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Cats and Dogs in the House Can Help Your Allergies?

Dr. Michael Welch - the editor of Allergies and Asthma: What Every Parent Needs to Know, 2nd Edition, which has just been released joined the show. If you have allergies, have had them or know someone who does - this is a MUST LISTEN!

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Michael J. Welch, M.D., a board-certified specialist in allergy and immunology, is co-director of the Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center in San Diego, and Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

Dr. Welch received his M.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1976.  He completed his internship and residency in Pediatrics as well as his fellowship in Allergy/Immunology, also at the same institution (UCLA).  Additionally, Dr. Welch conducted one year of postgraduate clinical immunology research fellowship at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, California.  He is board-certified in both allergy-immunology and pediatrics by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, and the American Board of Pediatrics. An active author, editor and lecturer, Dr. Welch has published a large body of work in a number of journals, including Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Chest, Pediatric Annals, Journal of Asthma and Pediatric Asthma, and Allergy and Immunology.  His main clinical research interest is in the area of pharmacotherapeutics for allergic disease, with his research center having conducted over 600 clinical trials evaluating numerous forms of therapy for respiratory allergy and asthma during the last 25 years.  He has lectured extensively throughout the country, as well as locally, to both physicians and lay people, with over 300 presentations at meetings, conventions, workshops, colleges, grand rounds, and dinners.  He is editor-in-chief of a book for the lay public entitled Guide To Your Child’s Allergies and Asthma. Dr. Welch has held leadership positions and memberships in numerous national, state and local professional organizations and associations in the field of asthma, allergy and immunology. He is recent past-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Section on Allergy and Immunology of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has a strong interest in asthma camps for children, nationally and locally, and recently held the position of Chair of the National Consortium on Children’s Asthma Camps. Dr. Welch is past-president of the California Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the San Diego Allergy Society. Currently, he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), and serves on numerous committees of the AAAAI including Pharmacotherapy, Grants, and Asthma Camps. He is a member of the San Diego Allergy Society, the California Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the California Medical Association and the American Lung Association (ALA). Locally, Dr. Welch is a member and past chair of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Children’s Hospital, San Diego, and member and recent past chairman of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.  He is recent past chair-elect of the board of the San Diego and Imperial County Chapter of the ALA, and is Medical Director of the Southern California Asthma Camp Program sponsored by ALA, serving as Medical Director for over 20 years. He was awarded Physician Citizen of the Year by the San Diego County Medical Society in 1999 for his volunteer contributions to the community.  As a teacher and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, he is involved in the medical training of primary care residents from the University of California San Diego, as well as the teaching of allergy-immunology fellows from Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California. The residents and fellows rotate through his office on a year-round basis.  He is a past recipient of the CME Teacher of the Year Award presented by Children’s Hospital San Diego.

Dr. Michael Welch discusses the following on this eHealth Radio Episode:

• Spring is around the corner. How do you tell the difference between a "cold" and spring allergies?
• Food allergy - it seems to be on the increase? What's going on?
• What's the latest on treating asthma? Are we getting close to a cure?
• What is it I heard recently about how having a cat or dog in the house can actually keep a child from having allergies? Is this true?
• What's the latest with allergy injections? Do they work, and who is a good candidate for them?
• Don't miss Special Tip in Conclusion on each episode...

Web Site:
AllergyAndAsthma.com
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Why are some people more miserable during allergy season than others?

Dr. Ed Neuzil, a board certified ARNP who has had his own allergy, sinus and asthma practice in Central Florida for more than 11 years joined the show. He has also developed an herbal-enhanced nasal cleansing spray, Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator that provides relief for dry, irritated nasal passages.

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Francis "Ed" Neuzil, PhD, MSN, ARNP is the creator of Dr. Neuzil's Irrigator. He has over 34 years of experience in the medical field and is a Nurse Practitioner with 11 years of specialty expertise in the fields of allergy, sinus and asthma. He is the owner of the Allergy, Sinus and  Asthma Family Health Center in Lady Lake, Florida and has five college degrees including his Ph.D. in Health Administration.

