MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'allergies'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:45:45 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169549&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fschool-nurse-gives-some-insight-into-her-job%2F2011.08.27 Well, what better time to post my interview with Erin at Tales of a School Zoned Nurse than now, when everyone’s headed back to the classroom? Erin is a school nurse in the “cash strapped state of California.”  Her position covers two elementary schools and a middle school – almost 2000 students!!  She has been blogging since last year and her blog has definitely become one of my favorites. She says she was never too set on working in a hospital.  After nursing school, she worked at a couple of summer camps, which gave her the idea to look into being a school nurse. She was hired right away and “leapt in without a second thought.”  She is starting her second year in this position. Erin’s daily schedule is quite varied: (more…) *This blog post was originall... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169549 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 12:00:17 +0100 5169549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139739&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpreparation-for-surgical-patients-with-a-latex-allergy%2F2011.08.17 A couple of nice articles recently on latex allergy have crossed my path – one in a journal I subscribe to (Aesthetic Surgery Journal) and the other via twitter and @Allergy (Ves Dimov, M.D., blogs at Allergy Notes).  I’ve put both full references below. Latex allergy became widely recognized in the late 1980s and early 1990s.  The increase in latex allergies cases is felt to be associated with the increase use of latex gloves and implementation of universal precautions (now known as standard precautions) in the 1980s. Management of possible or confirmed latex allergic patients begin with history and suspicion: All patients who present for surgical procedures or exams which require latex gloves (pelvic exam, dental exams, etc) should be questioned about possible latex allergy. Patien... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139739 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0100 5139739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107522&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fconsumer-reports-promotes-alternative-medicine-with-questionable-research%2F2011.08.07 Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve intermittently read Consumer Reports, relying on it for guidance in all manner of purchase decisions. CR has been known for rigorous testing of all manner of consumer products and the rating of various services, arriving at its rankings through a systematic testing method that, while not necessarily bulletproof, has been far more organized and consistent than most other ranking systems. True, I haven’t always agreed with CR’s rankings of products and services about which I know a lot, but at the very least CR has often made me think about how much of my assessments are based on objective measures and how much on subjective measures. Until now. I just saw something yesterday on the CR website that has made me wonder just how scientific CR’s testing ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107522 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:00:43 +0100 5107522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103425&cid=t_90461_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-research%2Ffood-allergies-and-adhd-austin-8.php ADHD Austin. Do allergies trigger behavior complications? You will probably have heard of numerous conflicting info about hyperactive diets. There are several parents who swear that diet alter has helped their child’s ADHD, but most medical doctors and researchers deny that food allergies or sensitivities can trigger the behavior related with ADHD, presumably their own conclusions based on studies. Therefore, the presumption of allergies causing ADHD behaviors must rely on whether their studies about ADHD and diet had been intended correctly.Yet, according to the analysis, most studies show no relationship between a hyperactive diet and ADHD. Most of these studies have been poorly developed and implemented, and a lot more generally than not, paid for by some food industries. For inst... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103425 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5103425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028222&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F07%2F11%2Fresearch-shows-vaccinations-are-causing-surge-of-asthma-in-children%2F According to the organization ‘Children & Asthma in America’ there are at least 7 million children in the USA who suffer from the debilitating illness asthma. After carrying out a landmark survey researching the current state of asthma and asthma management among children in the United States, ‘Children & Asthma in America’ revealed that a massive 1 in 10 children suffer from the disease. (http://www.asthmainamerica.com/children…) Many people are unaware that certain childhood vaccines contain yeast. Yeast is a substance which can cause breathing problems and asthma in any child who as a yeast allergy. One of the vaccines containing yeast is the Hib vaccine which is said to protect a child from Haemophilus Influenzae type B infection. This is a serious bact... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028222 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:08:47 +0100 5028222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992694&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F07%2F01%2Fwhat-happens-when%2F With Child Protective Services (CPS) virtually in every city, county, and state in the USA, what happens when a parent harms a child? Child Protective Services removes the child from the parents’ care and custody and then places the child under the agency’s foster care program with parents facing legal charges. So, what would happen if someone were to feed formaldehyde-laced milk or formula to an infant or toddler? Wouldn’t CPS become involved? Why then, is formaldehyde injected into infants and toddlers in vaccines/vaccinations? Where’s Child Protective Services? What would happen if a parent injected formaldehyde into a child? What would happen to a person who would have mercury residue in a child’s play area? Wouldn’t CPS and the local Department of Environmental Services be... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992694 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 06:29:50 +0100 4992694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968490&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffood-allergies-treating-severe-allergic-reactions%2F2011.06.25 An allergic reaction in an outdoor setting can rapidly become a life-threatening emergency. While most of us think of food allergies as annoyances, they can be quite serious or even life threatening. Itchy skin rashes can progress to breathing difficulty, swollen soft tissues (e.g., lips, tongue, throat) that compromise the airway, and low blood pressure or even shock. Therefore, it’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of severe allergy and to be prepared to respond rapidly in the event of an emergency. An EpiPen (an epinephrine auto-injector) The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has released Food Allergy Guidelines for healthcare professionals to help guide the care of patients with life-threatening food allergies. The full guidelines can be found ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968490 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 18:00:00 +0100 4968490 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876389&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F05%2F28%2Frise-in-childhood-food-allergies-being-linked-to-vaccinations%2F Over recent weeks the UK newspapers have been full of articles exploring the subject of food allergies and intolerances. Daily Mail’s Fiona MacRae reported that food intolerances may be all in the mind. She says that many people who claim to be intolerant to the milk sugar lactose, are more likely to be stressed, anxious or depressed than intolerant. MacRae continued by adding that as many as 10 million British adults claim to be unable to eat foods ranging from milk to mustard, however, in reality only a mere 2% actually have a problem. She reported that researchers were saying that parents were acting too quickly in deciding that their children had allergies or intolerances when in fact many were perfectly healthy. She wrote: “More than half of the babies studied by British e... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876389 Sat, 28 May 2011 15:49:58 +0100 4876389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872241&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fsalt-can%25e2%2580%2599t%2F The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that even though Americans should only be eating one teaspoon of salt a day, only one of ten of us actually keep to those guidelines. Those at risk are supposed to have even less, 2/3 of a teaspoon, and oddly enough, even less of them, one out of 18, keep to that goal. An article published in the Wall Street Journal highlights the struggles of us as Americans to limit the salt in our diet. It’s all been layed out. Too much salt causes hypertension, high blood pressure, edema, swelling, heart problems, osteoporosis and even death. Some places like New York City have taken it into even higher consideration, asking that restaurants cut out the salt in many of their recipes, to help New Yorkers, as a whole, eat less salt. And that’s not s... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872241 Fri, 27 May 2011 15:15:28 +0100 4872241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780380&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F38647165%2Fnew_allergy_drug_for_prescription.php © MuffetGeneric drug maker Perrigo Co, which has partnered with Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, has received approveal from the FDA to see an over-the-counter copycat version of the Sanofi-Aventis allergy drug Allegra. Perrigo bought the rights form Teva to sell and distribute the OTC versions of Fexofenadine HCI, which are copycats of Sanofi's Allegra and Allegra D-12 products. The company plans to begin immediate distribution of the OTC drug. Generic drug makers like Teva, Dr. Reddy's Labs Ltd and Mylan Inc ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780380 Tue, 03 May 2011 14:47:02 +0100 4780380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775548&cid=t_90461_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FB5U6bK8iM8E%2Fseasonal-allergies-may-irritate-your-blood-sugars.php Spring-time allergy season is well underway. The pollen that gives you itchy eyes and a runny nose may irritate more than just your sinuses. According to dLife, allergies and allergy medication may affect your blood sugars.Not all allergy medications will spike your blood sugars. Watch out for decongestants with sugar and/or alcohol listed in their ingredients. They may affect your blood sugars and leave you feeling more worse-off than your allergies alone. There’s not much research available on this topic, so we took our question to the community and posted a poll on Facebook: Do seasonal allergies affect your blood sugars?A quarter of those who responded said seasonal allergies raise their blood sugars, one per cent said they lower their blood sugars, 43 per cent said their allergi... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775548 Mon, 02 May 2011 19:32:34 +0100 4775548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771238&cid=t_90461_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-research%2Fthe-connection-between-food-allergies-and-adhd.php ADHD Austin uses a different approach for your child.Do hypersensitivity result in conduct difficulties? You may have heard of several conflicting info about hyperactive diets. There are many mothers and fathers who swear that diet regime modify has assisted their child’s ADHD, but most physicians and researchers deny that food items allergies or sensitivities can result in the habits linked with ADHD, presumably their very own conclusions based on research. As a result, the presumption of hypersensitivity creating ADHD behaviors really should depend on whether or not their scientific tests about ADHD and diet regime have been developed appropriately. Even so, according to the research, most research display no romantic relationship in between a hyperactive diet regime and ADHD. Most... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771238 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4771238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768112&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Flate-warnings-prescription-drugs%2F It takes quite a while for drugs to be approved by FDA. We are made to feel safe with years of clinical trials and information being published. Even safer when we watch TV ads which loudly proclaim all of the side effects of the medication we are about to be prescribed. But the truth is, that most testing is done by the manufacturers of the drugs and so most information is published by them. There is, however a rising number of cases where discovered negative effects were kept quiet and unpublished for consumers. The most recent FDA warning about a drug called Lamictal came last week. While used to treat seizures in kids, it can cause aseptic meningitis, a possibly fatal condition. This is a terribly sad state of affairs, for sure, but it reiterates a bigger point: the more natural we liv... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768112 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:39:10 +0100 4768112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709487&cid=t_90461_180_f&fid=38619&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FALifeCoachsBlog%2F%7E3%2FaAkbz64QpEY%2F I had no intention whatsoever of posting a part 3 to The Medical History of a Life Coach so soon after part 2, but I had a real eureka moment yesterday that I wanted to share with you. I know it seemed strange to some people that even though I felt dreadful during The Paleo Experiment and had to come off it, that I still believed so strongly in the science behind it. I never for one moment thought that it was the Paleo approach that was wrong, just that the must be elements of it that were wrong for me. A very brief re-cap. Both the Paleo and Primal approach involve cutting out all refined foods as well pasta, bread, rice, dairy products (largely), refined carbs and anything containing high levels of sugar. The thought process is that we had over 200,000 years to evolve as human beings whe... Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone : blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709487 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:51:02 +0100 4709487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653335&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-home-allergy-shots-be-permitted%2F2011.03.28 DISCLAIMER: This post is not meant to condone or promote allergy shots to be given at home. It is meant to promote discussion and make patients aware of the issues involved. Allergy shots, unlike medications like claritin and flonase, offer patients with significant allergies a way to potentially be cured of their misery without the need for daily medication use. However, there is a small, but substantial risk for anaphylaxis and even death with allergy shot administration. After all, a patient is being injected with the very substances that cause their allergies. As such, many allergists will allow allergy shots to be administered ONLY within a medical setting. Also, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) specifically forbids allergy shots to be administered at home... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653335 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4653335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549790&cid=t_90461_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F47MSsq47ErA%2F photo: Thinkstock The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered more than 500 prescription cough, cold and allergy products off the market Wednesday, saying its office had not evaluated the medication for safety, effectiveness and quality. “Removing these unapproved products from the market will reduce potential risks to consumers,” said Deborah Autor, director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a news release from the agency. The FDA said removing the products from the market poses no harm to consumers, but taking the unapproved drugs may put the health of people at risk. “There are many FDA-approved prescription products, as well as appropriately marketed over-the-counter products, available to treat cough, cold, a... