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Induction into
International Homes & Housewares Association’s Innovation Timeline
Crane USA was founded in 2005 on the belief that design is an attitude and that the home is a personal expression of an individual’s lifestyle. We also realize that more than ever before, people are looking to improve their health and their home environment. Crane is a company that recognizes these health concerns and people’s individual lifestyles. While humidifiers, air purifiers and space heaters are some of the best ways to control indoor air pollutants and temperature, most people don’t break into a smile about these traditionally unexciting humidity, air quality and heating solutions. Here at Crane, we are looking to change that by turning these old fashioned eye sores into eye catchers. From the beginning Crane USA has taken the lead in putting “fun” into cool mist humidifiers, air purifiers and space heating by following our mantra: Design for Betting Living. Our products are functional and efficient at fulfilling your home improvement needs while communicating on appreciation for elegant design. Furthermore, our unique sense of design and unwavering commitment to qualify allows us to continue to create our own distinctive interpretation of innovative humidity, air quality and heating solutions while remaining a step ahead of the crowd. For more information, please visit: www.crane-usa.com and discover how elegant design goes hand in hand with Better Living
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Young children commonly get about 6 – 8 Colds and upper respiratory tract infections each year. Due to the risk of overdose, the FDA and pediatricians recommend not giving over the counter cough and cold medicine to children under the age of six. For cold and flu symptoms, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following: Cool mist humidifier, Saline nasal solution & Nasal aspirator Humidifiers help with overall cold and flu symptoms. A cool mist humidifier is preferred over a warm mist humidifier because the water does not boil. Specifically, humidifiers help with the following: Loosen nasal congestion, ease dry coughs, sooth itchy dry skin, moisten chapped lips, and prevent nose bleeds ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Humidifiers and Breastfeeding When breastfeeding, it is important for infants to be able to easily breathe through their noses. Using a humidifier helps to loosen nasal congestion, prevent nosebleeds and moisten sinus and nasal passages making breathing through the nose much easier. If your infant cannot easily breathe through his or her nose, it can be frustrating and difficult for mother and child during nursing. What is the difference between a cool mist and a warm mist humidifier? Warm mist humidifiers produce a warm mist by boiling the water in the humidifier to produce steam. Ultrasonic humidifiers generate a cool mist when a thin film of water is passed over a rapidly vibrating transducer. The vibration breaks the water up into tiny droplets and emits a whisper quiet cool mist. What is the difference between a humidifier and an air purifier? Humidifiers add moisture to a room or home by dispersing water vapor into the air. Air purifiers intake, purify, and output freshly cleaned air by removing particles and pollutants from the air.
Children & COLDS HOW COLDS SPREAD-----------------------------------------------Colds are caused by viruses, which are extremely small infectious organisms (much smaller than bacteria). A sneeze or a cough may directly transfer a virus from one person to another. The virus also may be spread indirectly, in the following manner. A child or adult infected with the virus will, in coughing, sneezing, or touching her nose, transfer some of the virus particles onto her hand. She then touches the hand of a healthy person. This healthy person touches her newly contaminated hand to her own nose, thus introducing the infectious agent to a place where it can multiply and grow—the nose or throat. Symptoms of a cold soon develop. The cycle then repeats itself, with the virus being transferred from this newly infected child or adult to the next susceptible one, and so on.
TREATMENT -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Unfortunately, there’s no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics may be used to combat bacterial infections, but they have no effect on viruses, so the best you can do is to make your child comfortable. Make sure she gets extra rest and drinks increased amounts of fluids. If she has a fever and is very uncomfortable, give her single-ingredient acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is approved for use in children six months of age and older; however, it should never be given to children who are dehydrated or who are vomiting repeatedly. (Be sure to follow the recommended dosage for your child’s age and the time interval for repeated doses.) It’s important to note, though, that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines should not be given to infants and children under two years old because of the risk of life-threatening side effects. Also, several studies show that cold and cough products don’t work in children younger than six years and can have potentially serious side effects. In addition, keep in mind that coughing clears mucus from the lower part of the respiratory tract, and ordinarily there’s no reason to suppress it. If your infant is having trouble breathing or drinking because of nasal congestion, clear her nose with saline (salt water) nose drops or spray, which are available without a prescription. This can then be followed by suction with a rubber suction bulb every few hours or before each feeding or before bed. For the nose drops, use a dropper that has been cleaned with soap and water and rinsed well with plain water. Place two drops in each nostril fifteen to twenty minutes before feeding, and then immediately suction with the bulb. Never use nose drops that contain any medication, since excessive amounts can be absorbed. Only use normal saline nose drops. When using the suction bulb, remember to squeeze the bulb part of the syringe first, gently stick the rubber tip into one nostril, and then slowly release the bulb. This slight amount of suction will draw the clogged mucus out of the nose and should allow her to breathe and suck at the same time once again. You’ll find that this technique works best when your baby is under six months of age. As she gets older, she’ll fight the bulb, making it difficult to suction the mucus, but the saline drops will still be effective. Placing a cool-mist humidifier (vaporizer) in your child’s room also will help keep nasal secretions more liquid and make her more comfortable. Set it close to her (but safely beyond her reach) so that she gets the full benefit of the additional moisture. Be sure to clean and dry the humidifier thoroughly each day to prevent bacterial or mold contamination. Hot-water vaporizers are not recommended since they can cause serious scalds or burns.