He created the herbal-enhanced sinus rinse for his own family and patients who often suffer during Florida's extended allergy seasons. Dr. Neuzil's Irrigator is not a steroid or nasal decongestant. This nasal spray is a saline formula with light menthol, natural oils and herbs added so it doesn't burn, sting or leave an unpleasant aftertaste. It uses the natural decongesting effects of the essential oils to provide comfort and relief.

Neuzil is an Associate member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and a member of several local, state and national professional organizations.

Dr. Ed Neuzil discusses the following on this eHealth Radio Episode:

• Last year’s allergy season was brutal for many around the country and this year’s may be just as bad if not worse. What symptoms did your patients experience? Why are some people more miserable during allergy season than others?
• You often tell your patients to “avoid” the pollen and other irritants that cause discomfort. How do they do that?
• A nasal wash is often prescribed to rinse out the irritating pollen. You have created a product called Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator that can be used along as a natural alternative or along with prescription allergy medication. Please tell us about that.
• Do you have suggestions for people with young children for allergy season? Can kids suffer from allergies and how can they get relief?
• How can allergies affect asthma symptoms?
• Don't Miss Special Conclusion Tip...

Web Site:
IrrigatorNasalSpray.com

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Holistic Methods to Treating Allergies

Dr. William LaTorre who is a member of the American Holistic Medicine Association and is the founder of the LaTorre Wellness Center in St. Petersburg, Florida joined the show to discuss holistic methods to treating allergies successfully.

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For more than thirty years, Dr.William LaTorre has helped restore health and wellness to thousands of patients. Whether they've come to him after years of chronic arthritis, back or headache pain, discomfort caused from a car accident or a fall, stomach problems, obesity and other weight issues, or to end the suffering caused by asthma and allergies, Dr. LaTorre has helped heal many people who thought they would never feel healthy again. Dr. LaTorre holds a bachelor's degree in human biology and a master’s degree in biomechanical trauma and human kinetics, plus did fellowship training in the biomechanics of impact trauma and subsequently earned his designation as a diplomate from the American Academy of Biomechanical Trauma. Dr. LaTorre is Board certified in chiropractic medicine, and is certified as one of approximately only 100 Brimhall-trained wellness and holistic practitioners in the U.S. with advanced training in nutrition and cold laser therapy. Dr. LaTorre has trained also in DNA, hormone, genetic testing and treatment.  He is a member of the American Holistic Medical Association, is an author and has lectured widely throughout the U.S. at universities, national and local professional organizations, corporate seminars and on television and radio. To find out more about the LaTorre Wellness Center visit LaTorreWellnessCenter.com.

Abbreviated Transcript of Interview with Dr. William LaTorre

Eric Michaels: Why do some people have allergies and others don’t?

Dr. LaTorre: Being a holistic health care practitioner I believe it is all dependant upon the immune system and our flow of energy. Remember the human body is only nothing more than energy. In fact everything in the universe is nothing more than energy. Here at the clinic we practice quantum physics and knowing there are several energy channels that make everything in the body work; first we have the brain and nervous system that carries electrical energy from the brain to every cell in the body then we hve the acupuncture meridian system that carries energy to every part of the body...

Eric Michaels: How does conventional medicine treat allergies?

Dr. LaTorre: Conventional medicine either uses an antihistamine or cortisone which knocks out inflammation. All that is doing is treating the symptoms and what we do is to take the information the patient gives us then we use their body's own energy and we put these little tiny vials with the DNA of all the food and environmental allergies in them one at a time in the patients energy field. Then we test the strong muscle say the shoulder muscle or a leg muscle. Once we have identified the strong muscle and we put the DNA let's say - eggs...we take a little vial with the DNA from eggs and put it in the patients energy field...

Eric Michaels: How do you treat allergies holistically?

