HEALTH & FITNESS
2B — THE OBSERVER & BAKER CITY HERALD
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
Asthma or allergies? Limiting time
with live Christmas tree could help
By Katherine Rosenberg-
Douglas
Chicago Tribune
There can be endless debate
about the best time to set up a
Christmas tree, but the sym-
bols of holiday cheer can pose
an often-unheeded danger to
people with asthma or allergies
that means they may want to
keep a live tree in the house
only about a week.
That’s because of some-
thing called “Christmas tree
syndrome,” a term allergist
Dr. Lawrence Kurlandsky
introduced with two studies
suggesting that live Christmas
trees can be covered in mold
that can cause breathing issues.
People with asthma or allergies
are particularly susceptible, be-
cause 70% of the molds found
in live trees can trigger severe
asthma attacks, fatigue and
sinus congestion.
Dr. Sharmilee Nyenhuis, an
allergist at the University of
Illinois at Chicago, said some
people who have mold allergies
don’t realize the dangers of
Christmas tree mold.
“Around five to seven days
would probably be a good
amount of time to have a live
Christmas tree up, since after
seven days the mold count
starts to increase exponen-
tially,” she said.
The warmth inside homes
is one reason the mold on trees
gets more dangerous with time,
said Melanie Carver, vice presi-
dent of community health and
marketing for the Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of America.
“The trees themselves
most likely have mold spores
and pollen on them that are
brought into the home,” Carver
said in an email. “Mold grows
in warm, humid environments,
and sometimes the inside of
your home provides the perfect
conditions to encourage mold
growth.”
Kurlandsky published his
studies in 2007 and 2011 and
has since retired. If a Christ-
mas tree has mold when it’s
brought into a home, it makes
sense that people living there
may notice symptoms from
being exposed to it, such as
sinus and nasal congestion,
stuffiness, a runny nose,
itchy, watery eyes or a cough,
Nyenhuis said after reviewing
Kurlandsky’s research.
If the mold affects some-
one’s asthma, it could lead to
shortness of breath or chest
tightness, she said.
“If those symptoms are
always happening around the
holiday time, every December
or end of November when
people are putting up holiday
decorations, you may want to
consider that maybe you’re
someone with allergies and
speak with your doctor,” she
said.
JT Maier, owner of Ad-
vantaClean of Northwest
Chicagoland in East Dundee,
said artificial trees can be just
as problematic because they
might be covered in dust or
mold if they haven’t been prop-
erly stored.
“An artificial tree has its
advantages and its risks,” he
said. “A big mistake in Chica-
goland would be to put it in the
attic by itself without any bag
or without storing it in a plastic
container, for example. They’re
really asking for a lot of trouble
that way.”
Sitting there for 11 months,
the tree is bound to collect dust.
In an attic that isn’t insulated,
condensation also could start
to form.
“And water mixed with dust
equals mold growth,” Maier
said.
For those with allergies
who still want a holiday tree,
there are quick ways to protect
against the danger of mold,
regardless of tree type.
Maier recommends stor-
ing any holiday decorations,
including artificial trees and
ornaments, in a climate-con-
trolled space, such as a closet
or finished basement instead of
an unheated attic. He also said
cardboard is a big no-no, since
pests love it and it also will get
moldy if it gets wet.
Use a leaf blower on a real
tree before bringing it in the
house, to shake off any pollen
or mold. Washing it first works
even better, but that can be
tricky during a Chicago winter.
Carver, who said she recom-
mends washing the tree with a
small amount of bleach in wa-
ter, said bringing a tree inside
before it’s completely dry also
can promote mold growth.
But Nyenhuis said it’s
not necessary to use caustic
cleaning products that can also
be dangerous for those with
breathing issues.
“If you have a live tree, I’d
recommend doing a vinegar
solution, one part vinegar to
one part water, and washing
the tree with that,” she said.
“Vinegar has mold-killing
properties and it’s a very cheap,
low-cost intervention.”
Artificial trees also can be
washed, or taken outside for
a good shaking to release any
dust, Carver said.
