It's Allergy Season
By Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, Thu Dec 8th

Writing this from Dallas, Texas one of the ragweed hotspots ofthe nation, I'm particularly aware of "allergies" and the havocthey can cause. Here are some facts about allergies:

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Ragweedpollen is probably the largest single seasonal allergen in NorthAmerica. It is estimated that one square mile of ragweed plantswould release 16 tons of pollen in one season. Even skin contactwith ragweed can cause dermatitis.

An is "...a heightened sensitivity to a foreignsubstance (called an "allergen") which causes the body's defensesystem (the immune system) to overreact when defending itself.Normally, the immune system would only react if a harmfulsubstance such as bacteria attacked the body. But for peoplewith "allergies," their own immune system is working too hardand it reacts even when relatively harmless substances such aspollen are present. The severity of an allergic reaction canvary from mild discomfort to life threatening situations."[Source: www.pollen.com]

Because of this assault on the immune system, it's cruciallyimportant to take supplements that nutritionally support theimmune system. You can read about it here:http://tinyurl.com/9jzsf . By the previous definition, you cansee that an already assaulted immune system becomes furtherweakened with allergens. Our immune system is our health, ourfirst line of defense for bacteria, for instance, and our ONLYline of defense for viruses. While we have antibiotics forbacteria, there is no know cure for a virus, as you know.

It's smart to prepare ahead of time by getting the necessaryinformation. Sign up at http://www.pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp andbe alerted in the morning of conditions likely to exceed thetrigger point, the point where most sufferers will startto experience symptoms.

If you have a website, you can be of service to others. Probably25% of your website visitors suffer from allergies. Athttp://www.pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp, you can get the html toput a pollen alert box on your website - either a zip code entrybox or for any town in the U.S.

The most extreme allergic reaction is called "anaphylacticshock." Immediately after contact the individual will sufferdifficulty breathing, itchiness, welling of the lips and throat,and drop in blood pressure, and finally collapse. If you've eversuffered anaphylactic shock, you should carry injectableadrenaline from your doctor and keep some at home as well. Havethe 911 number handy, and seek medical attention immediately.

It's also important to know that subsequent contact with aparticular allergen can be much worse then the first time; forinstance, if you're stung by a bee. Instead of building up"resistance," you build up "sensitivity." That's why people talkabout their allergies coming on suddenly. Everything's fine,they're 30 years old, and one night they have beer and shellfish and end up in the ER. "Out of the blue," we say. "It neverhappened before!"

Likewise, normally innocent foodstuffs such as peanuts, whichdon't bother

one person can actually kill someone else who'ssusceptible. One way to determine what you're allergic to is tosee your personal physician and get an test.

Allergic conditions include:

(1)Hay fever and allergic asthma. Pollen from grasses, ragweedand trees, mold and dust can all cause respiratory and nasalproblems.

(2)Eczema. A special form of skin reaction. Cement dust isparticularly likely to cause this.

(3)Urticaria (itchy hives). Most of us get this from nettles.You can also get this from strawberries, seafood, cheese; itdepends.

Once the is established, you must remove the cause oravoid it. Here are some tips:

1.Wear hypoallergenic gloves.

2.Use a filter in the vacuum cleaner to remove dust mitedroppings and an air filter on your A/C which you clean often.Also clean the ducts.

3.Remove heavy drapes and bedspreads from the bedroom andreplace with blinds. Take up old carpeting and replace with tileor wood flooring. Do not use area rugs.

4.Keep your immune system built up with a product likeArbonne's DefenseBuilder or rebuild it with Get Well SoonDietary Supplement:http://tinyurl.com/9jzsf .

5.Use protective clothing when handling material such ascement.

6.Use a filter face mask when in dusty areas and when mowingthe lawn in high pollen areas.

7.Check food labels for potentially allergenic ingredients suchas peanut products, wheat, gluten and corn. Again, an allergytest from your personal physician can alert you to potentialproblems.

It is extremely important that you avoid irritants such asmineral oil, fragrances of any sort, and impure ingredients inyour cosmetics, shaving cream, makeup, and skin lotions. Whatyou put on your skin irritates there, and then is absorbed intoyour blood stream where it causes further problems. Choosewell-researched, dermatologist-approved, fragrance andmineral-oil free, scientifically-proven nutritional supplements,cosmetics, lotions and shaving cream (http://tinyurl.com/9jzsf).

There is some evidence that allergen sensitivity builds from atoo-early introduction to certain substances. Consider thegeneration born in the late 40s that is basically allergic toorange juice because of having been introduced to it in thehospital, virtually at birth since there was no other way toprevent scurvy at the time and it was considered good medicine.No pediatrician these days would recommend you give orangejuice, egg white and other things to your child before the ageof one year. Continue this prudent and safe care by using onlysafe baby products for skin and bath. You can find some here:http://tinyurl.com/9jzsf .

Living with allergies and allergens is a 24/7 prospect for allof us. You can't move away from them, and you can't get rid ofthem all, so eliminate the offenders that you can since theeffect is cumulative, and stay informed.

About the author:Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc,mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc . Coaching, Internet courses, andebooks. #1 rated EQ coach certification program - fast,affordable, no-residency. EQ and Neutraceuticals for yourhealth, http://tinyurl.com/9jzsf . Email for FR** EQ ezine.