WHY? WHY ME?

June 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Working in the design and construction community for over 20 years, I have seen many ‘new’ products, new processes using traditional products, and the swing to make everything old new again. The latest shift in the science of buildings seems to be swinging in all directions. New materials that are ’sustainable’, improved materials that are better for our environment, and old materials being used the way they always were. The trend to go green with everything has made a tidal wave with all that we do, especially in my industry. The science is in: The momentum to save the planet is has begun, but going green isn’t just about finding a sustainable alternative to the way in which we live. It is not about reversing global warming either. For me it means creating a safer place for my kids to play, improving my own heath, and saving money.

Changing the way in which we do everything as we know it demands a radical overhaul of everything learned. As with a new year’s resolution, change is not something take lightly. The process needs to be made one step at a time. Simple weekly adjustments can be made in everyone’s lives, including your children, you home and even the dog! But if you think going green demands a radical overhaul of your life, think again.

Anastasia Harrison, AIA, LEED-AP, IAQA Anastasia Harrison, is an architect at the forefront of the dialogue of green building and healthier indoor air solutions for common household items. A frequent lecturer on the USGBC speaker circuit, her comments on green design and indoor air quality have seen her featured in the state’s largest newspaper, the Star Ledger in addition to NJ Biz and the Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Journal, and even for the radio program “The Balancing Act for Women” where she will specifically discussed indoor air quality.

As technical specialists here at the IAQA Event, we all understand the importance of healthier buildings, we are trained on how to solve problems. But when all of the professionals are gone, and their work is done, what is the homeowner to do to ensure that the problems do not return? Or even cause other problems for themselves? This lecture is to discuss just that… How to live everyday in a contaminated world and made the most educated decisions for ourselves and our families.

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Posted by Anastasia Harrison | Filed Under Mothers musings

What does it mean to have a Drug allergy?

June 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment

A Drug allergy is not the same as a “side effect”:
Anything you put into your body has the potential to cause side effects- these are symptoms that are induced by the drug/chemical/herb that are usually predictable, documented and usually listed on the outside of the bottle. In the summer, for example, children taking antibiotics have an increased sensitivity to the sun, and risk of sunburn. This is a known side effect, not an allergy.

Drug allergies are different: they are unpredictable, less common and the result of an immune response that your body has to the drug. The first time your child takes a medicine they may appear to tolerate it well but their immune system may be internally developing a sensitivity to the chemical. Then the next time he or she takes the same medication, their immune system is geared up to recognize that medication, and the reaction is known as an allergic reaction- one that is immune mediated and can cause significant distress.