Dr. LaTorre: Pretty much how I just explained it. In addition to, and I have dozens and dozens of these little vials of all these food and environmental allergens in them, and when we put them in the patients energy field we put a bib on them so to speak we put the little vials in the bib, then we go about the process of treating them with acupuncture points, cold laser therapy...

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Want the entire audio version of this eHealth Radio Episode? Dr. William LaTorre discusses & answers:

• How long does the treatment last?
• What have some patients told you about how their allergy treatment has changed their life?
• Conclusion Tip...

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Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the show host or it's owners.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

Board-Certified Allergist-Immunologist Dr. Andrew Bagg with his practice in Orlando joined the show. He discusses how allergies are diagnosed, how are allergic diseases treated, the cause of allergies and reactions...

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Dr. Andrew Bagg, MD is board certified in Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology. He has conducted multiple clinical research trials and has over 15 publications in medical journals and one book chapter.  He presented his research at multiple conferences including the World Allergy Organization. Dr. Bagg is the American Lung Association county chair of education.  He is an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. He treats both adult and pediatric allergy problems in his practice in Orlando, Florida. He specializes in treatment of all allergic diseases including asthma, eczema, hives, food and drug allergy, allergy shots, eye allergies, insect allergy, sinus infections and immune system problems that might cause frequent infections.

Transcript of Interview with Dr. Andrew Bagg

Eric Michaels: What causes allergies and or what is an allergic reaction?
Dr. Bagg: Fifty million Americans suffer from some form of allergic diseases. Most of us associate sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes with allergies. An allergic reaction is actually a result of several events that occur in your body as a result of overreaction of the immune system.

Eric Michaels: How does the immune system reaction result in allergy symptoms?
Dr. Bagg: Your immune system serves as your body’s defense against a foreign substance such as bacteria and viruses and produces antibodies against these substances. Allergic patients recognize these common harmless substances (allergens) such as pollens, foods, dust mites, and pet dander as foreign and produces an antibody called Immunoglobulin E., or IgE. This antibody attaches to “mast cells” that are located in the respiratory tract, skin, gastrointestinal tract and eyes. Each type of allergen has a specific IgE that recognizes only that allergen. (almost like a radar device).When this IgE antibody comes in contact with the “allergen”; the mast cell explodes releasing a variety of chemicals “mediators” such as histamines, leukotrienes etc. These cause a reaction resulting in inflammation (swelling with white blood cells), edema (another type of swelling with fluid and excessive mucus); and hyperresponsiveness (increased sensitivity of the respiratory tract).
Eric Michaels: What types of allergic diseases are there?
Dr. Bagg:

• Allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever”
• Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, red watery, puffy eyes)
• Asthma (chest tightness, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath)
• Atopic dermatitis, or allergic skin reactions (including eczema)
• Urticaria (hives)
• Anaphylaxis – severe reactions to substances such as latex, foods, medications, insect stings (which can be life threatening with throat closure)
• Problems/sequelae of allergic rhinitis (recurrent ear, sinus, throat infections)

Eric Michaels: How are allergies diagnosed?
Dr. Bagg: A board certified allergist/immunologist is best qualified to diagnose and treat allergic diseases. A thorough medical history followed by a physical exam is very important. Skin tests, breathing test (in case of asthma), and blood tests are all used to determine what you are allergic to.
Eric Michaels: How is allergic disease treated?
Dr. Bagg: Once your allergist determines the allergic triggers that precipitate your allergies, he or she can help you establish a treatment program. The first step will be towards prevention by minimizing your exposure to the triggering factors. The second step is to optimize the medications for best results to control the symptoms of inflammation and to decrease acute symptoms and infections. Immunotherapy (vaccination) also known as allergy injections may also be recommended to modify your immune system in order to prevent symptoms, and reduce or eliminate the need to take medications.

Contact & Information:

Web Site: AllergyCFL.com

Phone: (407) 339-3002

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Want the entire audio version of this eHealth Radio Episode?
Make Sure You Hear Dr. Bagg's Conclusion Tip.
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Is it possible to "get over" allergies?

