Best Buds Provide Protection

Do you remember the fun of having a best buddy growing up? You did things together because you enjoyed each other’s company and shared the same interests. At the same time you felt secure knowing that you’d protect each other—today you’d say ‘I got your back’. Not just physical protection from the neighborhood bully, but probably even emotional and mental protection as you confided the disappointments or failures of the day. Best buddies care for each other and expect the best from each other.

In this often dangerous world we live in today, I would imagine that many adults reminisce of those days and of the childhood friends who meant so much to them. I know that I do occasionally.

The dangers of the world we live in today are much more than the neighborhood bully who comes back to us in the form of the jealous co-worker in the next cubicle preparing to sabotage your next project. Yes, that brings about mental and emotional stresses, disappointments and sometimes failures. As mature adults we can deal with those unwanted ‘dangers’.

Today, because of environmental changes that have taken place over the past 50 plus years, we face dangers of another kind. Environmental dangers, indoors or outside, can be more devastating to our well being than those we faced as children. We all—particularly baby boomers—learned about outdoor pollution in the growing years. We saw pictures of smog and billowy smokestacks coming from big city factories. Exhaust from cars and buses filled our airways as we crossed the street downtown. And the growing population just added to this seemingly dangerous situation.

But did we ever realize growing up the effects we could suffer one day as a result of shutting out the hot afternoon breeze while closing in the refreshing coolness? I can still remember how lucky we felt when my dad cut a huge hole in the wall and installed our very own air conditioner. Those first summer days stepping into that room from the hot outdoors seemed heavenly!

Today we take for granted that luxury while many people are still unaware of the dangers that have been introduced to our bodies as a result. How many cases of asthma, allergies and other airborne illnesses did you hear about when the curtains blew out the window? Not near as many as there are today. Molds, bacteria and viruses were not as commonly heard of then as they are now seen making daily headlines. Dust and unwanted smoke also add to the list of things that irritate the lungs of many people.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have your best buddy to help now against these unsolicited dangers? Where can we turn to get relief? Take heart—there are things you can do.

There are whole home systems available and there are personal air purification units that will provide complete protection for the wearer—what a great new little friend to have! Such wonderful technology is easily affordable and reliable and safe! There is no reason to not breathe fresher, cleaner air everywhere we go indoors. Imagine not having to worry about the person touting a box of tissue while hacking sitting next to you on an airplane. While shopping you don’t have to suffer the consequences of breathing the dust, allergens, molds and perfumes from the products on the shelves as well as the pollutants from the carpets, paint and wallpaper. As for myself, I would often walk into Wal-Mart and quickly forget what I had intended to purchase. Many chemicals will cause such short term memory. My husband is secretly grateful that I can now shop longer and buy many more items than needed since purchasing my own personal air purification unit!

Now it is my pleasure and lifelong commitment to help others breathe healthier and live safer in their daily indoor environments.

Kimberly Newsome

©June 2007