How Can you Be Prepared for an Allergy Free Fall?

                          

October traditionally, associated with the start of fall, brings about a host of wonderful changes. Temperatures drop, leaves change, and winter squashes seem to appear everywhere overnight. There is excitement in the air brought in from storms and falling leaves.  Invitations for apple picking, hiking, hay rides and haunted houses abound.  For those with allergies, these drastic changes and invitations often leave with itchy eyes, asthma exacerbations and can trigger itchy skin.  Simply, Fall can be a bit perilous for those with asthma and food and skin allergies.

Some simple tips, can make sure you get to enjoy Fall & do participate in all the Fun!

How Can you be Prepared for an Allergy Free Fall?

Dealing with Asthma in the Fall:

• Fall is a great time to check in with your allergist/asthma specialist
  
  
• Make sure you get your flu shot! Those with asthma are more likely to end up hospitalized from the flu.  Stop by Gramercy Allergy anytime- we have the flu shot!
  
  
• Wash your hands frequently.  This will help prevent you getting the common cold.
  
  
• Roast some of those fall squashes- any orange colored vegetable is packed with Vitamins A, C and E- all essential for a health immune system.  Check out here for pumpkin recipes
  
  
• Make sure your inhalers aren’t expired
  
  
• Pack a scarf to protect your lungs from cold temperatures
  
  
• Follow pollen counts for ragweed pollens and mold spores

If you have Skin Allergies & Eczema:

•       Start a good moisturization routine weekly to keep your skin protected from the cooler temperatures. Extra moisture will help prevent your skin from becoming itchy.
•            Change to a mild soap, use lukewarm showers and always moisturize before your skin dries out!
•       Little time to moisturize?  Using baby oil in the shower is a quick and easy way to keep skin hydrated.  Just be careful- your tub can get slippery.
•       Be careful with Halloween makeup- many have chemicals/dyes that can cause severe reactions that can scar.
•       Check out for more specific tips.  How To Keep Your Skin Beautiful When You Have Eczema

If you have Fall Eye and Nose Allergies:

·        Get tested.  Knowing what’s triggering your allergies is the first way to avoid it.

·       Following pollen and mold spore counts can be the best way to stay ahead of allergens.

·       Use medications early.  Starting medications early will help prevent symptoms.

·       See your allergist for specific advice. 

If you have Food Allergies:

·       Be careful with Halloween candy.  This is often a common source of accidental exposure.

·       Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project sponsored by FARE

·       Make sure your injectable epinephrine isn’t expired.

·       Look over Halloween candy to make sure it doesn’t contain hidden food ingredients that might make you sick.

Need specific advice on how to survive fall Allergy free?  Visit Gramercy Allergy- Union Square premier allergy office. We are located at 205 East 22nd Street NY NY 10010

What is The Teal Pumpkin Project?

Halloween and Food Allergy

·        Did you know that one in 13 children under the age of 18 years of age are affected from food allergies? 

·        This number is only on the rise and according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 1997-2011, food allergies have increased by 50%. 

·        Sadly, we don’t know why these numbers are increasing. 

·        Children with food allergies often feel left out and isolated as it’s difficult for them to “share” food.  Halloween proposes a particular challenge for parents with food allergies.  The candy filled pumpkin offered up with generosity and fun is a perilous bowl of potential threats for those with food allergies.

·        Candy typically may contain milk, egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts and latex, some of the most common causes of food allergies.

What is the Teal Pumpkin Project™?

·        Launched as a national campaign by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) in 2014, the Teal Pumpkin Project™ raises awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season. 

           AMAZINGLY! Last year, households from 50 states and 7 countries participated in the Teal Pumpkin Project™ by putting out a teal painted pumpkin to signify that their treats were “food allergy safe”. This year, you can be part of an even bigger movement by joining 100,000 households pledging to participate in the Teal PumpkinProject™!

Gramercy Allergy and Asthma Took The Pledge Have You?

What Do You Have to Do To Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project™?

·       Place a teal painted pumpkin outside your home or a sign signifying you have non-food related treats available to trick-or-treaters.

·       Take the Pledge!

     Join FARE and 100,000 other households across the USA in providing allergy free treats. 

·       Want to download a sign?  Visit the FARE website http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project/downloads#.VgFbFt9VhBc

What are Some Easy Ideas for Non-Food Treats to use for the Teal Pumpkin Project™?

·        Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces ·        Pencils, pens, crayons or markers ·        Bubbles ·        Halloween erasers or pencil toppers ·        Mini Slinkies ·        Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers ·        Bouncy balls ·        Finger puppets or novelty toys

·        Coins ·        Spider rings ·        Vampire fangs ·        Mini notepads ·        Playing cards ·        Bookmarks ·        Stickers ·        Stencils

How Can You Get More Involved with Food Allergy Awareness? 

Participate in the FARE WALK For Food ALLERGY- and Help us Say Farewell to Food Allergies. 

When? Saturday October 10, 2015

 Where? Westchester NY- Glen Island Park (Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801

Check In @ 1PM with Walk Ceremony starting 230.

Register at Food Allergy Walk Westchester

Or visit the FARE Website

Need help managing specific food allergies?  Please visit click here to schedule an appointment.

* "The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT and the Teal Pumpkin Image are trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)."

Halloween and Food Allergy