Sneezing in the Suburbs
Chop Chop to Chop, A Stormy Night at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
January 10, 2013
It’s been 12 years since our last overnight visit to the CHOP, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Although my son has been in the ER numerous times for asthma, hives, and allergic reactions, he hasn’t been admitted overnight in years. Born in New Orleans during Tropical Storm Francis, he’s accustom to wild weather, so it was no surprise that just before Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast, we found ourselves back in the hospital.
A Walk with Sue Harrison, FAAN Walk for Food Allergies Philadelphia
September 24, 2012
Through my own allergy quest, I’ve met some truly inspiring people. Sue Harrison, the FAAN Chairperson for the Walk for Food Allergies Philadelphia, is one of those people. I recently had the privilege of working for her at the registration table for the walk and met the volunteers behind the scene of this well received and well-organized fundraiser.
Natural Ways to Combat West Nile Without Pesticides
August 30, 2012
The West Nile Virus is spreading from Texas to Pennsylvania. Backyard barbecues have become stressful as parents worry if that nasty bite was from a mosquito carrying the disease. Although we spray ourselves with kid friendly bug repellents, the Mosquitos find that one-spot we missed. Pesticide sprays for mosquitos, such as pyrethrins, Pyrethoids, and Butoxides can cause health problems for those with asthma and allergies. Here are some more natural ways to reduce the Mosquitos in your yard and some interesting research from Penn State.
Creative Ideas for Your Allergic Child's 504 School Plan
June 16, 2012
After missing 22 days of middle school, we finally got our son's federal 504 plan approved. It's the fifth year our son has missed 20 or more days of school. If you have a child with significant allergies or asthma, it's worth the effort to pursue a custom 504 plan. If you are not familiar with this law, now is the time to start your research.
Find the Perfect Pet for Your Allergic Child
March 14, 2012
Giving away a pet is heartbreaking for children. It’s somewhat easier if you have just acquired the pet but very difficult if the pet has been a part of the family. After the guinea pig scare, we decided to have our son tested to see if he was allergic to other animals. At his age, the standard test is an agonizing skin test.
Turn on the Air Cleaner and Enjoy the View
November 13, 2011
We live in a world full of obstacles for those of us with allergies. Everywhere we go, we’re bombarded with things that trigger any number of allergic symptoms, from mild sneezing to a full blown anaphylactic emergency.
Allergies on the Rise
May 18, 2011
It’s spring again in the U.S., also known as pollen season. It was a long and cold winter with more snow than I can remember in the last 11 years. In fact, the snow, which usually melts after the third day on the ground, stayed and lingered for what seemed like the entire winter. So what does all this snow have to do with allergies? A lot!
Pollen Allergies and Oral Allergy Syndrome
March 28, 2011
Because many fruits and vegetables have proteins that cross-react with pollen proteins, if you have pollen allergies, your body may also set off an immune response when you eat certain foods.
What is Environmental Illness (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) and What Can You Do About It?
January 20, 2011
We are all exposed to an abundance of chemicals and toxins every day. They’re in the air, in our household products, and even in our food and make-up. We are exposed when we’re at home, at work, at school, or basically anywhere. Although most people are not severely effected by these chemicals, many others suffer from a range of symptoms.
Cold Urticaria Disorder - I'm Allergic to the Cold!
December 27, 2010
Winter is bearing down on most of the U.S. with snow drifts and cold chills. Winter jackets, gloves, and hats are important, but did you know that the cold could be life threatening to those with an allergic reaction to cold temperatures? Cold Urticaria, or hives from being exposed to cold temperatures or feeling cold, is a real allergy and a problem that affects my son.
Behold the Fall Mold
November 8, 2010
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Northeast. As the crisp air swirls through the trees and the rain sets in, leaves start to change from green to vibrant shades of crimson and mustard. For a brief time, the fallen leaves sit stiffly on the wet grass trapping dampness underneath before degrading to a dull brown. As beautiful as the leaves are and as wonderful as it is to run through piles of them, for people who are sensitive to mold, this is the worst time of year.
Food Allergies Can Make You Fat - Really!
