Feb 12, 2007

Scottsdale, AZ (February 12, 2007) – More than the weather may have contributed to your winter blues.  In industrialized nations, individuals are likely to spend 90% of their time indoors.  Here in the Valley of the Sun we have incurred one of the coldest periods on record forcing many of us to spend even more time indoors.  “A common issue we all face, yet may not think about, is the quality of our indoor air.” says Dr. Schuyler McHenry of Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center where he treats patients with a variety of environmental health issues, “Indoor air quality can be a contributor to disease and recurrent illness that may not respond well to conventional therapy because of an inaccurate assessment.”

In a closed containment unit, whether a house, apartment, condominium, office building, or school, there are ventilation ducts, air system returns and intakes.  During the winter season you may have inside those buildings with you additions such as new furniture, carpeting, home decor, new clothing and other materials that may have been treated with chemicals.  When warmed, these volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) can be released into the air.  Depending on the quality and number of air filters and how often they are changed, the air you and your family are breathing is not so much air alone but more a gaseous combination of chemicals, bacteria, fungi, spores, dust, and other microbes.  With windows and doors shut tight against the cold and heating systems constantly running, the air is continuously recycled in the ventilation system and thus re-introduced to your body.

According to Dr. McHenry, “The reason that indoor air pollution may not be correctly identified is that the symptoms are similar to those of a typical upper respiratory infection or allergies.  Typical symptoms that may be attributed to indoor air pollution include rhinitis, nasal congestion, sore throat, irritated eyes, nausea, headache, fatigue and mental changes.”

As with all medical conditions, it is best to check with your doctor or health care practitioner for a thorough medical assessment to the cause of your illness but there are some things you may do at home to improve your indoor air quality to protect you and your family from bad indoor air.

Dr. McHenry suggests the following:

Maintain your HVAC system

-         Purchase high quality air filters and HEPA filters in your furnace or air conditioning units and replace them as frequently as suggested by the manufacturer.

-         Have your entire air system cleaned professionally by someone familiar with that particular equipment.

Cleaning your house

-         Keep the area well ventilated when cleaning.  Stirring up dust particles and pollutants can increase exposure while cleaning.

-         Cover mattresses.  Wash bedding and soft toys frequently in hot water (>130°).

-         Vacuum carpets and upholstery with a commercially available vacuum that has a HEPA quality filtration system.

-         Wipe down with soap and water after dusting or vacuuming to further eliminate any pollutants that were stirred up during cleaning.

Air treatments

-         Consult a specialist in air purification systems to find out which system might be best for your particular needs and budget.  Air filtration is achieved by a combination of activated carbon, anti-microbial filters, ionizers, ozone generators, and HEPA quality filter units.

-         Consider using a humidifier in the home to maintain humidity greater than 20% to reduce the possible irritation from certain pollutants and less than 50% where there may be an increase in possible growth of biological agents.

If you find that these few tips are not sufficient to improve your indoor air and quality of living then consult with your health care provider or an environmental medicine specialist.  Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) and its teaching clinic, Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center offer treatments for people suffering from environmentally associated disease.  SCNM is in the process of developing what will be known as the Environmental Medicine Center of Excellence to provide in-depth training for Naturopathic medical students interested in pursuing a career in environmental medicine.

It is critical to take control of your health and that of your family’s in order to improve your wellbeing and quality of life.  Enjoy each breath you take and consider what may be living with you in your home.

Credit to the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  

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About Dr. Schuyler McHenry

Dr. Schuyler McHenry graduated from Ithaca College in New York with a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation in 2001.  He attained his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in the spring of 2006.  Dr. McHenry is an academic instructor at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Cortiva Institute and Phoenix College. His clinical interests are in the treatment of acute and chronic disease utilizing homeopathy, nutrition, acupuncture, environmental and physical medicine.  He intends to enter into private practice upon completion of his residency and continue to be an educator in the field of health and wellness. 

About Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center

The Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center has provided Naturopathic healthcare to surrounding communities for more than ten years.  The Medical Center is a division of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and a teaching facility for Naturopathic medical students.  Physicians at the Medical Center treat patients of all ages using a variety of natural and complimentary alternatives to assist patients in their healing process and maintaining wellness.  Also available on site is the fully accredited and licensed laboratory and the Natural Medicinary, Arizona’s largest natural dispensary for Naturopathic Medicine.

About Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

Located in Tempe, Ariz., and founded in 1993, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) is an accredited higher learning institution, offering a four-year professional level medical program in Naturopathic Medicine. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes the body’s innate ability to self-heal. It draws on a rich history of natural, nontoxic therapies in combination with current medical advances. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care using integrative modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, www.scnm.edu.