tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698970446033462972024-03-10T14:13:19.907-05:00Adventures of an Allergist MommyA Board-certified Pediatrician and Allergist/Immunologist shares a physician's perspective on parenting kids with allergies, parenting in general, and keeping it all together when all she really wants is a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-71182838731673806732021-05-12T08:21:00.010-05:002021-05-12T08:26:25.162-05:00Interview with Dr. Phil Boucher of "Raising Good Parents" - Food Allergy Prevention<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">I had an excellent time talking to my colleague, Dr. Phil Boucher, about the topic of Food Allergy Prevention. The podcast episode is live now, just in time for Asthma and Allergy Awareness month!</span></p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">🎙️ If you haven't already subscribed to his podcast (Raising Good Parents), please take a listen. I think you'll find it both educational and enjoyable.</span><br style="color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">⠀</span><br style="color: #262626; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">🔗 Here's the link: <a href="https://drphilboucher.libsyn.com/139-food-allergy-prevention-with-allergistmommy-dr-sakina-bajowala">https://drphilboucher.libsyn.com/139-food-allergy-prevention-with-allergistmommy-dr-sakina-bajowala</a></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">⠀</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Q67G1hW4exDJhkPaYbsQDaLWu7wAs7UJI7DtHDlyDItXI54otMsKthSxPbHUx89VCzqe2PxqXA20ojhp6r6-A8s3GRzHXaehJkA-r9bFyhjXKWQV6cHROq0OfyEhAT8GDln5gW6iKIra/s1080/Invited%2521.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Q67G1hW4exDJhkPaYbsQDaLWu7wAs7UJI7DtHDlyDItXI54otMsKthSxPbHUx89VCzqe2PxqXA20ojhp6r6-A8s3GRzHXaehJkA-r9bFyhjXKWQV6cHROq0OfyEhAT8GDln5gW6iKIra/w200-h200/Invited%2521.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-77823125757999829152021-04-14T16:18:00.004-05:002021-04-14T16:21:43.337-05:00Volunteers Needed for Epinephrine Nasal Spray Study<p>Ever wish there was an alternative to injections for emergency delivery of epinephrine for anaphylaxis? There is a research study underway assessing the use of a nasal epinephrine spray for allergic recations, and healthy adult volunteers are needed!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExGosoiWmuR8uAWNgiWmzN9PHB4XgN-QNZt_1OyU0ajiIeB5kv_g0cZeCafEHxT1-RnFiA5wEb26e1mr6pXYyl8mAllAIQ0PqBKbUindFw4yRj8RRsvqQeWftvn6aCkARmV4iIjvuI_eC/s1024/spray.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1024" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExGosoiWmuR8uAWNgiWmzN9PHB4XgN-QNZt_1OyU0ajiIeB5kv_g0cZeCafEHxT1-RnFiA5wEb26e1mr6pXYyl8mAllAIQ0PqBKbUindFw4yRj8RRsvqQeWftvn6aCkARmV4iIjvuI_eC/w400-h210/spray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><table bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_-7104835171394145482content_LETTER.BLOCK3" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 8px 0px 9px;" valign="top"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Celerion is seeking healthy adult males and females to participate in a research study for the development of an Epinephrine nasal spray for use as an emergency treatment for allergic reactions.<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /><b style="color: blue;">STUDY DETAILS:</b><span style="color: blue;"><b><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: times;">Healthy Adults</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">Ages 19-65</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">One 4-night stay at Celerion</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">Earn up to $3,000 for participation</span></li></ul></b></span></span></span><div style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><a