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549790 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:31:54 +0100 4549790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522082&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FrGuppGZlfW4%2F If Wilbur can’t get past the co-op board, will a dog or cat do? If kids who live in close proximity to farm animals seem to develop asthma at lower-than-average rates, can urban or suburban children reap the same benefits by acquiring a dog or cat? That was our first question after reading a recent WSJ story by Shirley Wang, which covered a study suggesting the greater variety of microbes farm kids are exposed to seem to be beneficial. The first author of the study told Wang that conventional house pets wouldn’t likely offer the same benefit; the pig and cow exposure seemed to confer the benefit. The theory behind the general “hygiene hypothesis” is that we’re all born with a predilection for allergies, but early exposure to microbes can help tilt the develo... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522082 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:53:08 +0100 4522082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512539&cid=t_90461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FURbROMenEQM%2F Bad news, allergy sufferers — your torture time is about to be seem even more interminable, and climate change is to blame. “A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows a link between warming temperatures and a longer ragweed pollen season,” according to TIME. As if there weren’t already enough reasons to be bummed out about global warming. But before you start building yourself a hermetically-sealed bubble to keep out that nasty pollen, try one of these ten allergy home remedies that are all available over the counter, if not in your very own kitchen. (As always, consult with a health care practitioner before embarking on any new herbal regimen.) Sure, seeing a doc may defeat the purpose of exploring at-home allergy remedies, but you co... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512539 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:41:32 +0100 4512539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436751&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-new-twist-on-food-allergies-in-kids%2F2011.02.04 The current New Yorker unfolds an engaging story on childhood food allergies. As related by Dr. Jerome Groopman, there’s a shift in how some doctors think about how these conditions  are best managed and, even better — might be prevented. The article feeds into recent discussion that medical science, and even dogma, too-often turns out to be incorrect. Groopman interviews Dr. Hugh Sampson, director of the Jae Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York: …“This increase in the incidence of food allergy is real,” Sampson said when we spoke recently. He cannot say what is causing the increase, but he now thinks the conventional approach to preventing food allergies is misconceived. For most of his career, he believed, like most allergists, that children are... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436751 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:00:01 +0100 4436751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389242&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D1883 Watch out for SPERM RASH! There’s a mysterious phenomenon in which some men, immediately after having an orgasm, come down with a flu-like illness, or skin rash.  Scientists are saying these men may be allergic to their own semen.  The condition is known as post-orgasmic illness sydrome, or POIS.  I bet soon you will hear of another syndrome called pre-sex bullshit syndrome PSBS, where a man actually gets sick of his own lies told trying to convince a girl out of her panties.  You heard it here first! Semen is the cloudy white body fluid that is emitted from the urethra of the penis during orgasm. The average volume of semen produced in a single ejaculation is 5 ml, or a teaspoon. The semen is loaded with 600 million sperm, depending on the length of time since the last ejacula... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389242 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 04:35:48 +0100 4389242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237893&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-food-allergy-guidelines%2F2010.12.07 The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) issued comprehensive food allergy guidelines to help primary care physicians and subspecialists diagnose and manage patients. The guidelines were published online at the NIAID food allergy guidelines portal, which also has a frequently asked questions section. The agency will release a patient synopsis early next year. The guidelines establish consistent terminology and definitions, diagnostic criteria and patient management practices. Additional topics covered by the guidelines include the prevalence of food allergy and management of acute allergic reactions to food, including anaphylaxis. The report also identifies gaps about what is known about food allergy. NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, MACP, said, “Because thes... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237893 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4237893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233152&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FxaCSGpHzM7Y%2F A panel sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has guidelines for food allergies, but questions remain. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233152 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:16:32 +0100 4233152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172132&cid=t_90461_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FabaT2zd0HB4%2F Talk Your Ear Off: Your gift of gab might be giving you “cellphone rash.” (via USA Today) Post from: BlissTree (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172132 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:38:54 +0100 4172132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125081&cid=t_90461_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FLHzQam6AuGA%2F photo: Thinkstock The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America just posted their list of the best and worst cities to live in if you suffer from allergies. The foundation based their rankings off of three factors: Airborne pollen counts; the number of allergy specialists in each city, per capita; and the number of allergy medications used per patient. We know just how varied the severity of our seasonal allergies can be in new cities — the Midwest is very different from New York City, which is very different from upstate New York. Where do you find that you have the worst allergies: In the country with tons of vegetation, or in a city with lots of pollution? The 5 Worst American Cities for Allergies: 1. Dayton, OH 2. Wichita, KS 3. Louisville, KY 4. Knoxville, TN 5. Jackson, MS The 5 Bes... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125081 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:41:40 +0100 4125081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082043&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fconfessions-of-a-sneeze-supressor-can-holding-in-your-ah-choo-hurt-you%2F photo: Thinkstock I admit it: I hold in my sneezes. I’ve been doing it since I was little. I believe it stems from the fact that my father has the loudest sneeze I’ve ever heard. When I was a kid, my dad would sneeze in the basement and I’d be roused from slumber all the way up on the second floor. So naturally, over the years I’ve honed my sneeze to be as silent as possible. Sometimes people around me don’t even realize that I’ve sneezed. (I’m that sneaky.) I’d guess that several of my co-workers think I suffer from some kind of twitch. Is this better than an obnoxiously loud sneeze? In my book, yes. Of course, throughout my life, I’ve been warned by all my non-scientist family and friends about how suppressing my sneezes will kill my ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082043 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:39:59 +0100 4082043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060550&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F204584%2F Thanks a Lot, Claritin: A new study shows that antihistamine use has been linked to weight gain. (via Diet Blog) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060550 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 21:44:04 +0100 4060550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993841&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fpoll-alert-will-you-get-a-flu-shot-this-year%2F photo: Thinkstock Every year around this time, a question (debate, really) emerges among the health-conscious: To get the flu shot, or not to get the flu shot? That is the question. Some vehemently swear that they stay healthy by avoiding the vaccine, while others get pricked with an annual flu shot no matter what. We know you’ve got an opinion about the flu vaccine, so take our poll and tell us what you think. #MicroPollDiv_277293 { width: 250px; margin: 0px auto; } Post from: BlissTree Poll Alert: Will You Get a Flu Shot This Year? (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993841 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:03:01 +0100 3993841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987125&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F09%2F20%2Fallergies-infographic%2F For the live-updated, interactive version of this infographic, click here. Well, this is a surprise. In almost every single other infographic we’ve released, lifestyle changes have been at the top of the list of what works best, and drugs have been closer to the bottom. But the story is different for allergies, as you can see in the picture above. At CureTogether, 260 people with Allergies have come together to share 1,769 data points about treatments they had tried and how well they worked or didn’t work. So what are the winning treatments that patients have reported? From the infographic above: avoiding allergens, Benadryl, sinus irrigation, Claritin, and Zyrtec The top left quadrant shows treatments that not many people have tried but that have above-average effectiveness, so th... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987125 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:11:21 +0100 3987125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965413&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpollen-as-microscopic-art%2F2010.09.13 Martin Oeggerli, a Swiss scientific photographer, has turned his talents to the bane of seasonal allergy sufferers and produced a pretty impressive gallery of colorized electron microscope images of pollen grains. The color isn’t true to life in all of the images, but it’s altered to better show the textures in the pollen grains: Micronaut: Image Gallery - Spectacular Pollen (Via BoingBoing) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965413 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:00:11 +0100 3965413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3957917&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2010%2F09%2F10%2Fthe-possible-role-of-vaccines-in-causing-retrogressive-changes%2F Harold E. Buttram, MD 09/10/2010 Vactruth.com The Possible Role of Vaccines in Causing Retrogressive Changes: Reminiscences of America’s Children in the 1930s, and the Profound Changes That Have Taken Place Since Then. Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines Meeting Vaccine Safety Advocate Harold E Buttram, MD, Presentation September 2, 2010, FDA, Rockville, MD As one of America’s senior citizens who grew up in a Midwestern state in the 1930s, and as a doctor who treated many children with autistic spectrum and related disorders in the later years of my practice, I may have a special vantage point of time and experience in regard to the changes that have taken place in the health of America’s children since the relatively innocent times of the 1930s. At a summer camp in the New Mex... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3957917 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:26:20 +0100 3957917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942836&cid=t_90461_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F07%2Fwhat-not-to-say-to-someone-with-panic-disorder%2F Imagine this: you’re allergic to cats. You’ve just been exposed to cat dander and your eyes are a soggy, drippy red mess. You sneeze uncontrollably multiple times in a row. Your skin becomes itchy, red, and full of welts. You’re feeling pretty miserable. A friend walks up to you. “Hey, no worries,” he exclaims casually, “there’s nothing to be allergic to!” Uh, what? “Sure there is — I’m allergic to cats,” you’d probably say. “Nah,” says your friend, “just stop sneezing. You’ll be okay.” “What?! I can’t just STOP sneezing on a dime,” you retort. “Sure you can. There’s nothing wrong with you,” he insists. “Uhm, care to explain these welts, then? And the red eyes? And the sneezing?!” Sounds frustrating, doesn’t it? If you suffe... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942836 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:46:49 +0100 3942836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946466&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2010%2F09%2F07%2Fvaccine-meeting-at-fda%2F Catherine Frompovich 09/07/2010 Vactruth.com Whenever you’re in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude. ….William James, American Philosopher & Psychologist (1842-1910) Why in the world would I open a report about a vaccine meeting at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Rockville, Maryland, with such a quote? My answer is quite simple: Both sides of the vaccine injury issue need to interact intelligently because, as one member at that meeting said privately, “We’re both on the same page only at different paragraphs.” That remark has resounded in my consciousness numerous times since I heard it at the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines Meeting September 2 ... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946466 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:18:30 +0100 3946466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3935797&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fare-your-allergies-acting-up-ragweed-pollen-season-is-here%2F2010.09.05 I don’t know about you, but my allergies have really been acting up lately. Well, maybe not this week since it’s been cooler. But last week my eyes were watering, my nose was running, and my lungs were wheezing (kind of). But for the first two weeks of August, a lot of my patients were complaining about their allergy symptoms getting worse. And for some people, their asthma was getting worse as well. The local TV station called me last week during the beginning of ragweed pollen season and asked me to talk about it: If you find this information helpful, I invite you to check out my other TV interviews about health-related issues. *This blog post was originally published at Doctor Anonymous* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3935797 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3935797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933262&cid=t_90461_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJazH3xTlCO4%2F More than 48 percent of all Americans took at least one prescription drug each month in 2008, which amounts to a 10 percent increase over the previous decade, according to a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the use of multiple prescription meds rose by 20 percent, while the use of five of more drugs increased by 70 percent. In fact, one out of every five Americans was using five or more drugs by 2008, and one out of every five children used at least one prescription med compared with nine out of 10 adults aged 60 and over. Children up to age 11 were using penicillin and drugs for asthma and allergies, while adolescents were taking meds for asthma, depression and ADD (please click on this link) to see the charts. Consequently, US spending for prescripti... