Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Spring 2015 | Page 35

allergist and clinical immunologist at McMaster University in Hamilton, On- tario, “people inherit a certain genetic disposition towards allergies, so the tendency to be allergic is passed from parents to children”, explains Dr. Waserman. Before you self diagnose your kids or yourself and treat aller- gies with perhaps unnecessary medica- tion or attribute your symptoms to something else, seek first to identify the cause of your or your children’s symptoms. The Allergy Clinic of Ber- muda offers allergy skin tests (called a scratch test) or allergy blood tests that will determine the precise causes of your allergic symptoms. Taking this step is easy, it doesn’t require a refer- ral and most health insurance plans cover allergy testing. “Start prepping the season before,” suggests Janine Fraser, a Naturopath with a special interest in allergies, at West Shore Family Naturo- pathic in Langford, B.C. “By the time people are reacting and not feeling well, they’re going to need something pharmaceutical.” A recent Reader’s Digest article, states that taking anti- histamines isn’t the only way to battle spring allergies. Besides keeping ours homes clean and managing stress levels, the article suggests great tips such as losing weight and eating the right foods. “Carrying excess weight makes it harder to breathe—a problem you don’t want when you’re suffering from allergies. The more fat around your abdomen prevents your lungs from fully expand- ing and your diaphragm from moving downward. In other words, you can’t get a good, deep breath”. “Medical studies have repeatedly concluded that pow- erful chemicals called antioxidants— found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and green tea, help battle inflammation inside your body, a critical factor in controlling allergies. (Of course, don’t load up on an antioxidant-rich food if you are allergic to it.) You can also try eating more foods rich in omega-3s. These include fish, eggs, walnuts, and flaxseed oil.” One other point you may want to also keep in mind is that “during allergy season, you could become more sensi- tive to food allergies,” says Waserman. “Determining whether foods are an issue is an important part of manag- ing your allergies”, Fraser adds. “Our health is built by the food we’re eating,” she says. “An anti-inflammatory diet won’t completely eliminate an allergy, but it will take some burden off.” How- ever, she notes that you should consult a professional before eliminating any foods from your diet. “If you eliminate the wrong food, you can put yourself at risk for other things [such as nutrient deficiencies],” she cautions. Overall, be- ing informed is the key to handle yours or your families’ allergies correctly. Here’s what else you can do to help avoid or bring relief to your symptoms: • Keep your windows closed and if possible use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air. If mold is your major issue, opening windows and let the sun and fresh air flow through the house may help prevent mold development. My soul has had enough chicken soup Fresh Fudge made with cream and butter in the parish of Sandys. The Clocktower Mall, The Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys - open 7 days a week Decadent flavors include chocolate, chocolate nut, chocolate mint, chocolate raspberry and many others, not to mention a vast selection of seasonal flavors. We also carry coconut cake, peanut brittle and cookies made with “secret” family recipes! Don’t forget, if you are looking for wedding favors, or corporate gifts, ask about our personalized ribbon printing service. Yes, we can include you Company Logo on any ribbon from 3/8” to 4” Bermuda Fudge Company Dockyard: Tel: [phone] [email protected] www.bermudafudgeco.com Continued on page 44 www.bermudaparent.bm 33