live.

Louisville, KY
Although the city is taking action to improve air quality, it was ranked as one of the worst places to live for people with asthma due to high pollen count, high controller use, and low air quality.

According to the report, some of the best cities for people with asthma are:

Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral has a low incidence of asthma and a low number of asthma-related emergency room visits. This may be because the city’s tropical environment provides some relief to asthmatics.

McAllen, TX
McAllen has a low number of asthma cases and deaths, but the city does report the highest poverty rate and can be one of the most challenging places to live with spring allergies.

Houston, TX
Houston has deficient asthma cases, asthma-related emergency room visits, and fatalities. The city also has an Asthma Prevention and Control Program to help asthmatics, with a particular emphasis on children.

Sarasota, FL
Sarasota has exceptional air quality and low asthma cases in the city.

Daytona Beach, FL
Apart from scoring well on the asthma front, Daytona Beach is also listed as one of the best places to live for people with allergies.

El Paso, TX
El Paso has an Asthma and Allergy Coalition that works actively to improve the quality of asthma and allergy care by raising awareness across the city.

San Antonio, TX
Despite the high prevalence of asthma in children across the city, the city is one of the best places to live due to better ranking in other factors and a coalition working to provide in-home asthma treatment for children in need.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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7 incredible benefits of omega-3 fatty acids

Understanding the benefits of the nutrients in different foods helps determine which ones to add to the meal plan. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that perform many essential bodily functions and are found in several everyday foods, including fatty fish, flaxseeds, plant oils, and guavas. Eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid are the three primary types of omega-3 fatty acids. Let's have a look at some benefits of eating omega-3-rich foods regularly. Lowered risk of cardiovascular diseases Triglycerides increase one's susceptibility to atherosclerosis, a condition that gradually thickens the arteries and increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids lower triglyceride levels in the body, thus reducing one's susceptibility to heart diseases and arrhythmia. Good eye health Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, forms a crucial part of the retina. An absence of it in the eyes can lead to compromised vision. Thus, foods rich in omega-3 can help prevent eye problems like macular degeneration and permanent blindness. DHA is mainly found in fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, herring, and shellfish. Resistance to auto-immune diseases Omega-3 fatty acids can help the body fight auto-immune diseases like type 1 diabetes, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps relieve psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Cancer prevention Studies have shown that individuals who regularly eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids have a 55% lower risk of colon cancer. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids have also been associated with a lowered risk for prostate and breast cancer. Relief from asthma Asthma is caused by inflammation in the passage to the lungs. It leads to symptoms like wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath. Asthma attacks can often be debilitating, and chronic asthma can trigger other health conditions. Studies have shown that omega-3-rich foods can prevent and relieve asthma, particularly among children and young individuals. Relief from menstrual pain Researchers have found that women who followed a meal plan rich in omega-3 fatty acids had less menstrual pain. This is mainly because the nutrient is essential for regulating one's hormones and increasing blood flow to the uterus. Enhanced sleep quality Lesser concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in the body are linked to sleep issues among children and obstructive sleep apnea among adults. Less DHA, particularly, leads to lower melatonin levels, a hormone governing sleep. Thus, having omega-3 fatty acids can prevent sleep issues and promote quality sleep. A meal plan rich in omega-3 fatty acids benefits the immune system and prevents and heals several health conditions. Individuals may consult a nutritionist and discuss their current meal plan with them. The expert will help determine whether they need more omega-3 and suggest an alternative nutrition plan if required.

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