allergies

Some Good Reminders As Your Kids Continue Summer Camp!

July 21, 2015 by Deirdre McAndrew

Some Good Reminders As Your Kids Continue Summer Camp! Summer is in full swing and kids continue their Summer camp lifestyle! Here is a friendly reminder regarding certain health conditions to be considered. Did you know that one in 13 children in the U.S. live with food allergies? A common issue that causes many parents to worry about sending their children away. Whether it is eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soybeans, cow’s milk or wheat these common allergens maybe found in a camp’s dining hall.

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Benefits of Eating Gluten Free

May 6, 2015 by Denise Courter

The Benefits of Eating Gluten Free

There are a number of different things you have to do to keep yourself in great shape and feeling your best. A lot of the health problems most people have these days is caused by the foods they eat. Many people have horrible allergies to many of the substances that are in the processed foods around the country. One of the most damaging substances you can put into your body is gluten, which can cause a number of issues that can be detrimental to your health or well-being. The following are a few of the benefits you can gain when trying to go gluten free.

More Vitamins and Minerals

One of the biggest benefits you can gain when going Gluten free is the increased vitamins and minerals you can put into your body. The more breads you are able to cut out of your diet, the easier it will be for you to incorporate fruits and vegetables. By putting only the best things into your diet, you will be able to feel a lot better and get the vitamins you need. Make sure you plan out your menus to ensure you are avoiding Gluten at all costs.

Easier to Lose Weight

Another great benefit you will be able to take advantage of when trying to go Gluten free is that it will make it easier to lose weight. The biggest battle most people will face in their life is with their weight. In order to win this losing battle, you will have to make some lifestyle changes. In order to get the right diet in your life, you will have to cut out the Gluten due to the negative effects it could have on your body. The time and effort you put into this process will be more than worth it in the end.

More Energy

Yet another great benefit you can gain when trying to cut out the Gluten in your diet is the increased energy it will give you. The more energy you have, the easier you will find it to get the exercise you need to stay looking your best. You need to make sure to fill your diet with all of the good fruits and veggies that will make your feel your best. The time you put into developing the right meal plans minus the Gluten will be more than worth it

When trying to find great meal plans, be sure to visit Only Gluten Free Recipes. They have a wide variety of recipes they can share with you that will having cooking healthy in no time. Be sure to call them or visit their website for more information on what they can provide.

Guest Contributor: Robert Mathew

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No Nuts Mom Group Discussion Series (TONIGHT)

April 22, 2015 by Kayla Hernandez

No Nuts Mom Group Discussion Series. The No Nuts Mom Group of NYC is beginning their discussion series on food allergy awareness this month. They encourage you to attend and become a part of the discussion. You will get the opportunity to meet people who also have children with allergies, hear from top health professionals and partake in a Q&A session. Speakers include a practicing Niti Chokshi, MD, an Allergist/Immunist and author, Stephanie Sorkin.

Price of the ticket includes the discussion session, a copy of Sorkin’s book, Nutley, The Nut Free Squirrel, and nut free treats from Eleni’s, the Donut Pub, Chloe’s Fruits and more!

Date: Tuesday, May 12th

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MinuteClinic® and Allergy Season Myths, Tips and Resources!

April 21, 2015 by Denise Courter

It is hard to believe that allergy season is upon us, but it’s true. Whether you live near the water, the mountains or in the middle of New York City, there is no escaping the fact that for 35 million Americans with seasonal allergies, spring means itchy eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose and congestion. And, as an allergy sufferer and the Mom of a 6 year old seasonal allergy sufferer, this is a challenging time of year. Luckily, we have the MinuteClinic® in our neighborhood for relief and guidance.

As a child, I never suffered from allergies. It wasn’t until I moved from California to New York, did I feel all of the traditional allergy symptoms. But, I had to learn the basics, to understand how to manage seasonal allergies.

What IS an allergy?

An allergy is the body’s hypersensitivity to substances in the environment. Mold, dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some foods can cause allergic reactions.

What causes seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are a reaction to small airborne substances. These allergens are small proteins that usually float around in the spring, summer and fall.

So, those springtime colds may actually be allergies?

Yes. A cold will typically clear up pretty quickly, within 7-10 days. Allergies may last weeks or even months!

So, how do you know if the onset of symptoms indicates whether you have a cold or allergies? Check out some great comparisons provided by MinuteClinic®.

Colds vs. Allergies

Many people confuse the symptoms of spring allergies with a common cold. Here’s what you need to know about the two:

The main difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold is caused by a viral infection while allergy symptoms are caused by your body’s own immune system’s attempt to fight off an allergen.

If you start sniffling and coughing at the same time each year and your symptoms come on suddenly, it may be allergies.

Parents need to know how to protect their families from allergies and the best way to get allergy relief. I know that the answers to these questions are critical to enjoying outdoor activities with my family.

1: How can I protect my family and myself?

Symptoms can usually be controlled with treatment. Nasal saline, decongestants and over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help relieve symptoms as well.

2. How do I get allergy relief?

There are plenty of options! At MinuteClinic®, the nurse practitioners and physicians assistants can recommend the right over-the-counter medications and write prescriptions when medically appropriate.

If you’re diagnosed with allergies, medication may help relieve your symptoms. The best way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergen – whatever it may be.

FiDi Families Insiders: MinuteClinic® Tips that we LOVE…

Shake it off! Before coming inside, rid your clothes of pollen with a good shake.

Did you know hair gel could be a pollen magnet? Skip the sticky stuff during allergy season for a little extra relief.

Avoid window fans! While convenient, they tend to bring in unwanted pollens or mold spores.

Fall asleep on clean sheets. Wash your bedding every two weeks to help ease allergy symptoms.

As a Mom of two toddlers, having access to health advocates and experts like the one’s at MinuteClinic® is convenient and reliable. My family has trusted their pharmacy team for several issues, whether it has related to teething questions, over-the-counter medications or seasonal allergies. If you haven’t stepped inside a MinuteClinic®, consider it during allergy season. To learn more, visit http://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic

ABOUT: MinuteClinic® is the walk-in medical clinic inside select CVS/pharmacy®stores. We provide quality and convenient health care services 7 days a week — no appointment necessary. Most insurance plans accepted.

Disclosure: I have received promotional consideration from MinuteClinic®

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