Maier said clients who
experience Christmas tree syn-
drome for the first time when
they’re older often ask why
they haven’t had problems
in the past, or why it seems
to be a more prevalent issue
for more people now than it
was decades ago. Many are
shocked when he explains it
has a lot to do with the push
toward energy effi ciency in
home building, which has
made homes more airtight.
“Anything in your house
today is more likely to stay
in your house. There’s no ex-
change bringing fresh air from
outside in,” Maier said.
There’s better insulation,
better siding and windows,
synthetic carpet and synthetic
hardwood fl oors, all to help
prevent drafts, he said.
“Trees aren’t the only fes-
tive decorations that can raise
concerns during the holidays
for people with asthma,
Carver said.
Artifi cial snow or fl ocking
on trees can release tiny par-
ticles into the air, which can
irritate the airways. Scented
candles, cleaning products,
indoor fi res and cold air are
all asthma triggers, Nyenhuis
said.
Both she and Maier said
those with breathing issues,
holiday-related or otherwise,
might consider an air purifi er
or air cleaner system to help
improve their air quality.
Interest-Free Home Repair Loans
MONEY AVAILABLE NOW!
Household
Size
Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc., has
Housing Rehabilitation money to loan to qualified local
homeowners.
Union County Grant, Baker Wallowa
TO QUALIFY, YOU MUST:
1) Own or be buying your home with a value less than
$195,000.
2) Have adequate collateral to secure the loan.
3) Own no other property.
4) Live in Grant, Wallowa, Union or Baker counties.
No Monthly
Payments!
For more info or to apply, contact
Community Connection of
Northeast Oregon, Inc
2802 Adams, La Grande
or Call 1-541-963-3186 .
Max Income By County
1
$34,100 $32,200 $33,050
2
$38,950 $36,800 $37,800
3
$43,800 $41,400 $42,500
4
$48,650 $46,000 $47,200
5
$52,550 $49,700 $51,000
6
$56,450 $53,400 $54,800
6) Meet other requirements of the program.
The Housing Rehab Program provides a zero-interest, deferred-
payment loan up to $24,999. Typical repairs include plumbing
and electrical, roofs, accessibility improvements, etc. The loan is
repaid when either the property is sold, the borrower no longer
resides in the residence, or upon the death of the last surviving
borrower. www.ccno.org (click link for Housing Rehabilitation)
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114 Self-Help
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WALLOWA COUNTY
AA MEETINGS
AL-ANON, Cove. Keep coming
back. Mondays, 7-8pm. Clavary
Baptist Church. 707 Main, Cove.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
Change Eating Habits
Friday 8:45 A.M.
Call: (541) 523-5128
AA MEETING:
Survivor Group
Mon., Wed. & Thurs.
12:05 pm-1:05 pm.
Presbyterian Church,
1995 4th St. (4th & Court Sts.)
Baker City. Open,
No smoking.
Enterprise
MONDAYS
Enterprise Group
7:00 pm
113.5 E Main St.
TUESDAYS
Enterprise Group
12 - 1:00 pm
113.5 E Main St.
Enterprise Group
7 - 8:00 pm
(Big Bk Study)
113.5 E Main St.
WEDNESDAYS
Enterprise Group
7:00 pm
113.5 E Main St.
THURSDAYS
Enterprise Group
12 - 1:00 pm
113.5 E Main St.
SUNDAY
Church Services
3:00pm
All Saints (Mens Mtg)
7:00 pm
113.5 E Main St.
LAST TUESDAY
(every month)
Poker Night (FREE)
6:00pm
WEDNESDAY
Public Bingo, 1:30pm
(.50 cents per card)
EVERY MORNING
(Monday - Friday)
Exercise Class
9:30am (FREE)
204 Automobiles
114 Self-Help
Group Meetings
1st FRIDAY
(every month)
Ceramics with Donna
9:00am to Noon
(prices starting at $3)
MONDAY NIGHTS
Nail Care
5:15pm (FREE)
204 Automobiles
Visit
www.gossmotors.com
for our most current offers and to
browse our complete inventory.