alt="https://helpresearch.com/NasalSpray?utm_source=Epinephrine+Nasal+Spray+Research+Study+for+Celerion&utm_campaign=Celerion+Epi+Nasal+Spray&utm_medium=email" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001Y-mGUSVfaAr6q3FLx0g0OHnAXmQEayWf65AwQxyGMreqEUDhlWvQmnbEUPh7z1eXxNN-M_rco0zlkuXb5CTx5TDRWa8TPuQtbB4AWKBDXVUSUBcj4KnRA7Z5czbB0gtXgEI2EEkq8X2ZsBX1gVG7i6DO94V4Erbf1LNcBycgjKgJjmePUJfs7xNLZVOdLpABX6TtAVFItt9OmRO60fZ2_V835QmhvwO-Tbq00-0AtqweG_CvYTNwfk_enRqkuxL2V6PCqiTnUE7BZZA8HoFqR3RQ-CpC-34b2p05vE9v_HNAckPTrK90BWJJi0sw9kfIdAtcc1HBnWtvSwrj2AARev8jrjP4qCnHVKOyhJVexWk3YI4xfcxZgiVflBKN8cpm%26c%3DKuaCv_tSl1_SAZx0nstXvZWUgPA63gg7ZXwjaMPKTyCX84nIUuNtxQ%3D%3D%26ch%3Dy79pQS7Yg17olgog14_4QdNuk9KvC1eXR-oryof-DRWJXo8wtbAd6g%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1618515626195000&usg=AFQjCNEh6accV_VhQGZcVUhEy94A-s_EkA" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Y-mGUSVfaAr6q3FLx0g0OHnAXmQEayWf65AwQxyGMreqEUDhlWvQmnbEUPh7z1eXxNN-M_rco0zlkuXb5CTx5TDRWa8TPuQtbB4AWKBDXVUSUBcj4KnRA7Z5czbB0gtXgEI2EEkq8X2ZsBX1gVG7i6DO94V4Erbf1LNcBycgjKgJjmePUJfs7xNLZVOdLpABX6TtAVFItt9OmRO60fZ2_V835QmhvwO-Tbq00-0AtqweG_CvYTNwfk_enRqkuxL2V6PCqiTnUE7BZZA8HoFqR3RQ-CpC-34b2p05vE9v_HNAckPTrK90BWJJi0sw9kfIdAtcc1HBnWtvSwrj2AARev8jrjP4qCnHVKOyhJVexWk3YI4xfcxZgiVflBKN8cpm&c=KuaCv_tSl1_SAZx0nstXvZWUgPA63gg7ZXwjaMPKTyCX84nIUuNtxQ==&ch=y79pQS7Yg17olgog14_4QdNuk9KvC1eXR-oryof-DRWJXo8wtbAd6g==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">HelpResearch.com/NasalSpray</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">866-213-2965</span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-22417584856516498582020-12-02T12:35:00.001-06:002020-12-02T12:35:57.746-06:00Free Virtual Conference- Black People Like Me: Asthma, COVID-19, and Questions We Need Answered<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am sharing the following information from the Allergy & Asthma Network, because I believe we MUST do better at protecting vulnerable and high-risk populations from the COVID-19 virus. Communities of color are being disproportinately affected by the virus, not only in terms of infection rates, but also death rates and economic impacts. Achieving true equity in healthcare means understanding that resources must be allocated by need, not simply spread evenly throughout the population. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you don't agree, please don't hate - educate!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You may be well-served by joining this free event, for which details are provided below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwxA5I73cdjUZ-kho0WpTJXKBu3EVx645pH8vecahyvmm1yFwZUfKqQkXEw8i8xbZSO6rKINPvXblDwK2I0DiVb7O5Pb0jeTevdr3inBaXG4ZoV4n_TyhWlW_WBZYzzBfqtO1O3shtDWq/s940/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwxA5I73cdjUZ-kho0WpTJXKBu3EVx645pH8vecahyvmm1yFwZUfKqQkXEw8i8xbZSO6rKINPvXblDwK2I0DiVb7O5Pb0jeTevdr3inBaXG4ZoV4n_TyhWlW_WBZYzzBfqtO1O3shtDWq/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_4496113896604378088content_LETTER.BLOCK3" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 8px 0px 9px;" valign="top"><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All too often, Black people experience more barriers to health based on their race. Many get sick or die because of these barriers. COVID-19 and asthma, for example, are more common among African Americans.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How can we work together to improve the health of Black Americans?</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Let's start the conversation!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><strong><a href="https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/asthma-covid-19-and-questions-we-need-answered-black-people-like-me-series/?utm_source=Black+People+Like+Me+Email+Blast+&utm_campaign=Black+People+Like+Me+1st+Email&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Virtual Conference</a></strong></span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: center;"><strong>Black People Like Me: Asthma, COVID-19, and Questions We Need Answered</strong></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">Tuesday, Dec. 15</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">5:00 p.m. ET</div></td></tr></tbody></table><table bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_4496113896604378088content_LETTER.BLOCK19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px; padding: 8px 0px 9px;" valign="top"><table