Registered nurse Cara Landes joins the show. Cara has extensive experience in the medical field has ranged from working in a Trauma Center, to working on a Neuro & Orthopedics floor, to serving as a hospice nurse. She shares some very down to earth basics and interesting information to keeping allergies in check.

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Cara Landes, RN has been a registered nurse for over a decade. Her extensive experience in the medical field has ranged from working in a Trauma Center, to working on a Neuro & Orthopedics floor, to serving as a hospice nurse.

In an industry were bedside manner makes all the difference in the world, Cara has always been a beacon of light for those around her. Her patients describe her as a dedicated, caring, and thorough nurse and appreciate the sense of humor, honesty, and the safety and trust that she routinely provides for them. Cara has an amazing gift for explaining complex medical details in easy-to-understand terms. This gift has led her to take on an education role, not only with her patients, but with her colleagues as well, teaching such classes as Total Joint Replacement to those in her field. Cara has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. She is well-respected by the physicians she supports, and receives ongoing accolades for the accuracy of her assessments and her ability to care immediately for patients, especially in times of crisis. Cara’s exposure to patients in all different stages of their medical journey’s has taught her the importance of taking a proactive approach to health. She has the knowledge and experience to help individuals evaluate their current state of health, and has the background and heart to craft a caring solution to improve their health.

Partial Transcript of Interview with RN Cara Landes

Eric Michaels: Cara, what are the different types of allergies?

Cara Landes: There are basically three different type of allergies. The first one is food allergies. It may be specific type of food like seafood for instance or medication - with medication sometime people may have what they consider an allergy to a certain medication although it may be more of a sensitivity as in a rash or hives or they may have a reaction to a certain type of medication and that would just mean that for may people with a reaction, it is a very severe reaction and this would cause their throat to swell maybe stop breathing and those kinds of things - that would be the second type. The third type would be more seasonal allergies. People usually experience this in the spring or the fall. It may be brought on by dust and pollen. An example of that would be hay fever...

Eric Michaels: Is it possible to "get over" allergies?

Cara Landes: Yes, that is a great question. I would say it is possible to eliminate allergies, especially food allergies. For example, for food allergies it is possible to be able to remove that food from your diet and to gradually bring it back in or a person is able to take and adjust that food once again, like dairy and wheat products to name a couple of them. The more severe allergies its possible to decrease the time that a person may have the symptoms of the severity of the symptoms. For example, some people will have a asthma attack with the symptom...

Eric Michaels: Why do some people have so many allergies while others have none?

Cara Landes: As a registered nurse I have taken care of many people over the years and through my experience it comes down to two things: One is lifestyle choices. The second one would be immunity. What I see across the board is that people that are healthy make healthy choices - they really watch what it is that they put into their body. The second thing is immunity. Our bodies were designed, and whatever your belief system is, to fight off the warriors or the diseases that come to us. That is how we were designed. So the stronger your immunity, the more capable your going to be to fight off these kinds of things...

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Want the entire audio version of this eHealth Radio Episode?
Cara Landes discusses & answers:

• Are there other factors that can increase or decrease the symptoms of the allergy?
• What can people do in the next year to stay healthy and to decrease or eliminate the symptoms of their allergies?
• Conclusion Tip...

Contact Information:

Web Site: CaraLandesRN.com
Email: Cara@CaraLandesRN.com
Save this to your iPod/mp3 player or the desktop on your computer and listen to it again for your guide or simply subscribe to this feed and never miss another episode on eHealth Radio - powered by EDrugStore.md. Refer to audio player and links below.
Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the show host or it's owners.

Daily Nasal Washing is Recommended

Dr. Scott Cordray, board-certified Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, & throat) - Head & Neck Surgeon joined the program. He discusses with host Eric Michaels the need to implement nasal washing into your daily routine to prevent colds, flu's and allergies.