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933262 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:41:00 +0100 3933262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929221&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.organizedwisdom.com%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fnew-drugs-approved-summer-2010.html New drugs not only offer hope, but possibly a better quality of life, for those awaiting new treatments. However, new drug approvals can also spark controversy. The FDA approved 17 new drugs this summer (June-August 2010). Many offer new promise, and one in particular promises a great deal of future debate.Since nearly one in three Americans has high blood pressure, it isn't surprising that two of the 17 newly approved drugs are antihypertensives. The most recently approved drug is Tekamlo (aliskiren and amlodipine) from Novartis, a single-pill combination drug for high blood pressure. Tribenzor is a new three-in-one combination drug that is taken once-daily to treat high blood pressure.  The most controversial newly approved drug is the emergency co... The Health Wisdom Blog™ (by OrganizedWisdom) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929221 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:33:14 +0100 3929221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3924870&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fhot-summers-mean-bad-air-are-heat-and-pollution-ruining-your-lungs%2F If you live on the East Coast, you’ve probably been whining about the brutally hot weather all summer, but it turns out there’s more than just sweat to worry about: Heat waves cause high air pollution, and can wreak havoc on your lungs. High air pollution advisories have been issued in several cities throughout the country this summer, meaning that residents should basically try to avoid spending time outside. Heat triggers worse air pollution than normal because it turns air particles like nitrogens and hydrocarbons into ozone, a pollutant that’s highly toxic and dangerous to breathe. (For all you air conditioning gluttons out there: It’s worth noting that while electric plants pump at full speed to fuel your air conditioner, they’re also making the air outsi... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3924870 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:49:01 +0100 3924870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3902858&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F196948%2F Tissues Ready? Get some tips on making it through this year’s ragweed season. (via MSNBC) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3902858 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:35:03 +0100 3902858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899349&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fnauseous-but-not-pregnant-10-reasons-youre-queasy-that-dont-involve-a-baby%2F The last few days, I’ve been having stomach trouble – constant nausea and queasiness, and it’s not fun. Everyone’s reaction when I tell them about my problem? “Are you pregnant?!” I’m not. I’ll spare you the evidence, but I’m sure that my nausea isn’t baby-related. But I do find it annoying that if you’re a woman and you feel like ralphing, you MUST be preggers. (Like we don’t know how to take birth control?) So here are ten reasons that you might feel like you’re about to hurl – whether you’re a man or a woman: 1. Emotional Stress – If you’ve ever felt queasy before a performance, interview, or race, you’ve experienced this. General and acute stress can both make you feel ill, so managing stres... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899349 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:56:38 +0100 3899349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899368&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fan-open-letter-to-paranoid-humans-from-misunderstood-bedbugs%2F photo courtesy of SteamVictoria.com.au Dear paranoid, irrational, germophobic humans: We understand from recent media reports that some of you have become infatuated – dare we say, obsessed – with us lately. We can’t blame you, but this madness really has to stop. We live together, and yet we don’t know each other at all. You’re so critical, so judgmental, so hateful, so unwilling to work on the problems in our relationship. It’s sad, really. Now, we don’t want to get into a whole name-calling thing here, but we think you’re being hypocritical – and we don’t take pleasure in saying so. But you go to the beach. You sit outside. Mosquitoes bite you. You scratch, complain briefly, apply ointments, and perhaps suggest to your host that he invest ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899368 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:30:50 +0100 3899368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885304&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F196002%2F Allergy Fighting Vitamin: New research shows that vitamin D may be effective at treating or preventing allergies caused by mold. (via Mercola Blog) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885304 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:31:34 +0100 3885304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872524&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Foil-spill-fallout-what-happens-when-you-swim-in-oil-contaminated-waters%2F Taking a dip in the oil-contaminated Gulf could be scarier than Italian Vogue's Oil & Water fashion shoot. There’s no question that the oil disaster in the Gulf will have long-term effects on the environment, but people are starting to wonder: What about the health effects of all that oil-contaminated water? From harming our seafood to raising the risk of cancer, everyone’s concerned with how the oil spill fallout will affect our health in years to come. So we asked Dr. Naheed Ali, author of Are You Fit to Live? and Diabetes and You: A Holistic Approach, about the medical and physical effects of swimming in oil-contaminated water. There are serious and potential health hazards from swimming in oil-contaminated waters. (Shocking.) Here’s what you could expect to ha... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872524 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:01:40 +0100 3872524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3812954&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FMDwUKEZsD8g%2F Also: Republican candidates running on defunding health-care overhaul; MS theory tested; testing a possible replacement for some allergy shots. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3812954 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:02:44 +0100 3812954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3813207&cid=t_90461_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FFz0WG-kXkNc%2F Welcome back, everyone. We hope your weekend was relaxing and you had time to do something special. Now, though, the routine returns and this means gearing up for those meetings and deadlines. Please join us then as we brew the mandatory cup of stimulation to get started. And of course, there is the news of the world to rummage through. Good luck, today, and stay in touch… Watson May Bid For Sigma Pharmaceuticals (The Age) A Growing Use Of Direct To Pharmacy Distribution (PharmTech) Pills Under Way To Treat Non-Food Allergies (Los Angeles Times) Sanofi May Have To Raise Price For Genzyme (Bloomberg News) Isis Pharma To Release Data On Cholsterol Drug Trials (Reuters) Novo, Lilly And Novartis May Bid For Ascendis (Bloomberg News) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3813207 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:36:05 +0100 3813207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740569&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F187958%2F No Whey: Champion Nutrition Chocolate Peanut Butter Pure Whey Protein is being recalled because peanuts aren’t adequately declared as an ingredient on the label. Luckily, most people assume that a product with the word “peanut” in the title probably contains peanuts, so there have been no reports of allergic reactions yet. (via Chicago Tribune) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740569 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:00:56 +0100 3740569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695319&cid=t_90461_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Furban-air-pollution-brings-spike-in.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695319 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:38:00 +0100 3695319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3690807&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F7-ways-that-germs-can-be-good-for-you-and-why-you-should-think-twice-before-taking-antibiotics%2F Germs, especially bacteria, have a fairly tarnished reputation among health circles, but according to Martin Blaser, chairman of the department of medicine at New York University Medical School, we might actually need more of them. The former president of the Infectious Disease Society of America says that our use of antibiotics and antibacterial products has reduced the number of healthy bacteria in our digestive tracts, changing our digestion and contributing to the rise in obesity. According to an article from Forbes.com, he’s not the only one who thinks that bacteria could be a good thing: They’ve compiled a list of ways that germs can actually be good for you, backed up by research from several scientists: 1. Controlling Weight – According to research from Cornell Univer... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3690807 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:57:12 +0100 3690807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683592&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsmell-test-fragrance-company-scenting-low-income-housing-to-make-residents-happy%2F Scent-branding is part of the marketing plan for several retail outlets, hotels, and even casinos. Just step into a W Hotel and note the eerily similar smell to the last one you visited. Like color and light, smells can evoke emotions, making consumers happy and thus more likely to spend, return, and build brand loyalty. But one scent company is actually applying this to a living space: International Flavors and Fragrances has created a special scent that they’re planning to pump into a low-income housing building in the South Bronx, New York, filling the hallways and common spaces with – we kid you not – L’Eau Vert du Bronx du Sur. The “Green Water of South Bronx” is meant to evoke happiness and optimism for the 200 building residents. We wouldn’t necessa... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683592 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:37:31 +0100 3683592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3672074&cid=t_90461_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2Fentry%2Fgrass-and-skin-allergies%2F Did you know that some lawns can cause skin and airborne allergies? Certain types of grass can cause your skin to react or can cause sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes and/or coughing. If you’re worried about reacting to your lawn, it’s important to educate yourself about how to prevent allergies with your lawn. First of all, it’s important to realize that done right, your lawn can actually suppress airborne allergies (also called hay fever). The long leaves of the grass have the ability to catch pollen in the air and pull the pollen down where it is trapped, reducing the amount of pollen found in the air. Even grass that has been known to produce a lot of pollen, such as Bermuda grass, will produce less pollen if it’s kept fertilized, is watered regularly, and is... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3672074 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:02:23 +0100 3672074 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652388&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fmake-your-own-green-perfume%2F photo: Thinkstock If you’ve  been keeping up with Blisstree, you know that we’re not fans of the “fragrance” ingredient found in many perfumes and soaps. If you haven’t been keeping up with us, please leave now. Just kidding – we’ll bring you up to speed. When you see “fragrance” on the back of your perfume bottle, you are spraying chemicals on yourself that are linked to hormone disruptions and allergic reactions. Are conscientious consumers destined to an odorless existence? A recent New York Times article, “Making Flowers Into Perfume,” shared the secret of natural, DIY perfumers, with instructions for making your own non-toxic perfume: What you need: Your fave flowers or herbs Alcohol, preferably Organic Neutral Grape Alcoh... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652388 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:07:33 +0100 3652388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3635719&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Funcommon-allergy-symptoms-daily-health-quiz%2F How much do you really know about your health? You may think you know all the ins and outs of staying well, but our daily Health Smarts Quiz will test your knowledge on the spot. Answer our question, below, and check back tomorrow for the correct answer and your next pop quiz. photo: Thinkstock Today’s Question: Allergies make your nose run and your eyes red, but they can also affect you in surprising ways. Are you watching for the right allergy symptoms? Which of the following symptoms could be caused by allergies? Choose all that apply. #MicroPollDiv_259794 { width: 250px; margin: 0px auto; } Answer to Friday’s Question: If you want to be sun smart this summer, you’ll pick up some natural SPF without retinyl palmitate. But you can’t just slather on some sunblock... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3635719 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:41:10 +0100 3635719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633446&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffood-allergy-or-not-new-test-in-the-works%2F2010.06.06 Current methods of testing people for food allergies aren’t particularly precise, leaving many people to falsely think that they have a condition that they really don’t. MIT chemical engineer Christopher Love is working on a new test based on cytokines that may prove to be substantially faster and more reliable. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633446 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:00:02 +0100 3633446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629764&cid=t_90461_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-and-the-pain-of-pollen%2F MS can and does find its way into just about every part of our lives (bloody uninvited guest!), often in ways we don’t even realize. Take the spring pollen season, for example. I’m not one who suffers from hay fever or seasonal allergies. Now and again, however, that much “junk” in the air will bring on a day or two of damned powerful sneezes. I’m one of those for whom hypersensitivity can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis; light touch, rough clothing scrapes and scratches can cause me exceptional, albeit temporary, pain. As my friends complain of watery eyes, scratchy throats and runny noses, I prepare for sneeze reactions which will leave me looking like I’ve been TAZERed! Not every sneeze will set off this reaction, but when I have an “MS Sneeze” (why not; we have the M... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629764 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:39:46 +0100 3629764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585575&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fnutrition-the-raw-milk-controversy%2F photo: Thinkstock Raw milk (that is, milk that’s unprocessed and non-homogenized) is thought of among some people as a natural treatment for allergies, asthma, and some stomach problems. According to The Los Angeles Times, the FDA thinks it’s dangerous to consume because of the risk of E coli and other dangerous bacteria. In fact, last March, 13 people fell ill in Michigan because of tainted raw milk. The FDA has prohibited sale of raw milk across state lines, but raw milk currently can be sold in 27 states. Proponents of raw milk, who are largely health-conscious moms, believe that they should have the right to choose what kind of milk they and their families drink. In some states, you can buy the milk in stores; in others, you have to go straight to the source – family far... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585575 Thu, 20 May 2010 20:56:06 +0100 3585575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3569802&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-doctors-and-patients-dont-care-who-pays-for-it%2F2010.05.17 The essence of the moral hazard experience through a nice neighborly conversation: Neighbor: These allergies are killing me. Happy:  That’s terrible. I hope you feel better. Neighbor:  I tried Zyrtec but it wasn’t doing anything for me, so my doctor prescribed ’x.’ (inaudible drug name ) Happy:  Does it start with an ‘x?’ (The drugs name is Xyzal.) Neighbor:  Yes, it does. Happy: Oh, that drug (Xyzal) is nothing more than Zyrtec, which the company slightly changed the formula of and now they get to sell it as a patented medication at 10 times the price for the next 10 years. Neighbor: Oh, I didn’t know that. But you’re right. It was  $110.  Happy:  Did it help you with your allergies? Neighbor: Nope. Happy: I guess you just... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3569802 Mon, 17 May 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3569802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566591&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F178314%2F Allergy Expense Report: Food allergies are a pain, but they’re also pricey. The New York Times reports on the cost of food allergies for families and finances. Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566591 Fri, 14 May 2010 18:13:15 +0100 3566591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560177&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fhealth-department-whats-really-in-your-perfume%2F photo: Thinkstock At Blisstree, we like to smell as delightful as the next woman, but we haven’t put that much thought into what’s in the perfume we spritz on every morning. Have you? We all should, according a report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Rather than list specific chemicals on bottles of perfume, many perfumes just list the ingredient, “fragrance.” This is like ingredients in your favorite soup being listed as “food.” Looking at a sample of 17 popular perfumes, it was found that each had an average of 14 unlisted ingredients in them. In fact, the 17 fragrances contained an average of ten chemical sensitizers each, which can trigger allergies, asthma, headaches, and dermatitis when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Food manufacturer... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560177 Thu, 13 May 2010 15:43:09 +0100 3560177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556064&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fl6qdRkepbkA%2F The study puts the prevalence of food allergies at "more than 1% to 2% but less than 10% of the population." (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556064 Tue, 11 May 2010 20:14:22 +0100 3556064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508137&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F175999%2F Is Climate Change Making You Sneeze? Increased carbon dioxide levels lead to longer Spring Seasons and warmer weather, which means high pollen levels and a tougher season for allergy sufferers, according to Mother Jones. Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508137 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:04:30 +0100 3508137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501520&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.organizedwisdom.com%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Ffollow-friday-featuring-5-impressive-health-expert-profiles-of-the-week.html As we have heard from the highly publicized Chirp conference, Twitter can now boast an impressive 180 million visits a month and 106 million registered users. To cap off these staggering statistics, Twitter is adding 300,000 new users daily. In the context of health and medicine, this translates into an incredible amount of health information being discussed and recommended among doctors, health professionals, and patient experts continuously.  OrganizedWisdom recommends these impressive and interesting health experts’ Twitter profiles for this #FollowFriday. @johnlapuma Would you ever believe that you could find an internal medicine physician, a medical ethics expert, and a professionally trained chef rolled into one person? Well, if you haven’t heard of ChefMd, let us int... The Health Wisdom Blog™ (by OrganizedWisdom) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501520 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 04:25:37 +0100 3501520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440745&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Ffight-your-allergies-au-naturel%2F Spring allergies blow. This may be one of the loveliest times of year, but let’s face it – some of us are just plain miserable. Stuffy nose, dry cough, itchy eyes – your face feels like a punching bag. Sound familiar? Instead of spending your paycheck on over-the-counter meds, check out these natural remedies courtesy of The Huffington Post that may actually let you enjoy smelling the flowers this season. Eat This When you feel a flare-up coming on, avoid foods that build up mucus like raw and cold foods  (sushi), dairy products (ice cream), corn (even corn syrup), simple sugars, grains (wheat, rye, or barley), boozing, and smoking. Instead, try whole grains like quinoa, amaranth, and brown rice. Many fruits contain bromelain, a natural antihistamine, so eat pineapples, papayas, cra... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440745 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:34:28 +0100 3440745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440749&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F173369%2F Seasonal Allergies, or Exhaust in Your Lungs? New study deciphers which types of air pollution worsens allergy, cold and flu symptoms in kids. (via EnvrionmentalHealthNews.org) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440749 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:11:14 +0100 3440749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395241&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fapril_showers_bring_allergies.php © It'sGregThe rainiest season of the year is upon us, and unfortunately, so are wet-weather allergens. Dr. Anatoly Belilovsky, a New York pediatrician and renowned children's allergy expert with more than 20 years' experience, offers ways for parents to protect their children from the most common rain-induced allergens: Take extra care to rid your house of mold. The biggest source of wet-weather allergies are mold spores. Moisture promotes rapid growth of mold and mildew, and children sensitive to airborne spores ("seeds" by which they ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395241 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:08:30 +0100 3395241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3139111&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fachieving-meaningful-use Now that the Interim Final Rule (Initial Set of Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification Criteria for Electronic Health Record Technology) and the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Medicare and Medicaid Programs Electronic Health Record Incentive Program) have been published, we can all finalize our policy and technology strategies for achieving Certification and Meaningful Use in our organizations and communities (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3139111 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:10:46 +0100 3139111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071353&cid=t_90461_123_f&fid=39041&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrnabong.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fis-it-common-cold-or-allergies.html The most common infection in children in the common cold but the significance of this is attributed to the possible complications that it can cause. Children usually have 5-8 infections a year and this is more common in children younger than 2 years of age. 1/3 of the common colds is caused by the rhinovirus but there are 200 different strains of viruses that can also cause this infection. Colds is usually more severe in younger children because it can result is some fever. They can have ear infections with this and if the discharge is more purulent they can have a sinus infection with this. This is very contagious so it is really hard to quarantine children with this illness. Period of infectivity starts a few hours prior to the appearance of symptoms to 1-2 days after the illness appeare... Dr Nabong's Pediatric Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3071353 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:35:00 +0100 3071353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012478&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fguiding-principles-hit-standards-committee In the past few weeks, the HIT Standards Committee has gathered a significant amount of written and in person testimony from standards stakeholders. We've run the FACA blog and multiple personal blogs. On Thursday November 19, we'll present a complete distillation of everything we've learned but there are several recurring themes can could be called Guiding Principles. Just as HITSP was guided by Harmonization Readiness principles to choose standards that were good enough, the HIT Standards Committee has a been told to think about the following whenever it recommends standards: (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012478 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:40:27 +0100 3012478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977386&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fcertification-versus-meaningful-use Recently, clinicians have asked me "why should I implement my organization's preferred EHR when I've found a less expensive vendor that promises meaningful use?" This illustrates a basic misunderstanding of the difference between Certification and Meaningful Use. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977386 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:24:05 +0100 2977386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963193&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fback-basics-toward-core-set-relevant-and-portable-personal-health-information In the cacophony of health IT issues, products, and goals that compete every day for our attention, it is easy to lose sight of the profound value that could come from the universal availability of a simple core set of relevant and portable personal health information in digital format.  (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963193 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:35:07 +0100 2963193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934905&cid=t_90461_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fwayback-wednesday-seven-things-worse-than-the-diabetes.html On an overnight trip to Dallas two weeks ago, I broke out in some rather ugly hives — again! My lips poofed up like I’d been slammed with a hockey puck, and my right eye went all ape-like. This lasted for several days.  It was that damn gluten allergy again, I must assume, although for [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934905 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:52 +0100 2934905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2899130&cid=t_90461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FD77fUchgurs%2F Most parents (including this one) would give a child Tylenol right after a routine vaccination. But that may not be such a good idea, according to a new study published in Lancet. Giving infants Tylenol (generic – paracetamol) to prevent fever after a vaccination may reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness, a new research has found. Parents usually give Tylenol before or immediately after a routine shot so the child does not get a fever. However, this may not be a good idea since fever is usually the body’s natural immune response to the vaccine. In a Czech study published in Lancet (online October 16), 459 infants were followed after routine vaccination against polio, pneumonia, meningitis, whopping cough, tetanus and other childhood diseases. Half of the babies were given paracet... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2899130 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:55:57 +0100 2899130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876251&cid=t_90461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FwUSQad178nc%2F This may sound like a sales pitch, but it’s not. If you’re having problems with your memory, or you want to improve it, then you might want to closely follow the research from this German team  of scientists. Published in the journal for experimental biology (FASEB Journal), German scientists discovered that administering a nasal spay containing interleukin-6 improved the memory of it subjects! According to the paper, Interleukin-6 exerts “neuromodulating influences on the brain, with promoting influences on sleep”. The researchers hypothesized that IL-6 could help consolidate our memories better during sleep, so they administered a nasal spray of IL-6 to test subjects after they read several short stories before bed. The control and test subjects slept and, the next morning... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876251 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:31:00 +0100 2876251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2858678&cid=t_90461_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FavgBS0MfboM%2F Fall allergies to pollen and other things flying around in the air are inevitable for some people. While the allergies may cause mild eye itching and stuffiness for some, for others, they can make life miserable. Allergies can make you not only feel miserable because of the actual symptoms, but lack of sleep causes fatigue, making it difficult to get through the day. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for such allergies yet, but there are some steps that people can take that may reduce their exposure and reaction to the allergens. They include: Don’t hang laundry outside in the fall (it may trap allergens) Use air conditioners even if it’s not too hot Stay inside if it’s windy If over-the-counter medications don’t help relieve allergy symptoms, consider asking yo... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2858678 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:13:54 +0100 2858678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851196&cid=t_90461_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Faspergillus-infections.html Aspergillus fumigatus and other species capable of growing at 37°C are opportunistic pathogens. About 40 of the 250 species of Aspergillus have been reported as human pathogens but the majority of cases are associated with just one species: A. fumigatus. The respiratory system is the normal portal of entry. The animal diseases caused by Aspergillus infection are all lumped together under the term 'aspergillosis.' Aspergillosis is a 'big umbrella' term, with an accompanying enormous literature. It refers to all infections caused by Aspergillus, including both veterinary and human disease, and ranging from localized and minor maladies to those that are systemic and life threatening. Although not contagious, human aspergillosis is of growing importance in modern medical care. Aspergillos... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851196 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:41:00 +0100 2851196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851198&cid=t_90461_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Faspergillus-and-disease.html Aerosolized Aspergillus spores are found nearly everywhere so we are routinely and almost constantly exposed to them. Such exposure is a normal part of the human condition and generally poses no adverse health effects. Nevertheless, Aspergillus can and does cause animal disease in three major ways: through the production of mycotoxins; through induction of allergenic responses; and through localized or systemic infections. With the latter two categories, the immune status of the host is pivotal. Allergies and asthma are thought to be caused by an active host immune response against the presence of fungal spores or hyphae. In contrast, with invasive aspergillosis, the immune system has collapsed and little or no defence can be mounted. Suggested reading: Microbial Toxins: Current Research a... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851198 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:39:00 +0100 2851198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834387&cid=t_90461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fi_yQInvwMsY%2F This latest FDA approval would bring relief to more than 7.5 million Americans who suffer from a chronic skin disorder called PSORIASIS, which look like red, thick, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriatic patches, which are usually itchy and painful, are inflamed areas where excessive layers of cells had built up on the skin. And now, after extensive and extended testing, the FDA has approved ustekinumab (Stelara) for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. (See amazing before-and-after photos!) Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, which means a faulty immune system mistakenly attacks the skin and joints, treating the body like an invader and releasing chemicals that otherwise fight infections and foreign substances. As bad as it already looks, psoriasis affects more than the skin. The dis... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834387 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 03:56:00 +0100 2834387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832255&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fmedical-data-internet-%25E2%2580%259Ccloud%25E2%2580%259D-data-privacy The concepts of “security” and “privacy” of medical information (Protected Health Information, or PHI) are closely intertwined. “Security,” as described in the second part of this series, has to do with breaking into medical data (either data at rest, or data in transit) and committing an act of theft. “Privacy,” on the other hand, has to do with permissions, and making sure that only the intended people can have access to PHI. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832255 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:41:07 +0100 2832255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814524&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fwhat-providers-should-consider-regarding-phrs On Friday last week, Chilmark Research participated in the session, “PHRs and EHRs, Should They Be Linked?” as part of the Health IT Stimulus Summit that was put on by Health Data Management.  With meaningful use criteria that was approved on July 16th clearly stating that providers are to provide a PHR to their customers by 2013, we thought this question to be nonsensical.  Of course PHRs and EHRs are to be linked, how else might a provider offer a PHR to their customers?  By the way, o (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814524 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:34:25 +0100 2814524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800492&cid=t_90461_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FlFWiKNdoCSU%2F Allergies affect every area of your life, so why not your sex life? A new study published in Allergy and Asthma Proceedings said that as many as “83 percent of people with allergic rhinitis” mentioned that allergies have affected their sex life some of the time. It makes sense, doesn’t it? When your eyes are puffy, your nose is stuffy, and your lungs are wheezy, you are probably not in the mood. Lying down sometimes makes allergies worse. Post nasal drop makes people cough and keeps them awake as well. The key is finding a good allergy medicine, making sure you get updated on allergy treatments, visit your doctor, and remove allergens to the extent that you can. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Allergies Affect Your Sex Life (Source: A Hearty... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800492 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:48:20 +0100 2800492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741542&cid=t_90461_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fbreeding-perfection.html Part of the reason for choosing the Labradoodle breed of dog was because the boys have eczema and asthma. We were advised that this breed amongst a few others may lessen the adverse impact of a new pet upon our already very complicated family life. To date, this evidence has proved to be true. Our pet, Thatcher, has won us all over. No-one could ask for a more laid back puppy, huge yet gentle. He sheds like many other dogs but my toils with the vacuum are well worth it. Unlike the rest of the youthful household, he is not in the least bit phased by the whirring of the vacuum. He has already added so much to our family that I cannot imagine life without him any more. We have adjusted to his little doggy ways and the occasional deep baritone bark of warning;- woof, it’s a squirrel, woof, i... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741542 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:30:00 +0100 2741542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727245&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fnext-deliverables-hit-standards-committee Today in Washington the HIT Standards Committee met to discuss the latest deliverables from its workgroups - Clinical Quality, Clinical Operations and Privacy/Security. A few highlights: *The workgroups presented the standards needed to support meaningful use and certification criteria. A certified EHR must meet the functionality criteria currently being developed by ONC but also must be capable of supporting the standards defined by the HIT Standards Committee workgroups. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727245 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2727245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657733&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fnext-steps-hit-standards-committee At the July 21 meeting of the HIT Standards, we approved an initial set of standards for quality, clinical operations and security/privacy. We were told to refine these initial efforts by the next meeting of the Committee, August 20, so that ONC and CMS can incorporate the work into the interim final rule. Here's an update on the deliberations of the workgroups. Privacy and Security (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657733 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:26:15 +0100 2657733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523269&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fgeneral-health%2Fallergies-can-be-related-to-chronic-stress Adrenal Fatigue and Cortisol Levels Can Be The Cause Doesn’t it seem like your allergies get worse and worse every year? Some of us who never experienced them before suddenly find ourselves suffering. Chronic stress may result in adrenal fatigue with low cortisol level. The result – constant allergies, because cortisol is needed to suppress inflammation. No enough cortisol and allergies flare up. One way to deal with it is to check your cortisol levels and get them corrected if necessary. (Source: Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog) Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523269 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:36:23 +0100 2523269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2469821&cid=t_90461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FfVuaRDNGDsc%2F I have two children under the age of five, and both are very active lil’ bees! And that’s a good thing, because an active early life helps promote health in the long term. But honestly, sometimes, I wish they would preserve their calories more! You see, my children are born with allergies to dairy, eggs, nuts and seafood. Yeah, all the “good stuff” of calorie-bearing food. No mac-n-cheese, no ice cream or cake or pastry, no peanut butter. I breastfed both of them, which was a savior in the first year (but a pain for me to abstain from food that might be passed to my milk). But it became increasingly difficult as they transitioned to baby and toddler food to find calorie-filled healthy alternatives. And because my children seemed to have inherited my metabolism, they struggle to sta... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2469821 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:02:15 +0100 2469821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464206&cid=t_90461_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FQMO3bbx8CGY%2F If you’re feeling a bit lousy these days (like yours truly) and your eyes are watering, your nose is running, and you’re slightly fatigued, you may have a cold. Or… an allergy. But how can you tell the difference? Colds and allergies often have similar symptoms. As you can see by the following chart, coughs are usually something that comes with a cold, but not as often with allergies. Often allergies are accompanied by asthma and the cough can come from that. Itchy eyes usually mean it’s allergies, whereas some general aches and pains mean it’s probably a cold. Still, even with the help of this chart, the symptoms for both are usually very close. Allergies last for several weeks, but the “common cold is easily spread from person to person and usually l... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464206 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:42:26 +0100 2464206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245499&cid=t_90461_136_f&fid=35285&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.glamour.com%2Fhealth-fitness%2Fblogs%2Flife-with-cancer%2F2009%2F05%2Fdo-you-have-allergies-are-they.html Last night I was awake for 45 minutes sneezing. I'm not exaggerating. Nick actually woke up and said, "I'm sorry babe" because he knew I was in agony. This was a vast improvement over "can you be quiet?" which is what he was saying a few weeks ago when all of this started. Here's the thing... (Source: Life with Cancer) Life with Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245499 Wed, 27 May 2009 14:30:46 +0100 4245499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245504&cid=t_90461_136_f&fid=35285&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.glamour.com%2Fhealth-fitness%2Fblogs%2Flife-with-cancer%2F2009%2F05%2Fwhat-a-difference-six-years-ma.html Last night we were at Andrew's 6th birthday party. It was at a place called Pump it Up, where everything is inflatable. Alex was in heaven. Especially when it came time for cake and he had his very own dairy-free strawberry chocolate cake (my mom baked it for him!). As I was watching Andrew run around in bliss with all his little kindergarten friends trailing behind him, I couldn't help but think... (Source: Life with Cancer) Life with Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245504 Mon, 18 May 2009 14:30:42 +0100 4245504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2414770&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fallergic-to-work%2F It’s a funny thing. Soon as I get to work, my nose seems to go into overdrive. The running and sneezing seem to increase. I’ve always jokingly said I must be allergic to work. But it turns out it might not be a joke - I, like thousands of others, could easily be allergic to work, or at least all the allergens that are floating around the workplace. What’s in your physical surroundings can easily act as an irritant that causes an allergic reaction.  Dust, of course, is probably one of the main suspects. And it’s not just in the office. There’s dust everywhere - in warehouses, at construction sites, in restaurant kitchens. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, exposure to dust, gases, or fumes in the workplace environment are responsible for 11 p... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2414770 Fri, 15 May 2009 22:08:52 +0100 2414770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2389714&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Foverweight-kids-more-like-to-have-allergies%2F What’s the connection between obese children and allergies?  Well, the researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences or NIEHS aren’t quite sure. But having recently conducted a study on this, they are convinced that there is a connection. During this study (now  published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)  they analysed data that had been collected on 4,000 children and young adults between the ages 2 to 19. In particular, they looked at all allergy and asthma related data on these children. The result - they discovered that obese children and adolescents appeared to be 26 percent more likely to have some kind of allergy, be it asthma, hay fever, food or skin allergies. What I’d like to know is what comes first - the obesity or... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2389714 Wed, 06 May 2009 05:42:42 +0100 2389714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380947&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fvitamin_d_deficiency_may_increase_asthma_risk.php According to a Costa Rican study, children with Vitamin D deficiency could be at a higher risk of developing asthma. Vitamin D levels were also associated with increased frequency of hospitalization,... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380947 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:30:00 +0100 2380947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349007&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fwanna_escape_seasonal_allergies_here_are_5_places_you_can_go_to.php © nalilo Spring is here. It may be good news for most people, but for people with allergies spring can be bad news. However, you can escape seasonal allergies by going to these 5 places: 1. hit the s... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349007 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:00:07 +0100 2349007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2318536&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fasthma-treatment-not-always-helped-by-ppis-like-nexium%2F This study demonstrates that silent GER does not play a role in worsening asthma symptoms and control,” said Robert A. Wise, M.D., a coauthor of the paper and a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Based on these results, we also believe that doctors do not need to test for GER in asthma patients unless the patient is reporting symptoms of acid reflux.” If you have asthma and are taking a PPI like Nexium, talk to your doctor about whether it’s necessary. (Source: Dr. Z's Medical Report) Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2318536 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:40:19 +0100 2318536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2318546&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fnew_storybook_helps_parents_teach_their_children_about_asthma.php As a chronic condition affecting nearly one out of every 10 child and accounting for almost 13 million missed school days each year, asthma continues to emerge as a major public health problem among t... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2318546 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:12:45 +0100 2318546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2295065&cid=t_90461_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fmarch-check-in-how-is-your-crohns-today%2F Hello everyone!  In case you are new to my Crohn’s blog, I’ll explain the topic of today’s blog post.  Every month I like to check in with everyone to see how they have been doing with their Crohn’s disease.  It’s a nice place to congregate and share in the comment section. I will go first and tell you how I have been.   I am not too bad.  I have been sick for the last several weeks with a sinus infection but finally went to the doctor and started antibiotics.  I am feeling much better today.  I never know if I really have a sinus infection or not because my symptoms are never normal due to the prednisone I take for my Crohn’s disease which can mask the symptoms of infections and make it seem like it is less severe than it really is.  Sinus infections are very ... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2295065 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:20:53 +0100 2295065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2290586&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fmood-changes-from-food-allergies.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you the reader come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary with astounding results.Visit http;//www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more controversial medical  information.FOOD ALLERGY Early exposure to food allergens can compromise an immature immune system.  