bgcolor="#E36356" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #e36356; border-radius: 5px; width: auto !important;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 8px 15px 8px 16px;" valign="top"><a alt="https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/asthma-covid-19-and-questions-we-need-answered-black-people-like-me-series/?utm_source=Black+People+Like+Me+Email+Blast+&utm_campaign=Black+People+Like+Me+1st+Email&utm_medium=email" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001ikttd_xVb_T7xZcauJbKq_uwg1PnivV8kjJGBxk4XY55f_0cZrvRP5Gx6DSPaYYTvXhPz5lOtMInh2PrJ8Dmaka-mrzVXzea__UuMtFFMMPii76YTjyZ6s7yJqhIF002bhQYGv9AFlOjM1FdAkXXIoBno5qkY8AGQoXiAghGYbUw1xF9PbST-GRXo6brJWDN-OB0NpU9Y86o0zv8xT4VHdl8SdxEoRiHkSHyIm66aEPkoEZxSXNKqVhDAIjdNbudigwjbidt93Wzw7r-y-GssSEMRDklRU2OZC5Q8Mv2kse_lKA2Ly9ZAT_jAr3KuYaYojZllsRZjFPoZrs53-190EHOyB716dJ0yBaQEfLwfDIs9S32z6d1u7XDeQ07KNh_5pACYsDJMOQ3Hi3WxpVxnQ5gkWj4s0eXIRhhMq5jJshLmYYeS8cL7JlMQLSav9wEIA62fWK-X7We7sjn8vNQL6TC8jzU9EuY%26c%3DwGseuyKY9l372MQQSR3L-j30DDr1hrJJiFXeRLq4DrXrAeukAZnL0A%3D%3D%26ch%3DDZiAW23Urtc1WxKDjeV70z1-TpMHYh6ETOeCJcM-ksZaewCM8UHFqQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1607015156257000&usg=AFQjCNHvIHuLl5OfZSrpG2Lf4ipxS52p-w" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ikttd_xVb_T7xZcauJbKq_uwg1PnivV8kjJGBxk4XY55f_0cZrvRP5Gx6DSPaYYTvXhPz5lOtMInh2PrJ8Dmaka-mrzVXzea__UuMtFFMMPii76YTjyZ6s7yJqhIF002bhQYGv9AFlOjM1FdAkXXIoBno5qkY8AGQoXiAghGYbUw1xF9PbST-GRXo6brJWDN-OB0NpU9Y86o0zv8xT4VHdl8SdxEoRiHkSHyIm66aEPkoEZxSXNKqVhDAIjdNbudigwjbidt93Wzw7r-y-GssSEMRDklRU2OZC5Q8Mv2kse_lKA2Ly9ZAT_jAr3KuYaYojZllsRZjFPoZrs53-190EHOyB716dJ0yBaQEfLwfDIs9S32z6d1u7XDeQ07KNh_5pACYsDJMOQ3Hi3WxpVxnQ5gkWj4s0eXIRhhMq5jJshLmYYeS8cL7JlMQLSav9wEIA62fWK-X7We7sjn8vNQL6TC8jzU9EuY&c=wGseuyKY9l372MQQSR3L-j30DDr1hrJJiFXeRLq4DrXrAeukAZnL0A==&ch=DZiAW23Urtc1WxKDjeV70z1-TpMHYh6ETOeCJcM-ksZaewCM8UHFqQ==" shape="rect" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Register Now!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>The first 100 Black patients, families or caregivers attending the conference will get a <strong style="font-size: 12pt;">$25.00 Visa gift card!</strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> We will send you information on how to get the gift card after you register.</span></em></span><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table bgcolor="#FFFFDA" border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="20" id="m_4496113896604378088content_LETTER.BLOCK15" style="background-color: #ffffda; color: black; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 8px 0px 9px;" valign="top"><div style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Who Should Attend?</span></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Black patients, families and caregivers impacted by COVID-19 and asthma</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Black clergy</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Medical and health professionals</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">All people who wish to better understand the needs of the Black community</li></ul><div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We'll Cover...</span><br /></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">The challenges that Black Americans face in managing their health that lead to COVID-19 and asthma complications.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">What matters most to Black people</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">What questions Black Americans want answered regarding their health</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">The role of clergy in helping Black people take charge of their health</li></ul></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_4496113896604378088content_LETTER.BLOCK28" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 8px 0px 9px;" valign="top"><br /><div>This is the first of six online events Allergy & Asthma Network will host to better understand and address the impact of asthma and COVID-19 on the Black community and how to engage </div><div>Black patients and families more to improve their health.