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Dr. Scott Cordray is a board-certified Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, & throat) - Head & Neck Surgeon and is in private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He is a graduate of Oral Robert University and the Oklahoma State University – College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he received his specialty training.

Dr. Cordray has been involved in research of chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis with some of the leading (Otolaryngologists) Ear, Nose, & Throat doctors in the U.S.  The studies include treating allergies and sinus diseases utilizing a Dead Sea salt solution in various ways. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals. Since 1983, he has been active in mission work on behalf of the poor, having traveled to such places as Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. He has authored the book, Staying Healthy on the Missionary Field, based on his own missionary experiences in order to help others who have a desire to embark on such adventures.

TriCord Pharmaceuticals, founded by Dr. Cordray, is a privately-held company that develops rigorously-tested, over-the-counter healthcare products. The company’s signature products – Oasis Nasal Wash and Oasis Nasal Spray for both adults and children – treat, relieve and prevent allergy symptoms and related illnesses. The company is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Transcript of Interview with Dr. Scott Cordray

Eric Michaels: Why is daily nasal washing recommended for the prevention and treatment of coughs, colds, allergies and flu?
Dr. Cordray: Increasing numbers of doctors and allergists are recommending nasal washing products like Oasis as part of your family’s daily hygiene routine to help protect against airborne bacteria and viruses, including the flu.  Oasis Nasal Wash is a natural cleansing process that helps flush away bacteria and other harmful particles that can collect in our nasal passages.  Regular use of a nasal wash ensures free air flow and hydrates and moisturizes dry nasal passages.  While I would recommend saline rinses in general, Oasis has some specific natural benefits that make it a great choice.

Eric Michaels: How is Oasis different from other nasal washes?
Dr. Cordray: In addition to washing away bacteria, molds and allergens Oasis products relieve swelling in the nasal passages helping patients to breathe easier. Oasis Nasal products deliver superior results because they are the only patented nasal wash made using Dead Sea Salt. Dead Sea Salt is the only salt in the world that has a unique, mineral rich composition with highly-effective anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and nasal congestion,. Their mineral content is heavy in magnesium ions, which is what makes Dead Sea salts a natural anti-inflammatory.  Reduced swelling and congestion also minimizes the possibility of developing secondary illnesses or infection.

Eric Michaels: What caused you to develop Oasis Nasal Wash for your patients?
Dr. Cordray: I first became aware of the healing properties of Dead Sea salt and minerals while doing medical mission work in Russia.  After performing nasal surgery, I explained to Russian surgeons the use of saline rinses as a part of post-operative care. My Russian colleagues said, “Wouldn’t a saline rinse with Dead Sea salts be a more effective treatment?”  That was my first exposure to the therapeutic value of Dead Sea salts. Later, I found research by German and Israeli scientists that lends support to the natural anti-inflammatory properties of Dead Sea salts for treating external inflammatory diseases like psoriasis, which made me think they might be equally effective on internal membranes like sinus passages.  That’s when we incorporated the research into the development of nasal washes and sprays. Two independent peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown that Oasis Nasal products, initially developed by Dr. Cordray for his patients, are significantly better than other saline washes in treating upper respiratory illnesses such as acute and chronic sinusitis.
Eric Michaels: Why is Oasis better than medicated products?
Dr. Cordray: Because Oasis Nasal products are all-natural, they provide the safest, most effective prevention and treatment available, without the harmful side effects or risk of over-medication associated with other products.

Most medicated products do little to help prevent the symptoms and ailments.  They often pose real medical risks, as medicated products can have harmful side effects and have the potential to interact with other medications you may be taking or even result in inadvertently double-dosing.  Some of the over-the-counter medicated products may offer temporary relief, but quickly lose their effectiveness.  Think of medicated nose sprays and how you can’t stop using them once you get started.