Over 25% of Americans have symptoms of food allergies, but only 3% actually have food allergies.  The food allergies are water-soluble glycoproteins of plants and animals.  They stay stable with heat, acid, and proteases. Milk and egg allergies ar... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2290586 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:15:00 +0100 2290586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2256019&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fpoll-results-food-allergies-and-the-breastfed-baby%2F The results of the poll on allergies and breastfeeding were quite telling and the comments were helpful and insightful, especially for all those dealing with allergies in the breastfed baby. Frankly I was surprised at the number of nurslings with known or suspected allergies and the number of mothers coping with an elimination diet. An even 1/3 of respondents said that yes, their nurslings have food allergies. These pyramids (in honor of the USDA food pyramid LOL) illustrate the distribution of the 148 votes. Let’s be clear though — breastfeeding is wonderful for babies with food allergies. Do not interpret these results to mean that breastfed babies are more likely to have food allergies, because in fact the opposite is true! To learn more about the protective effects of brea... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2256019 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:30:54 +0100 2256019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2240854&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2F50000_in_scholarships_will_be_awarded_to_10_deserving_students_with_asthma.php Here is some information about the "Will to Win" college scholarship available for high school seniors with asthma who are pursuing a higher education. A total $50,000 in scholarships will... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2240854 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:45:25 +0100 2240854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207670&cid=t_90461_107_f&fid=38269&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdonnadouglas.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F23%2Frelief-for-seasonal-allergies%2F                           Allergic rhinitis (often called hay fever) occurs when your immune system overreacts to particles in the air that you breathe—you are allergic to them. Your immune system attacks the particles, causing symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. Chronic sinusitis, which recurs or lasts longer than 12 weeks, can be caused by upper respiratory tract infection, allergies, deviated septum or other anatomical conditions, and fungi.  Symptoms may include trouble breathing through the nose, headache, aching behind the eye area, tenderness in the cheeks, sinus congestion, nasal discharge, or post nasal drip. But you can control these symptoms with medicine and by avoiding the irritants that cause them.  If allergies are left  uncontrolled you... Dr. Donna, MedicineWoman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207670 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:50:14 +0100 2207670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188088&cid=t_90461_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fdogs-for-autistic-children-preliminary.html The primary purpose of dog adoption is to assist relationship development for many people, often referred to as RDI. So I thought it would be interesting to share what we have experienced to date.Prior to Thatcher’s arrival, we spent six months visiting the dog park on a regular basis as my youngest son had a great fear of dogs. This was a more intensive version of the general desensitization programme for the previous two years.So far we’ve experienced several significant developments. Firstly, both the boys have learned to pronounce ‘th’ in six weeks of daily practice. Secondly, my older son, who has a tendency to speak inaudibly, now manages to speak more loudly on occasions. All of the children have learned that if they do not tidy their toys, the toys are likely to be chewed o... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188088 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:28:00 +0100 2188088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182894&cid=t_90461_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FVlw2etSkWnU%2F Not all headaches are warnings of a stroke, not all chest pains are the onset of a heart attack, you need to learn the signs to look for. If you have shortness of breath and sweating, this is your body telling you that something more serious going on. There are normal headaches caused by stress, eyestrain or allergies this type of headache will fade. If the headaches persist you should see your health care provider. If you experience a headache that feels as if your head will explode and it persists you need to see your health care provider immediately, this could be the sign of bleeding in the brain. Patients going to an emergency room that are aware of what is going on within their body, can actually help the doctor to diagnose their problem more efficiently. I found an article that has ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182894 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2182894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168087&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2FekXkAhyMygc%2F n Does your breastfed child have any food allergies of which you are aware? Yes No View Results Please leave a comment to explain your answer. Whether or not your child has known food allergies, do you restrict your diet in any way? How easy or difficult is it to eliminate particular foods from your diet? Is there a history of food allergies in your family? If your nursling has food allergies, to which foods? Did your nursling or other children outgrow any food allergies? Tags: allergies, breastfed baby, food allergies, food allergy, nurslingShare This (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168087 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:40:57 +0100 2168087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2153129&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2FekXkAhyMygc%2F n Does your breastfed child have any food allergies of which you are aware? Yes No View Results Please leave a comment to explain your answer. Whether or not your child has known food allergies, do you restrict your diet in any way? How easy or difficult is it to eliminate particular foods from your diet? Is there a history of food allergies in your family? If your nursling has food allergies, to which foods? Did your nursling or other children outgrow any food allergies? Tags: allergies, breastfed baby, food allergies, food allergy, nurslingShare This (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2153129 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:40:57 +0100 2153129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2153824&cid=t_90461_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Ftruth-about-health-it-standards-theres-no-good-reason-delay-data-liquidity-and-information-shar This blog first appeared at The Health Care Blog. -Ed. Now that the Obama administration and Congress have committed to spending billions of tax payers’ money on health IT as part of the economic stimulus package,  it’s important to be clear about what consumers and patients ought to expect in return -- better decision-making by doctors and patients.  (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2153824 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:10:33 +0100 2153824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075153&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fchristmas-trees-and-allergies-a-survival-guide%2F It’s been a wild and wooly holiday season in the greater Seattle area this year with temperatures below freezing and lots of snow on the ground - both distinctly unusual phenomena in this neck of the woods. The roads have often been impassable and there’ve been widespread power outages, which have caused us to spend a lot of time at home, hunkered down by the fire and the Christmas tree. This in turn led me to recall a piece I wrote a year ago about Christmas trees and allergies, which I thought I’d reprise for today, December 25. Both real and artificial Christmas trees can cause problems for some people with allergies. It’s not known how many people suffer from Christmas tree-related allergies. But if you find yourself with a runny nose, itchy eyes or maybe even i... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075153 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:40:08 +0100 2075153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2013670&cid=t_90461_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FlLXCo8sgJjs%2F Gluten-free diets are now being used to address conditions ranging from autism to ADHD. As noted in this week’s Newsweek, those with allergies and pregnant women are also saying they feel better on what’s come to be known in autism circles as “the special diet” or “the diet.” (Go here, here, and here to read some of our experiences with “the diet”; Charlie now eats wheat, though not dairy.) Is gluten-free the new hope, or is it more dietary hype, with Americans spending $2 billion a year on gluten-free products? Tags: adhd, allergies, asd, asperger, autism, autism blog, casein-free, celiac disease, diet, disabilities blog, disability, Education, food, gluten-free, Health, pregnancy, wheat freeShare This (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2013670 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:36:46 +0100 2013670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1963926&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F11%2F15%2Ffinding-a-hypoallergenic-dog-might-just-be-barack-obamas-mission-impossible%2F President-elect Obama made many promises during the election campaign, but to his daughters, the biggest was probably that if he’s elected they would get a dog. A tough call, given that his eldest daughter, Malia, apparently has a ‘dog allergy’. In his first press conference, Obama seemed to think that all would be okay if they found a ‘hypoallergenic dog’. Sounds like a great plan. But according to medical experts, it’s not all that feasible. In fact, soon after the press conference, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology  (AAAAI) issued a statement saying “There is no truly ‘hypoallergenic’ dog.” According to the Academy, there are many misconceptions regarding dog allergies, chief among them being ‘that people are allergic to a dog’s hair, a... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1963926 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:42:58 +0100 1963926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1968938&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fhnblog.pl%3Fhnblog%3D1105081 This video from Fox News discusses some of the OTC drugs that help with eye itching and irritation caused by allergies. In the video Dr. Manny says he likes a recent drug called Pataday that treats your eyes. It's a one drop once-a-day treatment as opposed to other eye allergy drops that need to applied twice daily. Dr. Manny says Paraday works just as well as the twice-a-day OTC allergy medications. Dr. Manny also warns against rubbing your eyes which is very difficult not to do if your eyes are itching. Permalink | Recent Headlines | News Feeds (Source: HealthNewsBlog.com) HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1968938 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0100 1968938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1930197&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.creative-weblogging%2Faudio%2F%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fgermy_wormytm_battling_germs_in_the_home_and_classroom.php I got the following in the mail and I thought I'd help spread the word: Hi Gloria, Saw your blog on trustedmd and thought you might be interested in a great new tool to reduce germs this cold and flu season. I am a Momprenuer who has invented a cool new way to teach young kids to cough and sneeze into their elbow. www.germywormy.com My motto is - if you make it fun - they will do it happily! Germy Wormy is currently reducing germs in Souther California. Maybe with your help he can be introduced to children across the US! Spread the word - not the germs! Thanks Margaret Back | President | Back Enterprises, LLC 1-888-GERMY88 www.germywormy.com Give kids a PLACE to give their germs to - Instead of you! Check it out! See full article. Related Entries: Desert Se... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1930197 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:43:32 +0100 1930197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1879822&cid=t_90461_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fmultiple-chemical-sensitivity-hidden.html This article will introduce MCS, its symptoms and proposed etiology, and provide resources for nurses who wish to become more conversant with the vicissitudes of this very modern illness. As a nurse living with MCS, I see it as my mission to bring this condition to the awareness of nurses and other medical professionals, thus increasing knowledge, understanding, compassion, and available treatment options for the many sufferers of this much misunderstood and unacknowledged condition.Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a chronic health condition afflicting many people throughout the world. Individuals with MCS report a variety of symptoms when exposed to varying levels of chemical or fragrance exposure, including but not limited to headache/migraine, shortness of breath, confusion, irritabilit... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1879822 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:01:00 +0100 1879822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1862711&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F10%2F07%2Fyoure-allergic-to-what-strange-but-true-allergic-reactions%2F If you think that allergic reactions are only to common place allergens such as peanuts, pollens, and latex, think again. You can be allergic to pretty much anything. Sometimes it’s easy to figure out the allergen. Other times, not so easy. For example, check out these 10 strange but true allergic reactions… Cell Phones - there has been increasing number of patients presenting with contact dermatitis because they are allergic to the nickel in their cell phones. Chairs, Flutes and Other Items With Nickel - children developing rashes on the back of their legs, a result of sitting on classroom chairs with nickel-plated studs. And for one child, playing a flute containing nickel resulted in severe dermatitis of the lips. Black Henna Tattoos - can result in severe swelling and skin ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1862711 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:26:46 +0100 1862711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1859472&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.creative-weblogging%2Faudio%2F%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fmediterranean_diet_may_lower_risks_of_asthma.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 6107963 The famous Mediterranean diet (rich in cereals, wine, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains, fish and olive oil, and low in dairy, meat, junk food and fat) is already linked to longer life, less heart disease, and protection against some cancer types. Now, according to research from Spain and Mexico, getting children to eat the Mediterranean diet may reduce their risks of asthma by up to 40%. The cross-sectional survey of 1,476 children aged between six and seven in Mexico found that a higher adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet was also associated with significant reductions in wheezing, sneezing, and itchy-watery eyes. The findings - published in the journal Allergy - add to a growing body of evidence that linking a Mediterranean-style... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1859472 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:00:00 +0100 1859472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812693&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F09%2F19%2Fsexbolt-saturday-allergic-to-semen-yes-its-possible%2F Did you know that it’s possible to be allergic to the white stuff (and I’m not talking milk here, people). Yep, that very tangible sign of a guy’s pleasure can leave his partner red, itchy, blotchy and more. What causes this is a sensitivity to the proteins in a guy’s semen, a condition which actually has a name: human seminal plasma protein hypersensitivity (SPH). A person can be sensitive to the proteins in the semen of most men, or to a specific guy’s proteins in particular. Symptoms of an allergy may include localized pain, itching, redness, swelling, hives or even trouble breathing! Most symptoms usually show up within 20 -30 minutes of contact and can last for hours or days. The severity really depends on body chemistry. How to treat this very unpleasan... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812693 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:12:23 +0100 1812693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1713982&cid=t_90461_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FUyZJm72zRB8%2F Gluten-free doesn’t have to mean flavor-free: the ultimate guide to wheat-less eating trumpets a recent post on Epicurious. Who don’t you know (sister-in-law, aunt, close friend from college) who hasn’t noted to you, “I’ve been going gluten-free and I feel so much better….”. As long as my son’s been diagnosed, the gluten-free casein-free diet has been touted as a potential “treatment” for autism. Once we were fanatics; now he has the occasional bun with his hot dog and I pack his lunchbox with sushi and spring rolls and other gluten-free casein-free eats. And I keep finding more and more gluten-free items in the local grocery stores and hear about more and more people trying “the diet,” which was most recently promoted... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1713982 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:00:20 +0100 1713982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1657160&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F07%2F26%2Fcould-you-be-allergic-to-thunderstorms%2F It’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and with summer comes all kinds of storms. And all kinds of opportunities for allergies. Here’s something you may have never thought of, though: you may be allergic to thunderstorms. Yeah, for real. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, keep an eye to the sky and an ear on the weather reports, since the pollen and mold spores that are sucked into the cloud base at the start of a storm can be broken down into even smaller particles and inhaled even more easily, triggering attacks or flare-ups. The fix? When a storm’s a-brewing, head inside and shut the windows since the greatest risk is at the onset of a storm. Pregnant with asthma? Check out Marijke’s post at Womb Within for ideas on asthma medications. Tags: allergies, Asth... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1657160 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:50:30 +0100 1657160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494644&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Flindsey-lohan%25e2%2580%2599s-asthma-attack-a-wake-up-call-on-albuterol%2F I don’t really know if Lindsay Lohan had an asthma attack at 30,000 feet, or whether she spent two hours in an LA emergency room or had to be admitted for treatment, because the news reports are conflicting and unclear as of this writing. But I do know that millions of Americans suffer acute asthma attacks every year (11 million during each year between 1997 and 2004), and that they often require emergency room treatment (1.8 million asthma ER visits for each year between 2001 and 2003) and hospitalization (an average of 500,000 hospital admissions each year). Worse yet, there were about 4,200 deaths from asthma each year between 2001 and 2003. Those alarming statistics come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). What these numbers mean is that a lot of people depend on albuterol-ba... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494644 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:06:36 +0100 1494644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1492360&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Flindsey-lohan%25e2%2580%2599s-asthma-attack-a-wake-up-call-on-albuterol%2F I don’t really know if Lindsey Lohan had an asthma attack at 30,000 feet, or whether she spent two hours in an LA emergency room or had to be admitted for treatment, because the news reports are conflicting and unclear as of this writing. But I do know that millions of Americans suffer acute asthma attacks every year (11 million during each year between 1997 and 2004), that they often require emergency room treatment (1.8 million asthma ER visits for each year between 2001 and 2003), and hospitalization (an average of 500,000 hospital admissions each year). Worse yet, there were about 4,200 deaths from asthma each year between 2001 and 2003. Those alarming statistics come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). What these numbers mean is that a lot of people depend on albuterol-based... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1492360 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:44:45 +0100 1492360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1463842&cid=t_90461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F296466518%2F (Image credit www.about.com)  A University of Carolina study monitoring 1200 newborns found that first borns were more likely to carry a gene variant which raised their risk of developing an allergy before the age of 10.  The study suggested that a first born experienced different conditions in the uterus from subsequent siblings. The researchers measured levels of an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the babies’ umbilical cord blood.  This is known to play a key role in the development of allergic responses.   First born babies were more likely to have high levels of IgE, and those that did were also more likely to show signs of an allergic response when they were subsequently tested, using a skin prick test, at the age of four and ten. The researchers also believe the... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1463842 Fri, 23 May 2008 10:22:01 +0100 1463842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1409702&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F04%2F30%2Fhealthbolt-healthy-health-links%2F After tackling the Vitality Compass the other day, I decided that week’s ‘healthy health links’ should be all about fitness… Vital Juice Daily gives us a few tips on Wind Down Workouts Cranky Fitness reminds us of the Top Six Ways to Feel Uncool Exercising. That’s Fit has tips on the 7 Habits of Successful Snackers. Medlaunches has all the info on Seiko’s Slimstick - a fitness device that will keep track of your exercise. The Office Diet explains Six Healthy Ways to Cope with Tiredness- that work. Cultivate Greatness reminds us of the 14 Habits That Make You Fat. Fit Sugar provides Tips for Exercising Outdoors During Allergy Season. And finally, Mark’s Daily Apple offers 10 Ways to ‘Get Primal’. Happy reading… Tags: allergies, Die... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1409702 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:45:06 +0100 1409702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1402993&cid=t_90461_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fsun-sheep-may-safely-graze.html Many parents are prone to moan about all the things that their autistic child will never do. I am exceptionally good at moaning myself, in fact, I have far more to moan about because we have double trouble around here.Although autism is a spectrum disorder, often there are common themes. One common theme that we suffer around here, is an ability to enjoy nature's wonders, or more specifically, natures wonder's if they happen to be outside. For as long as I can remember both of them have been "allergic" to outside. I have used every tric……available therapy and strategy to desensitize them to this common garden phenomenon will little success. Short of staking them to the broad beans poles, I’m out of ideas, although duct tape might be a kinder option for the tactile defensive amongst u... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1402993 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:45:00 +0100 1402993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1394075&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F276430656%2F Some school pranks just aren’t cool. An eighth grader in Kentucky was arrested Sunday on a charge of felony wanton endangerment, accused of planting peanut butter cookie crumbs in the lunchbox of a classmate with a severe peanut allergy, the Associated Press reported. The classmate, whose allergy a school spokeswoman said was well known, didn’t eat the dangerous morsels. This sort of bullying apparently isn’t rare. Anne Munoz-Furlong of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, told ABC News that the group often hears stories like this. “The child is called peanut-kid, or the classmates wait outside the classroom and chase them with peanut butter sandwiches.” The group has developed an educational program to teach students to take food allergies seriously.... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1394075 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:36:27 +0100 1394075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1352758&cid=t_90461_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F264626367%2Fyour_brain_on_crisis.html After waiting months for allergy tests from internationally respected, Dr. Don Pulver, I looked forward to a cure. A lifetime of annoying allergies … with one change to conquer them. Focused on solutions for a stubborn sinus problem …  I only half heard exchanges between medical personnel about a patient in crisis … without help … in another country. To my horror …  I soon discovered that patient was a beloved family member of Dr. Pulver himself.The sudden crisis had left him with next to no sleep the night before … and would require international travel after work that day. He'd seen patients all day ... it was 4 PM … and other than red eyes … one would never know personal disaster struck ... the day&nbsp... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1352758 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 17:06:43 +0100 1352758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1344323&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=35057&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.orlandosentinel.com%2Ffeatures_healthblog%2F2008%2F04%2Fsuicide-risk-li.html The government is investigating claims that Singulair may be linked to mood changes and suicidal tendencies. The drug is made by Merck to treat both asthma and allergies. In a press release, the Food and Drug Administration said it is... (Source: Health Check the Blog) Health Check the Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1344323 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:59:00 +0100 1344323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1332535&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fhnblog.pl%3Fhnblog%3D321081 WebMD reports that a new research study has found that placing drops of honeybee venom under the tongue can significantly reduce reactions in people allergic to bee stings. This procedure is known as sublingual immunotherapy. Partipants in the study were gradually given larger doses of bee venom over a six week period. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either sublingual immunotherapy in the form of honeybee venom drops placed under the tongue, or placebo drops. Patients in the immunotherapy group got escalating doses of honeybee venom for six weeks, followed by a maintenance dose, given three times a week for six months. "You hold the drop under the tongue for about one or two minutes, then swallow," Passalacqua says. After being gradually subjected to greater quanti... HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1332535 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:00:00 +0100 1332535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1311114&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=35057&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.orlandosentinel.com%2Ffeatures_healthblog%2F2008%2F03%2Fspring-allergie.html Eyes water at the sight of flowers? Spring allergy season is kicking in gear, and children are among the sniffling-sneezing-runny nose victims. A new survey finds that young allergy patients struggle with school and sleep. "Allergies interrupt a child's productivity,... (Source: Health Check the Blog) Health Check the Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1311114 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:15:00 +0100 1311114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1245115&cid=t_90461_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F238238499%2Fsanofiaventis_xyzal_tablets_ge.html sanofi-aventis (EPA:SAN) and UBC announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a New Drug Application (NDA) for Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 0.5 mg/ml oral solution.Xyzal is an oral antihistamine, available only by prescription, for the relief of symptoms associated with indoor and outdoor allergies and is also indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria.The tablet form of Xyzal received FDA approval in May, 2007 and both the tablet and oral formulations are now approved for use in adults and children over the age of 6."The oral solution of Xyzal provides a welcome alternative for those patients who have difficulty swallowing or who prefer liquid medication," said Michael S. Blaiss, MD, Clinical Professor of Paediatrics and Medic... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1245115 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:00:06 +0100 1245115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1232127&cid=t_90461_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fembracing-an-anti-inflammatory-diet-part-one%2F When one is struck with an autoimmune condition such as one of the numerous forms of arthritis, the question of diet is part of the battle plan. At first, you try to embrace the many changes you are faced with such as daily chronic pain, changes in lifestyle, fatigue, secondary effects on your family, to name only a few of the challenges. It’s sort of like finding yourself at war. You’re not sure how you got there. You’re certain you don’t like it. You want to get over it so you can get the heck out of there before you lose anything else and you hope you come out of it a “winner.” The chances are that eventually, you will read something about dietary influence on inflammation; a doctor will say something about it, or someone will give you advice. One has to be careful about tak... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1232127 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:07:58 +0100 1232127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1170273&cid=t_90461_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fhow-to-get-started-on-a-gluten-free-diet%2F I confess, every time I hear the word gluten I am reminded of an experience I had many years ago. I received my first bread machine and was experimenting with recipes. I bought a bag of gluten which spilled onto the counter. That was an interesting, if somewhat frustrating scientific experiment in the sticky, icky staying power of gluten. It remained in the sponge and on the dishtowel as a stringy, gelatinous mess which defied several trips through the washing machine. I’m pretty sure you could use it to lay bricks. Anytime we try to change our eating habits it’s a chore. When we’re hungry we go toward the familiar, the easy and the convenient. I know life is complicated enough without throwing another challenge in the way. So much of who we are is wrapped up in “comfort foods” a... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1170273 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:55:29 +0100 1170273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1132780&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F212346346%2F The Health Blog looked for stories you might have missed this weekend. Here’s our short list. As presidential wannabe John Edwards campaigned in New Hampshire, he picked up support from the family of Nataline Sarkisyan, a 17-year-old California girl whose liver transplant was turned down by her insurer, Cigna. The company reversed itself but she died before a transplant could be performed. Edwards has invoked her case on the hustings. “Are you telling me that we’re gonna sit at a table and negotiate with those people?” Edwards said last month after she died, CBS News reported. “We’re gonna take their power away and we’re not gonna have this kind of problem again.” Last week, Sarkisyan’s mother reached out to support him after hearing hi... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1132780 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:32:36 +0100 1132780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1054996&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fchristmas-trees-and-allergies-what-you-need-to-know%2F Thanksgiving is over, and I’m already seeing cars carrying Christmas trees home. It may be a little early, but that’s when prevention works best because it turns out that both real and artificial Christmas trees can cause problems for some people with allergies. It’s not known how many people suffer from Christmas tree-related allergies. But if you find yourself with a runny nose, itchy eyes or maybe even increased asthma symptoms around the holidays, it may be due to allergies and not to a common cold. Real Christmas trees spend their formative years outside in the environment giving them plenty of time to collect a variety of air born pollens, herbicides, fertilizers, molds and other irritants that can cling to the needles and bark. Dragging them in and out of the house and fiddlin... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1054996 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:02:04 +0100 1054996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1021309&cid=t_90461_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F183646737%2Ffda_approval_for_nonprescripti.html Zyrtec-D (cetirizine HCl 5 mg and pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg), an allergy drug, has been approved for nonprescription use in adults and children over the age of 12 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Previously approved by the FDA in 2001 as a prescription drug, Zyrtec-D is now available without a prescription. It is indicated for the relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies like runny nose, sneezing, itchy andwatery eyes, itching of nose or throat and nasal congestion. It also reduces the swelling of nasal passages for the relief of sinus congestion and pressure.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases estimates that 50 million Amaericans suffer from hay fever and allergies every year and is the sixth leading cause of chronic disease.&quot... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1021309 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:30:45 +0100 1021309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019100&cid=t_90461_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fnonprescription_zyrtecd_for_allergies_fdaapproved.php A combination of antihistamine with a nasal decongestant, Zyrtec-D (cetirizine HCl 5 mg and pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg) is a prescription allergy drug from Pfizer. Now, the FDA has approved a Zyrtec-D (cetirizine HCl 5 mg and pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg) for nonprescription use in adults and children aged 12 and older. This drug combines an antihistamine with a nasal decongestant. Available as a prescription drug since 2001, Zyrtec-D is now approved as a nonprescription drug for the relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies such as, runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat, and nasal congestion. Zyrtec-D is also for reducing swelling of nasal passages, for relief of sinus congestion and pressure, and for restoring freer br... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019100 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 03:17:14 +0100 1019100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=959030&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2F171346337%2F What do you do if you notice your breastfed baby has green, frothy stool? Here is the scoop on green poop. There are two main considerations when a baby has green watery bowel movements: (1) oversupply and a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, or (2) baby’s reaction to something the mother consumed. Oversupply and Foremilk/Hindmilk Imbalance It may take several weeks for a mother’s milk supply to regulate. When a mother experiences oversupply, the baby can take in too much low-calorie, lactose-rich foremilk and not enough high-calorie, fat-rich hindmilk. That can lead to fussiness, gassiness, low weight gain and/or green, watery stools. A mother can attempt to remedy the foremilk/hindmilk imbalance by “block feeding”: feeding on the same breast for any feedings during a t... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=959030 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:33:09 +0100 959030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=931169&cid=t_90461_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F165789583%2Ftentative_fda_approval_for_gen.html Caraco Pharmaceuticals (AMEX:CPD)  announced today that they have received tentative approval to market their generic version of Zyrtec Chewable, Cetirizine HCl Chewable. They are expecting final approval prior to the expiration of the patent in December of this year.Cetirizine HCl Chewable is used for the relief of nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies and is the bioequivalent of Pfizer Inc's Zyrtec Chewable which has U.S. sales of $75 million from June 2006 to June 2007.Daniel H. Movens, Caraco's Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are extremely pleased to receive this tentative approval and look forward to the expiration date of the patent on December 25, 2007, which will allow Caraco to market the product. We feel that Cetirizine HCl Chewable complements our previo... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=931169 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:00:49 +0100 931169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=906061&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fhouse-of-lords-reports-on-allergy-and.html Imagine having a Ferrari that you are only ever allowed to drive in a velodrome. Imagine further, that there is a noise-limiter on the engine and that you are not allowed to exceed 12 miles an hour. The UK is in the somewhat remarkable position of having some of the most well-respected and expert clinical allergists and immunologists in the world yet employing them within a National Health Service that is infamous for its lack of adequate allergy services and the poverty of available resources. A House of Lords Committee has been investigating allergy and allergic diseases in the UK. The House of Lords (HoL) committee has issued a comprehensive report (HL 166-1 or pdf) and made some strong recommendations that seem wholly appropriate to the scale of need within the UK.It is breathtakingly ... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=906061 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:47:00 +0100 906061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782962&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F06%2Fallegra-and-high-blood-pressure-a-connection%2F Filed under: Drugs, Daily news, Women Heart Health, Men Heart HealthFor someone with Allergies, Allegra can be a life-saver. But for someone who takes it, it can also be a life-ender, particularly with the use of Allegra-D, which contains a decongestant. The decongestant in Allegra, pseudoephedrine, works by restricting blood vessels, which can be a serious problem for people with high blood pressure because it raises it. And having habitually high blood pressure can lead to other problems, including stroke, kidney failure congestive heart failure, heart attack and more. If you suffer from allergies and high blood pressure, please talk to your doctor about alternative therapies for both problems.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Co... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782962 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 782962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=721318&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fasthma-allergies-paediatrics-links-and.html Use children as medicine guinea pigs No, this is not yet another bizarre version of recent MMR-vaccine-autism reporting but a rather sensationalist take on a perfectly sensible call by Prof. John Warner for the inclusion of children in medical trials. Children are not small adults. This is one of the reasons that Clark Bartram initiated Paediatric Grand Rounds. This stark fact is a headache for pharmaceutical companies who are frequently criticised for their lack of drugs that are specifically formulated for children and tested on them. Understandably, however, it is difficult to obtain ethical approval for drug trials (or any therapeutic trials) that involve children. There has been a lot of adverse publicity about the effect of anti-depressants on children. There is increasing controvers... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=721318 Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:19:00 +0100 721318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=718033&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fasthma-allergies-links-and-stories.html Gene Variation, Childhood Asthma Risks and Dubious Press Coverage British researchers made an announcement about some exciting advances in childhood asthma:We are confident that we have discovered something new and exciting about childhood asthma.... These novel findings do not explain completely how asthma is caused, but they do provide a further part of the gene-environment jigsaw that makes up the disease. We and our colleagues are currently preparing even bigger studies to find other genes of smaller effect, and to relate these to environmental factors that protect against asthma.Wired gives an excellent overview of the press coverage, some of which was notable for its unwarranted hyperbole. The Daily Telegraph is commended as one of the few papers that gave sensible coverage: Gene May... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=718033 Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:39:00 +0100 718033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=714706&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fwarner-despairs-that-allergy-is-still.html Prof. John Warner is Professor of Paediatrics at Imperial College London and has contributed to several jeremiads about the state of allergy services in the NHS. Warner is particularly concerned about the parlous state of paediatric allergy and has written a strong editorial in the latest edition of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology: Allergy – still a Cinderella subject.There are frequent newspaper articles about the scale of need for allergy services in the UK; they range from the sensible to the ludicrous but they do highlight the level of concern that there is. There is increasing coverage of the profound quality of life issues that children with allergies face on a daily basis.I admire allergy specialists in the UK for their continued restraint in the face of many rebuffs for their re... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=714706 Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:02:00 +0100 714706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=711672&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fasthma-allergy-immunology-menace-of.html Cats Are a Ubiquitous Source of Irritation for People with Allergies I have previously made my position on cats very clear: You're Not Free of Cats Just Because You Don't Own One. I will grudgingly admit that the report needs to be verified but it merely confirms me in my prejudice that cats are a force for evil, irritation, anti-histamine and air-freshener sales. It seems that allergen avoidance advice that has concentrated on avoiding house dust mite might have neglected the ubiquitous nature of cat allergens which may be a more relevant trigger, even in the absence of an apparent allergy. Cats may trigger an asthmatic airway response even in people who are not specifically allergic to cat dander.Cat allergen exposure at moderate levels may be harmful to all atopic adults...The clinical ... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=711672 Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:05:00 +0100 711672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=696857&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Feczema-asthma-allergy-links-and-news.html This study looked at 1037 children from a 1972–1973 New Zealand birth cohort: the authors report that whether breast-feeding carries an increased risk for atopy and asthma for a child depends on their gender and the family history of the disease.Breast-fed boys had a 63% increased risk of atopy by age 13 years, and those with atopic mothers had a 95% increased risk but neither of these reached a recognised significance value. Breast-fed boys with atopic fathers had a significantly increased risk for atopy of 639% when compared with those who were not breast-fed. However, breast-feeding did not increase the risk for atopy among boys with atopic mothers. For girls, the risk of atopy at age 13 years was not affected by breastfeeding, maternal atopy, or paternal atopy alone. However, breast-... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=696857 Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:52:00 +0100 696857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682761&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Feczema-and-allergy-links-and-news.html When I attended the Allergy Show last week I picked up an information leaflet about allergies in small children that is starting to be distributed in pharmacies and similar places. The slogans that aroused an Amen Corner response were:Allergy care starts with early diagnosisEarly testing prevent allergy symptoms becoming severeThe irritating thing was that there is no follow-up relevant website. The leaflet was supported by an educational grant from Pharmacia Diagnostics. It is not surprising that the leaflet contained the summary advice:Find out to what your child is allergic!Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis of allergies, using skin testing or appropriate blood tests.Go and visit your doctor for an allergy test!Your child will be tested to identify the substances (allergens) causin... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682761 Wed, 20 Jun 2007 07:58:00 +0100 682761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682762&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fchildrens-health-asthma-eczema-and.html Blossom - Stop Allergies Spoiling Childhood A campaign to reduce the social exclusion of children with allergies. The members promise reliable and regularly updated information, advice resources and support. The site is a little light on content at present but it will be interesting to see how this site and campaign mature.Food allergies reported to have increased 12-fold in australian children since 1995 It's a gallimaufrey of numbers and it is hard to avoid the speculation that some of the increase reflects increasing awareness of the symptoms of allergies and a greater readiness by parents to request allergy testing for their children. Nonetheless, it is worth looking at the paediatric trends in food allergy in a community-based allergy practice.Omegas 3 and 6 exposure from early life d... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682762 Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:26:00 +0100 682762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675473&cid=t_90461_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Flaughter-children-babies-and-eczema.html When a young child had eczema the sleepless nights can disturb the whole family (and neighbours in several directions if the child is particularly vocal about distress). Every so often, I come across a researcher who publishes in some quirky areas and I'm intrigued. I wonder about their research group, who funds their research, how easy they find it to attract research fellows, stuff like that. Sometimes, I think ?!? but most of the time, I wonder about what they are doing with their findings and how they might hope to investigate the biological mechanisms involved or to apply their findings to a wider population.Kimata has published several papers on laughter and eczema; this is the sort of area that piques my interest. When an abstract blips on my quirk-meter, I don't always consult the ... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675473 Thu, 14 Jun 2007 09:37:00 +0100 675473