Take the Itch Out of Summer Allergies!
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Let’s face it: The best defense is a good offense.  In the case of allergies, that means you’ll need to develop a plan for allergic conditions such as stinging insect allergy, bug bite and mosquito reactions, food allergies, poison ivy and other rashes — especially if you have a history of an allergic reaction...Read More

Are You Allergic to Mosquito Bites?
Wednesday, July 9th, 2009

Each year millions of us have the not so enjoyable experience of getting bitten by a mosquito, especially during the summer months almost everywhere! Are there more mosquitos or more of us getting bitten? Yup, according to a recent study which found a three fold increase in bites over the past decade or so?  This could be just another effect of global warming...Read More

FDA Warns of Zicam Danger
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Can’t smell the flowers? Many individuals with colds as well as allergies frequently suffer with a variety of familiar symptoms such as sneezing, runny and drippy nose.  Sufferers often reach out for various over-the-counter remedies to alleviate symptoms...Read More

Can Fruits and Other Foods Trigger an Allergy Attack?
Wednesday June 10th, 2009

Oh yes — at least one third of seasonal allergy sufferers may have “oral allergy syndrome” —characterized by itchiness of the mouth, lips and throat, as well as the familiar sniffles and sneezing, after ingestion of various fresh fruits, vegetables and even nuts that cross react with tree, grass and weed pollens...Read More

The Do’s & Don’ts of Sensitive Skin
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

Many of my patients have a variety of questions regarding their skin care, especially those with sensitive skin.  I recently sat down with my colleague Dr. Bobby Buka, section chief of the department of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and discussed various steps you can take to improve your skin’s health AND appearance if you have sensitive skin...Read More

Food Allergy Awareness
Thursday, May 7th, 2009

Are food allergies really on the rise?  Well it is estimated that up to 6 percent of young children and 3-4 percent of adults in our country have food allergies.  There are recent studies looking at a rise in the prevalence of food allergies over the past several decades.  In fact, the rate of peanut allergy doubled in children over a five year period.  In one study, only half the adults affected with severe food-allergic reactions sought any evaluation of this condition by a medical professional...Read More

First Family & the Quest for a ‘Hypoallergenic’ Dog
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

The search for a “presidential dog” has dominated the headlines since President Obama’s campaign.  It has been reported that President Obama’s 10-year-old daughter, Malia, is allergic to dog hair, and thus starts the search for a “hypoallergenic” dog.  Many of my patients find themselves with the desire to have a pet, despite a pet allergy as well...Read More

So what is in the air? Look out for seasonal tree pollens now wherever you are and learn more about these allergy culprits that are likely to be not only in your backyard — but also in your nose and eyes!..Read More

Should You Smell the Flowers?
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

The first step is to reduce outdoor seasonal “triggers” by identifying the plants and flowers that will cause you discomfort. Get tested to choose the “right” plants, shrubs and flowers that are better for you. By knowing your allergies you can also plan ahead and modify your gardening schedule. This involves having the knowledge regarding peak periods throughout the day to the culprit allergens as well as staying tuned to learn the pollen count in your town or city...Read More

For Your Eyes Only!
Thursday, March 12th, 2009

With allergy season just around the corner, let’s take a minute to review some early tips to help you survive allergy misery.  Many sufferers have allergy symptoms that affect your eyes and eyelids and can be quite troublesome. Allergy medications may often work better if you start them just before the season begins...Read More 

The Future of Peanut Allergy Treatment
Friday, March 6th, 2009

Researchers from Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge, England reported in this month’s edition of the journal, Allergy, that by studying a small group of peanut-allergic children, they have found a possible way of reducing the risks associated with accidental peanut ingestion...Read More

Humidifiers and Indoor Allergies
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

Many of us don’t realize that we spend about one-third of each day at home (except less for workaholics) and during this time we are exposed to potential indoor allergens...Read More

Latex Allergy 101
Thursday, January 29th, 2009

Ever since the early ‘70s, we have been on the universal precautions bandwagon. First, we introduced latex gloves in the healthcare setting in doctors’ offices and in hospitals.Next, individuals who prepare and serve food in restaurants, cafeterias, etc. also started using latex rubber gloves.  So what are the chances you can develop an allergic reaction to latex rubber?..Read More

Are There Bugs in Your Food?
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Hey, guess what? You have probably been eating foods colored by ground-up insects for quite sometime now.  I’m sure you did not know this. Carmine (a red food coloring made from beetles) has been used as a coloring agent in many foods from yogurt, ice cream, juices, candies, and even in cosmetics...Read More 

Pet Allergies, Our First Family and You!
Friday, January 16th, 2009

Our soon-to-be First Family faces a personal struggle that millions of other American families face every day: Their daughter suffers from allergies...Read More

Winter Weather Drying You Out?
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

Winter dryness can really wreak havoc when it comes to your eyes, nose and skin this time of year.  I have found that a little planning for this annual event where the air is quite dry (both indoors and outside) throughout the country can prevent unwanted symptoms...Read More