The beauty of Oasis is that it’s all-natural and there is no chance it will interact with other medication you are taking.  There’s no chance of side effects.  Plus, it works as both a preventative and treatment.
Eric Michaels: Where can consumers purchase Oasis?
Dr. Cordray: Oasis Nasal products are available online at www.OasisNasal.com.
Conclusion Tip: To maximize the effectiveness of Oasis, we recommend consumers incorporate nasal washing into their daily routine.  It’s a lot like brushing your teeth.  Most of us brush our teeth at least twice a day, knowing that dental health is a good preventative for cavities and gum disease.  Similarly, we know that good nasal health will help protect us from coughs, cold, flu and allergies.  That’s why doctors are recommending nasal washing as your first line of defense in protecting against allergies, bacteria and other sources of viral infections.

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Save this to your iPod/mp3 player or the desktop on your computer and listen to it again for your convenient guide or simply subscribe to this feed and never miss another episode on eHealth Radio - powered by EDrugStore.md. Refer to audio player and links below.
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Our Homes Are Making Us Sick!

Erika Lacroix, founder of the innovative EZ Breathe Home Ventilation System joins the show. She discusses why it is important to have good ventilation in the home, what can we do to help minimize the chances of allergens, toxins and mold growth within the home and a whole lot more.

Note: Refer to audio player below to listen to this episode.

Erika Lacroix has dedicated her life to helping families provide healthier homes for their loved ones. As a Healthy Air Expert, Erika seeks to spread the word and educate families about the dangers of breathing unhealthy air and the effective ways in which to combat and prevent a harmful environment in the home.

As a college junior, Erika participated in a study abroad program called Semester At Sea. Along with her other 500 classmates aboard the S.S. Universe, she embarked on a 100 day journey around the world. It was during this adventure that she committed herself to improving the health and well-being of peoples everywhere.

Upon finishing her degree with a double major in Economics and Psychology from Lake Forest College, she moved to the mountains of Idaho. While living in Ketchum, Idaho her entrepreneurial spirit started to blossom by the creation of Mountain Media, a full service marketing agency, graphic design studio and publisher of the Sun Valley Catalog. Although this career satisfied her creative juices, she still had a longing to improve people’s health and well-being.  After being re-united with her college sweetheart and first love, Andre Lacroix in 2001, she found herself engaged to married and on the move back home to Ohio.

Upon returning home to Ohio, she entered the family business, Ohio State Waterproofing.  Her father, Nicholas DiCello had started OSW in 1978 and grew his company to be the nation’s largest residential waterproofer. As part of his commitment to complete customer satisfaction he wanted to offer a solution to his number one customer complaint, that the air still felt damp and had a “basement” odor. He asked Erika to join the family business and help him come up with a real solution to this problem. After a few years of research and development, the EZ Breathe Ventilation System was born. Finally, they were able to offer a complete solution to improving the basement environment. Within a short period of time, the testimonials and letters started pouring in thanking the EZ Breathe Ventilation System for the first good night’s sleep without sinus pain, relief from allergy and asthma symptoms, condensation free windows, a healthier indoor environment, and on they went.  Erika quickly realized that the EZ Breathe system had a much wider market than just basements. The EZ Breathe system was affecting the whole home and improving the health and lifestyles of those who lived in the home!

The ever-expanding EZ Breathe market is what makes Erika’s job so exciting. Every day she comes to work she is greeted by another happy customer’s testimonial about how the EZ Breathe system has improved their living environment and their family’s health. This really strikes a chord with Erika, a mother of three young boys, who is always trying to ensure a healthy, happy lifestyle for her and her family. She feels very blessed to have the opportunity to share her passion for helping others while continuing to grow her business in harmony with each other.

Partial Transcript of Interview with Erika LaCroix

Eric Michaels: Why is it important to have good ventilation in the home?

Erika Lacroix: As you know the homes these days are being built pretty air tight. In the last fifteen to twenty years the ash tray ventilation codes have changed allowing us to build our homes tighter. We are creating what I like to call toxic cocktail in the home. The media has buzzed it as a sick home syndrome which basically in layman's terms is an increased concentration level of contaminants, air born bacterias, moisture allergens, pollens you name it and it is creating health problems for the vast majority of us...so our homes are making us sick.