FRIDAYS
Enterprise Group
7:00 pm
113.5 E Main St.
SATURDAYS
Enterprise Group
7:00 pm
113.5 E Main St.
City of Joseph
MONDAYS
Grace and Dignity
(Womans Mtg)
6:00 pm
Joseph United
Methodist Church
301 S. Lake St,
Corner 3rd & Lake
Side Stairs on Lake St.
WEDNESDAYS
Grace and Dignity
(Womans Mtg) 12 pm
301 S. Lake St.,
Church Basement
City of Wallowa
SUNDAYS
Assembly of God Church
7pm
Questions call
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Wednesday Nights, 7-8:15pm.
Fort Union Grange Hall, corner
of Mc Alister & Gekeler Lanes.
For more info, call 541-786-1222
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
Goin’ Straight Group Meetings
Mon., Thurs., & Fri.,; 8 PM
Episcopal Church Basement
2177 1st Street ࢹBaker City
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AL-ANON
Wed., 4 p.m. ࢨ Halfway Library
(Please use back door)
Corner of Church St. /Gover Ln.
Halfway, OR
(541) 540-5326
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Calvary Baptist Church
2130 4th Street
Baker City, OR
Every Thursday
Dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Class starts at 6:15 p.m.
DO YOU HAVE............
HURTS, HABITS
and/or HANG UPS?
12 Step Biblical Support
Harvest Church
3720 Birch St. Baker City
Thurs., 6:30 - 8:30 PM
LA GRANDE NOW HAS A
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
MEETING!
Every Friday Night @5pm, 2107
Gekeler Ln, LG, Church of Christ
basement. For more info please
call 971-219-8411
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
Tues., Noon - 1 PM
Baker County Library
(Archive Room)
2400 Resort St
541-540-5326
ADULT CHILDREN OF
DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES
“Core Erupt”
Tues., 5:30-6:45pm.
1st Presbyterian, LG
1308 Washington Ave.,
Use Spring St basement
entrance
AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP
(support for family & friends of
Alcoholics)
Tuesday evenings
Joseph Methodist Church
(basement on northside)
Joseph, OR
6-7pm. Contact 541-398-1398
ALZHEIMERS-DEMENTIA
Support Group meeting
2nd Friday of every mo.
11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
1250 Hughes Lane Baker City
Church of the Nazarene
(In the Fellowship Hall)
541-523-9845
SAFE HAVEN
Alzheimer/Dementia
Caregivers Support Group
2nd Friday of every month
at 11:45 AM
Fellowship Hall (right wing)
Nazarene Church
1250 Hughes Lane, Baker City
AL-ANON
Concerned about
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Saturday, 9 a.m.
Northeast OR
Compassion Center
1250 Hughes Ln.
Baker City
(509)420-0495
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BAKER COUNTY
AA MEETINGS
BAKER CITY
MONDAYS
Survivor’s Group
12 -1:00 pm
Baker Presbyterian Church
1995 4th St.
(4th & Court, Side Door)
TUESDAYS
K.I.S.S.
(Keep it Simple Sister)
12 - 1:00 pm
1645 Eldon St. Eldon Court
Apts Community Room
WEDNESDAYS
Survivor’s Group
12:05 pm
Baker Presbyterian Church
1995 4th St.
(4th & Court, Side Door)
THURSDAYS
Survivor’s Group
12:05 pm
Baker Presbyterian Church
1995 4th St.
(4th & Court, Side Door)
FRIDAYS
Been There Done That
(Grapevine Meeting)
5:30 -6:30 pm 2970 Walnut
(Corner of “D” & Grove St.)
Grove Apts. Community Rm
SATURDAYS
As Bill Sees It Group
10:00 am 2970 Walnut
(Corner of “D” & Grove St.)
Grove Apts. Community Rm
SUNDAYS
Been There Done That
5:30 pm 2970 Walnut
(Corner of “D” & Grove St.)
Grove Apts. Community Rm
Questions call AA Hotline:
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