Allergen-Free Holiday Recipe's

Check out this link from the AAAAI for allergen free holiday recipe ideas! https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/food-allergies/food-allergy-free-recipes/food-allergy-free-holiday-recipes.aspx

Allergen-free Thanksgiving Stuffing Ideas

Here are some great allergen-free Thanksgiving stuffing ideas from kidswithfoodallergies.org! stuffinghttp://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/top-8-allergy-free-stuffing-recipes-Thanksgiving

5 Tips for an Allergy-Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about  family, food, and travel.  When you have allergies, this can be a challenging time, whether it is a concern about food allergies or exposure to allergens in a relative's house.  Here are 5 tips for making the holiday go a little more smoothly:

1. Prepare for exposure to dust or pets:  If you know you are dust mite allergic, but you are going to be staying in someone's guest room with older carpeting or sleeping on a mattress that may not be dust mite proofed like yours is at home, be proactive by taking a daily antihistamine (such as Allegra or Zyrtec) and allergist-prescribed nasal sprays or eyedrops for several days prior to the visit.  If you tend to have asthma symptoms with dust or pet exposure, make sure you are taking any preventative asthma medications your doctor has prescribed, and bring along your rescue inhaler. 

2. Avoid using fancy guest soaps:  If you have sensitive skin or contact allergies to soaps or lotions, bring your own hypoallergenic soap (Dove or Lever 2000 are usually safe).  Avoid scented or herbal soaps, shampoos, or lotions that may be provided for guests.

3. Avoid food allergens in preparation of the turkey or stuffing:  If you are allergic to wheat, soy, or milk, try to keep your turkey dinner simple -- a natural turkey is your best bet, since by law it must contain nothing but turkey and water.  Stuffing may contain a multitude of spices and allergenic ingredients, so if you are not sure about the content and know you are allergic to wheat, stay away from this part of the meal. 

4. Make your "sides" allergen-free too:   For allergen-free mashed potatoes, swap the milk and butter for chicken broth and margarine.  Use corn starch to thicken the gravy instead of wheat flour.  And forget about topping the green bean casserole with slivered almonds if you are allergic to tree nuts. 

5. Bring your own sweet treats:   Thanksgiving pies and desserts often contain common allergens such as milk, egg, and wheat.  To be on the safe side, if you have serious food allergies, bring your own dessert to share with the group. 

With a little thought toward prevention, you can avoid many of your allergy triggers, and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!  

Grass allergies don't have to limit world-class sports

While tennis champion Sabine Lisicki talks about managing her grass allergies with medications, playing a sport on grass can often be managed even more effectively through desensitization to grass by allergen immunotherapy, or "allergy shots".  Bottom line: no need to give up your favorite sport just because grass exposure is involved.  Call if you need some help with managing your allergies so that you can focus on your game!

 

Read Sabine's story here

 

The Epi-Pen that talks to you!

Click here to read the article that was in the New York Times about the newest epinephrine device.

Finding Relief for Eye Allergies

Allergies can affect the eyes, causing red, itchy, burning, and watery eyes and swollen eyelids. Many of the same treatments and self-help strategies that help reduce nasal allergy symptoms work for eye allergies, too.Eye allergies, also called "allergic conjunctivitis", affect one in five Americans. While allergies affecting the eyes usually do not threaten eyesight, they can be very uncomfortable and red, puffy eyes may be unbecoming.  But since these symptoms can sometimes be caused also by infections and other conditions that do threaten eyesight, it is a good idea to see your doctor if eye symptoms persist.

Triggers of eye allergies can be pollens, cat or dog danders, dust mites, or other airborne allergens.  On contact, thousands of cells in the surface of the eyes release histamine that leads to itchiness and other annoying allergy symptoms.  Rubbing the eyes makes it worse, while cool compresses and eyedrops that counteract the histamine effect can be very helpful.  Finding the cause and avoiding or immunizing against it (as with "allergy shots" or immunotherapy) can give more permanent relief. 

For more information, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.

A Stylish Solution for Kids with EpiPens

The Olli Pocket Cargo Pant from Olli Lolli is a stylish solution for kids who need to carry and EpiPen or asthma medication on them at all times.  Made of 100% organic cotton twill, these comfy cargos have a side pocket that's designed to carry those essential meds.  They also have sweaters, jackets and shirts that anounce to everyone what food your child is allergic to.  Visit www.ollilolli.com.

For more information on allergies and asthma, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.