Eric Michaels: What can we do to help minimize the chances of allergens, toxins and mold growth within the home?

Erika Lacroix: Well you know the American Lung Association and the EPA recommend a few different things you can do to combat indoor air pollution. First off they say the air inside your home is 3 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. And they list some things you can do to help combat that and one of them is source control which we are a firm believer in as well. If you have things like leaky down spouts that are leading to moisture intrusion obviously controlling the sources of contaminants the best you can. However what we are learning is that the source for a lot of these contaminants are just by products of our lifestyle. Things like cleaning products such as bleaches, fabric polishes, wood varnish, cooking in yoru home increases the moisture content, bathing, breathing, do you have a family pet, health and beauty products such as hairspray and nail polish - there is so much that we bing into our home that is harmful to us that to control those sources is really impractical and is just not going to happen because of the way we live our life. The other thing they recommend is ventilation and that is what we are big promoters of and creating air exchanges where you provide an exhaust for all those contaminants and in turn introduce some fresh air...

About E●Z Breathe USA

The E●Z Breathe System is a maintenance-free unit that helps protect homes from excess moisture, molds, toxins, allergens and poor air quality resulting in a cleaner, healthier living environment. It provides powerful ventilation, supporting both the EPA’s and the American Lung Association’s recommendations to use a ventilated system to reduce indoor air pollution. The E●Z Breathe unit is quiet, unobtrusive and fits easily into any room in the house. With no buckets of water to empty or filters to change, it requires no on-going time or attention. With its energy efficient design, it uses the same energy as a 40w light bulb with no on-going investment. It is a truly revolutionary approach to home ventilation and eliminates allergens. For more information, please visit ezbreathe.com.

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Want the entire audio version of this eHealth Radio Episode? 
Erika Lacroix discusses & answers:

• What makes the winter months a challenge to keep air in the home clean?
• What is the EZ Breathe Home Ventilation System and how does it help purify air within the home?
• How would I go about getting EZ Breathe installed in my home?
• Conclusion Tip...

Web Site: ezbreathe.com
Phone: 866-822-7328
Save this to your iPod/mp3 player or the desktop on your computer and listen to it again for your guide or simply subscribe to this feed and never miss another episode on eHealth Radio - powered by EDrugStore.md. Refer to audio player and links below.
Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the show host or it's owners.

New Developments in the Field of Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment!

Dr. Neeta Ogden who is a board-certified allergist-immunologist who treats both adult and pediatric allergies in her private practice in Closter, NJ joined the show here on eHealth Radio. She discussed with Eric food and peanut allergies in kids, how allergies are affecting kids more than ever both food and otherwise, what kinds of treatments are there for allergies and more.

Note: Refer to audio player below to listen to this episode.

Neeta Ogden, M.D. is a board-certified allergist-immunologist who treats both adult and pediatric allergies in her private practice in Closter, NJ. Dr. Ogden specializes in treatment of all allergic diseases including asthma, eczema, hives and other allergic skin conditions, food allergy, drug allergy, allergy shots, eye allergies, insect allergy, sinus infections and immune system problems that might cause frequent infections. Dr. Ogden is a graduate of Yale University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She has is a frequent guest on Good Morning America Health and published work in leading academic journals and presented at national allergy meetings.

Partial Transcript of Interview with Dr. Neeta Ogden

Eric Michaels: Allergies are a really hot topic right now, especially food and peanut allergies in kids. why are they so prevalent now and has there been a marked increase in the last few years?