LOW HUMIDITY is proving to be the first viable answer to the mystery behind the flu virus’s prominence in winter months. A new study done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that relative humidity levels of 43% eliminated 86% of the flu virus particles in the air, compared to just 23% to 30% at 23% relative humidity. Moisture from the water vapor in the air combines with germs and other airborne chemicals, causing them to become heavy and fall to the ground. This makes surviving and spreading incredibly difficult for the virus. What’s interesting is the experiment measured relative humidity instead of absolute humidity. The difference is important, because cold air cannot hold as much water vapor as warm air. In 2009, two researchers revisited a 2007 study that measured the effects of relative humidity on guinea pigs. By converting the data from the study into absolute humidity, the team uncovered a more definite link between air moisture and the flu virus’s ability to survive and spread in dry air. After an hour, less than 20% of the virus was still able to survive and spread in the wettest possible absolute humidity, while at the driest conditions 80% of the virus was still capable of making someone sick. After 23 hours, the viruses in the most humid conditions were all dead, while 60% of those under the most dry conditions were still alive. These important developments suggest that maintaining comfortable humidity levels is critical in places where the spread of influenza poses a serious threat, like intensive care units or even a home with a sick child. According to Dr. Philip Tierno, clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at NYU Langone, maintaining 45% humidity during the wintertime isn’t easy. Between the climate conditions and the dry heat, even relative humidity levels of 20% can be hard to achieve!
You know what means: there’s never been a better time to pull out
your Crane Humidifier.
GET SMART:
Know When Antibiotics Work Children and adults with viral infections, which antibiotics cannot treat, usually recover when the illness has run its course. Colds, a type of viral infection, can last for up to two weeks. You should keep your healthcare provider informed if your or your child’s illness gets worse or lasts longer than expected. Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve some symptoms. HOW TO FEEL BETTER ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What can I do to feel better if antibiotics won’t treat my illness because it’s caused by a virus? For upper respiratory infections, such as sore throats, ear infections, sinus infections, colds, and bronchitis, try the following: → Get plenty of rest → Drink plenty of fluids → Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer → Avoid smoking, second-hand smoke, and other pollutants (airborne chemicals or irritants) → Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain or fever (read about what is safe to give your child) For children and adults, over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal sprays may help relieve some symptoms. Remember, always use over-the-counter products as directed. Many over-the-counter products are not recommended for children younger than certain ages. Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, fever and aches, but they do not shorten the length of time you or your child is sick. Learn more by reading below about over-the-counter medicines. Here are some helpful tips for how to feel better depending on how you or your child feels. Remember to read about what is safe to give your child! SORE THROAT • Soothe a sore throat with ice chips, sore throat spray, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children) • Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer • Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain or fever EAR PAIN • Put a warm moist cloth over the ear that hurts • Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain or fever RUNNY NOSE • Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray to help relieve nasal symptoms SINUS PAIN/PRESSURE • Put a warm compress over the nose and forehead to help relieve sinus pressure • Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray • Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower • Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain or fever COUGH • Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer or breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines • For children and adults, over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal sprays may help relieve some symptoms. Remember, always use over-the-counter products as directed. Not all products are recommended for children younger than certain ages.