October 7, 2010
For years I’ve been searching for the Holy Grail of diets. I’ve tried weight watchers, Atkins, and everything in between. My weight has gone from the high end of normal to pushing the pounds. Pregnancies were especially difficult, as I had nausea for not one trimester, but all three. My doctor even joked in my ninth month that he guaranteed the nausea would be gone within the month. And after giving birth, I actually only weighed 2 pounds less than before I got pregnant. When I stopped breastfeeding, the weight crept up to even loftier heights. After three babies, two of which were 10 pounders, the awful weight has remained on my 5’7” frame.
Alternative Treatments to Chlorine Pools
July 2, 2010
Summertime brings lots of challenges to those with allergies. Sure there is the pollen and usual suspects, but what if you are allergic to the chemicals in swimming pools? Two alternative water cleaning treatments are making their way into swimming pools across the country.
Project Allergy Welcomes Dr. Arthur Lubitz
May 31, 2010
To facilitate an open dialogue, Project Allergy is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Arthur Lubitz, renowned New York allergist and asthma specialist. Dr. Lubitz has been in the practice of allergy & immunology for 20 years, with multiple offices in Manhattan, New York City, and Long Island. Dr Lubitz is affiliated as a clinical instructor at NYU School of Medicine and Tisch Hospital, Senior Attending at Roosevelt Hospital, as well as Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy (FAAAAI).
Benadryl Recall Affects Child
May 4, 2010
I got a call yesterday from the nurse at my son's school. The emergency allergy medicine he has been taking at school for hives has been recalled. Specifically, the bottle he has been taking was "on the list." As drug manufacturers are pulling...
Zero VOC Paint - The Only Choice for Asthmatics
January 23, 2010
Project Allergy tests Mythic Paint - a healthy alternative for those allergic to chemicals. When my son was diagnosed with asthma 9 years ago, we completely remodeled his bedroom as a safe-haven from allergies. We removed the curtains, replaced the carpet on the floor with wood, bought cotton sheets and blankets that could be washed in hot water, added a high quality Honeywell Hepa filter, and covered his pillows and mattresses to protect him from dust mites. We were certain we had thought of everything. We didn't.
How To Survive Halloween
October 14, 2009
It's almost THAT time of year again - the time of year that parents with children who have food allergies fear the most. Schools, buses, parties, and trick-or-treating are all filled with fun and candy...and danger. It is Halloween.
Back to School with Allergies
September 1, 2009
For parents of children with severe life-threatening food allergies or asthma, back-to-school time is a source of stress and anxiety.
President Barack Obama's Search for a Hypoallergenic Dog
February 11, 2009
There has been some discussion in the past few months about President Obama’s decision to purchase a puppy for his children, once he moved into the White House. His daughters are allergic to animals, so he is looking for a hypoallergenic breed.
What Are All Those Funny Things in Foods?
November 7, 2008
There is a growing awareness that some individuals can experience a life-threatening response to foods like peanuts or eggs, but most people still think of allergic reactions as watery eyes from exposure to pollen or pets. In reality, there are so many potential allergens and so many different reactions, it can seem like an overwhelming amount of information.
Creating an Allergy Retreat for Your Bedroom
September 20, 2008
For people who are allergic to dust mites or have asthma, an allergy-free bedroom is the perfect retreat to allow the body to rebuild itself without fighting allergens. Here are some ideas that can help your family sleep soundly and symptom free.
Trusting Your Instincts
August 10, 2008
This is the story of how my daughter became diagnosed with Celiac Disease and my incredible working parent guilt for not having seen her symptoms more clearly.
Allergy Travel Traps
July 1, 2008
Navigating airlines, hotels and restaurants on vacation can be dangerous with allergies!
Chemicals in our Environment and Their Effects on Our Immune System
June 2, 2008
Although local, state, and federal government agencies have established general guidelines to protect human health and safety, most were established for adult males working in industry, not for the average adults, children, or pregnant women.
Global Warming is Driving My Son Crazy!
May 12, 2008
My son, who is 9, suffers from mold and pollen allergies. Typically they disappear in the winter, but not this year. Since Thanksgiving, his asthma has been an underlying problem, with missed school and sports. His asthma is under control, but the medicines that he takes to keep them under control are driving him nuts! This is not the first time we’ve seen his behavior change, but it is unusual to see it in winter.
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