Dr. Ogden: Yes, there has been a distinct rise in food allergies in the last 10-20 years. it's been estimated that the incidence of food allergy in this country in the last 10 years alone has nearly doubled. there is no magic answer about why this has occured but there are a number of theories:

1. One of the main things is just increased awareness of, recognition and diagnosis--so this condition is just being reported more. 2. Another theory is the so called hygiene hypothesis--which sugges that because we've become too "clean" we aren't exposed to immune-building microbes and that allows the allergic part of our immune system to go haywire. 3. Other studies point to diet. One big thing is food processing--that for example in the US, our form of food processing--roasting and emulsification of peanuts--unlike China and Africa where they boil peanuts, may be causing an increase in peanut allergy. Other things related to diet--some studies have shown that a lack of Vitamin D, antioxidants and also Omega-3s and fish oilds can be causing this rise in allergies.

4. Finally, some are re-thinking when we introduce some of these foods that are considered very allergenic--that maybe waiting until we are 2-3 years old which is what was usually recommended in this country may be the issue. A study from Israel showed that there was a far lower incidence of peanut allergy in that country where peanuts are introduced less than 1 years of age.

As far as seasonal allergies, people are reporting more intense symptoms than ever before and that has been attributed to global warming which leads to earlier more intense pollen exposure. The hygeine hypothesis may also have a roll here as well. So again, a lot of theories, but no right answer just yet.

Eric Michaels: Allergies are affecting kids more than ever both food and otherwise. are there things that parents can do to help prevent them? also what tips would you give parents whose kids have food and seasonal allergies.

Dr. Ogden: There are a lot of things that parents can do. In terms of prevention, it can be tricky. Allergies tend to be genetic. Once a child has either parents or siblings with eczema, asthma or allergies, there is a strong chance that he or she will experience some form of allergic disease as well. If there is a strong histroy of allergy in the family--for example if a sibling has a history of a good allergy, then a mother can take certaon steps like delaying introduction of very allergenic foods until later in life, continuing breat feeding, when starting formula using partially or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. Environmentally there are also things parents can do especially when there is a history of seasonal allergies. First--be on the look out! A cold or chronic cough that lasts for longer than 10 days or 2 weeks may be signs of allergies or asthma. Once you suspect it see your doctor about treatment and possibly testing, the sooner you get a diagnosis the less time your child has to suffer or experience side effects like ear infections or sinusitis. Other things that can be doen around the house--during th ehigh pollen seasons like spring--get a weekly pollen report that prepares you for the bad days. Avoid going outside when the counts are high like early morning and evening. Keep windoes closed and run the A/C. Make sure that your home's A/C and heating filters are change regularly. When in the car keep vents pointed away from you. It's good to get a hepa filter to filter out even the smallest allergenic particles from the ambient air. And also vaccuum with a hepa filter. If dust mite allergy or eczema is a concern I recommend mattress and pillow covers to minimize exposure and also washing bedding in very hot water weekly and using a hot dryer cycle as well.

Eric Michaels: Once someone is diagnosed with allergies what kinds of treatments are there? are there over the counter treatments?

Dr. Ogden: There are a lot of effective treatments out there including over the counter medications. The main over the counter medications you might take are long acting, or what we call 2nd generation antihistamines and some common names are Claritin, Loratadine, Zyrtec. Benadryl, a 1st generation is good too because it's fast acting but it doesn't last as long and can cause sedation. Over the counter eye drops are also sometimes effective. I also strongly believe in saline spray and nasal irrigation either with a spray or netti pot to keep things flushed out. If these aren't effective yur doctor can prescribe other long-acting antihistamines, intranasal steroid sprays and if asthma is an issue--asthma inhalers and pills. Often people are on a combination of a bunch of these and that can lead to a lot of relief. However, for some people these medications don't work or they simply don't take medication all the time and for them allergy shots are a great option.

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Want the entire audio version of this eHealth Radio Episode? 
Dr. Neeta Ogden discusses & answers:

• What is new and on the horizon in the field of allergy diagnosis and treatment?
• What are some of the most common things you encounter in your allergy practice that we might not have discussed so far?
• Conclusion Tip...

Contact Information:

Web Site: DrNeetaOgden.com
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