Overuse and misuse of OTC cough and cold medicines in young children can result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. These medicines may help relieve symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, fever and aches, but they do not shorten the length of time you or your child is sick. More information is available about pain relievers (National Institutes of Health), decongestants (American Academy of Family Physicians), nasal wash treatment (National Jewish Health), and humidifiers (Humidifier Health). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions & Answers for Parents about Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines For adults, over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal sprays may help relieve some symptoms. Remember, always use over-the-counter products as directed. For children, over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal sprays may help relieve some symptoms. Not all products are recommended for children of certain ages. These medicines may help relieve symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, fever and aches, but they do not shorten the length of time you or your child is sick. Q: What pain relievers can I give my child? A: For babies 6 months of age or younger, parents should only give acetaminophen for pain relief. For a child 6 months of age or older, either acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given for pain relief. Be sure to ask your child’s healthcare provider for the right dosage for your child’s age and size. Do not give aspirin to your child because of Reye's syndrome, a rare but very serious illness that harms the liver and brain. Learn more about Reye’s syndrome. Q: Should parents give cough and cold medicines to young children? A: The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), a group that represents most of the makers of nonprescription over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines, recommends that these products not be used in children under 4 years of age. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supports this recommendation. Overuse and misuse of OTC cough and cold medicines in young children can result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. Q: What can parents do to help their children feel better if they are too young to take cough and cold medicines or the healthcare provider advises against using them? A: Parents might consider clearing nasal congestion in infants with a rubber suction bulb. Also, a stuffy nose can be relieved with saline nose drops or a clean humidified or cool-mist vaporizer. Q: Should parents give cough and cold medicines to children over 4 years of age? A: Cough and cold symptoms usually go away without treatment after a certain amount of time. Overthe-counter cough and cold medicines will not cure the common cold, but may give some temporary relief of symptoms. Parents should consult their child’s healthcare provider if they have any concerns or questions about giving their child a medication. Parents should always tell their child’s healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are giving their child.
HUMIDIFIER FOR YOUR BABY Buying Guide GETTING STARTED ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are several reasons to consider buying a humidifier. Raising the level of indoor humidity can not only ease cold symptoms but also reduce dry skin and itchy eyes, especially during winter. Ideally, indoor humidity should be 30 percent to 50 percent. In winter, heating in your home or apartment can cause it to drop as low as 10 percent. If you live in a dry climate or a region where winter means turning up the heat, a humidifier can alleviate discomfort for everyone in the family. "They can be very helpful for upper respiratory and lower respiratory tract infections," says John Santa, M.D., director of the Health Ratings Center for Consumer Reports. "In a winter environment where you have hot, dry air, a humidifier can loosen secretions and help people expectorate and get rid of both nasal and oral secretions." (Subscribers can find the top-rated models in our humidifier Ratings.) Of course, adults can also turn to cold remedies and get preventative flu shots, but that isn't an option for very young children. The Food and Drug Administration now recommends that children under the age of 2 not be given over-the-counter cough and cold products. Babies under 6 months shouldn't receive a flu vaccine, either. Parents looking for a way to give their children some relief can try using a humidifier. Along with a suctioning bulb and saline drops (or a fine mist saline spray designed for babies), a humidifier can make it easier for your baby to breathe, even if she is sick. "Definitely they can help kids with cold symptoms because it can help relieve stuffiness and keep the passages more comfortable," says Jennifer Shu, M.D., a pediatrician in Atlanta and editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics parenting site. Since viruses can grow more easily in cold, dry air, running a humidifier might help prevent children from getting sick in the first place. "Using a humidifier may kill the viruses faster and create an environment that prevents viruses from thriving," Shu says. Today's humidifiers are better than earlier models, but tabletop and console models still require frequent maintenance. Changing the water daily, as well as cleaning the reservoir and drying it thoroughly, help prevent bacteria and mold growth. Minerals in tap water can cause an accumulation of scale, which should be removed regularly with vinegar and disinfected with bleach. Filters and wicks require periodic replacement. Note, too, that hard water might reduce some humidifiers' output and increase the buildup of scale. (The hardness of your water is measured by checking how much calcium and magnesium is in it.) Some humidifiers also have lower output with hard water. You can remedy that by using distilled water, which has a lower mineral content than most tap water and can help boost your humidifier's efficiency.
SAFETY MATTERS -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be careful about where you place the humidifier, and remember that it should be on a flat surface. Don't put it on the floor or a bureau, and try to keep where children and pets can't reach it. Always unplug the humidifier if you are going to move it, and don't leave it plugged in when it's not in use. "One other problem with these is that if you step on them you can spill water on the floor where other electrical devices are," Santa says. "You have to use common-sense safety principles with humidifiers. You should also remember not to close the doors to a child's room while a humidifier is running because the room can get overly humid." Avoid using warm-mist humidifiers, or vaporizers, in children's rooms. The hot steam can easily cause burns, and some of the surfaces might get hot.
katie@crane-usa.com
www.crane-usa.com