DSS employee recognized for distinguished service
Iris Suggs, an office assistant at the Lenoir County Department of Social Services, has received the Distinguished Service Award for the first quarter 2013.
She was awarded for her service and dedication to the agency and residents of Lenoir County.
On behalf of the DSS Board of Directors, Suggs was recognized at the monthly board meeting on Jan. 24 by Jackie Brown, board chairwoman, and Valerie Williams, the Distinguished Service Award chairperson.
Home Solutions: Controlling home allergens
If you or your children have allergies or asthma, you already know that many things can bring on, or “trigger,” an asthma flare or episode.
Some things that trigger asthma attacks are called allergens. Many people get symptoms from only one allergen — like dust mites. For other people, more than one kind of allergen can trigger an episode. Animal dander, cockroaches, dust mites, mold, mildew and pollen are the most common allergens found in the home.
Cleaning your home is one of the easiest steps you can take to help reduce allergy or asthma flares and to control the common triggers. If you don’t clean, the mildew, dust and other allergens will build up, making asthma symptoms worse. Try these simple tips to rid your home of allergens.
A supportive family can make all the difference in the life of an asthmatic. When everyone in the household works together to maintain a clean and allergen-free environment, everyone benefits.
For the asthmatic person(s) in the family, the daily tasks of dishwashing and cleaning up clutter before it becomes dusty are of great importance.
When tackling other tasks — such as dusting, sweeping or using cleaning products that could trigger allergies/asthma — make sure that the asthmatic person is out of the room.
Read and follow label directions on cleaning products. The label directions give the proper amount of product to use, how to use the product and any special safety advice and warnings. Cleaning products can also trigger asthma attacks. Use with care.
If you use spray products, spray the cleaner on a cloth or sponge first instead of on the surface. This method will limit the amount of chemicals broadcast into the air.
Clean in a well-ventilated area — open a door and a window or turn on an exhaust fan. Leave the room when you are finished cleaning and allow the room to air out.
Use cleaning products that have no scent or are perfume free whenever possible. Fragrances can also trigger asthma attacks.
Try different products to find the ones that work best for you and your family.
Resource: Cleaninginstitute.org
Trudy W. Pickett is extension family and consumer agent at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.