</div><br /><hr /></td></tr></tbody></table><table bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_4496113896604378088content_LETTER.BLOCK26" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px; padding: 8px 0px 9px;" valign="top"><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This conference is funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) -- Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award #EAIN-00134. </em></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-80752125714753505142020-11-24T22:58:00.003-06:002020-12-02T11:44:21.068-06:00How Will the COVID-19 Vaccine be Distributed?<p>After nearly a year of pandemic-induced isolation and loss, we have recently had the announcement of not only one, but two, candidate vaccines with impressive efficacy data. </p><p>Although this provides a glimmer of hope that we will eventually find our way out of this crisis, it is essential to recognize that there will not initially be enough vaccine available to immunize the entire population. Therefore, the vaccine will be distributed to the public in phases. You may be wondering where you or those you love lie on this index. Although this stratification is subject to change, here is what we know so far.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVarDf-hPC5y143So8ZnEhz8GpjmohJNxm9Asw58s4REGnOyqbK07yU4g_dwTLn_0LwOszk6TvAyYgwK9CaCjNdi0lP3YVA9AAEi-zm4TjhP-UGFDp_Q5X5UW19Lv26Q-vfjVxeyE6-wC/s1080/COVID-19+Vaccine+roll-out+phases.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVarDf-hPC5y143So8ZnEhz8GpjmohJNxm9Asw58s4REGnOyqbK07yU4g_dwTLn_0LwOszk6TvAyYgwK9CaCjNdi0lP3YVA9AAEi-zm4TjhP-UGFDp_Q5X5UW19Lv26Q-vfjVxeyE6-wC/w400-h400/COVID-19+Vaccine+roll-out+phases.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>There will be 4 major phases for vaccine distribution:</p><p><b>1a.</b> High risk health care workers (hospitals, long-term care facilities, etc.) and first responders (police, fire, EMT)</p><p><b>1b.</b> People with 2 or more co-morbid conditions (eg: asthma, heart disease, immune deficiency), and older adults in congregate/overcrowded settings</p><p><b>2. </b>Teachers & school staff, critical workers in high-risk settings, people with moderate co-morbid conditions, residents/staff of homeless shelters or group homes, incarcerated/detained people and associated staff, and all older adults</p><p><b>3.</b> Young adults, children, and workers in industries important to the functioning of society</p><p><b>4.</b> All other people in the United States who wish to be vaccinated</p><p><i>Within each of these phases, attempts will be made to prioritize vaccine administration to geographic areas identified through the Center for Disease Control's Social Vulnerability Index or another more specific index, should one be available at the time.</i></p><p>Remember, the goal of this phased approach is to prioritize vaccine administration not only to those who are at highest risk of having a bad outcome from infection, but also to protect those critical workers who need to be healthy enough to take care of the remaining public. This means it is unlikely that all members of your household will be able to be vaccinated simultaneously. Additionally, although the vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe infection, it may still be possible to contract the virus and spread it to unvaccinated individuals even if you have been immunized. Therefore, vaccination will not be a free pass to go back to "normal", at least not right away.</p><p><b>We are approaching the home stretch, so please don't let pandemic fatigue get the best of you now. Keep up the good fight with distancing, masking, and supporting one another, so we can keep COVID-19 at bay long enough so that the vaccine can reach everyone who needs it before the virus gets to them first.</b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i>Ref: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25917.</i></span></span></p>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-77173787740143786852020-02-09T09:28:00.000-06:002020-02-09T09:37:24.388-06:00Please Participate in A Study on Psychosocial Coping in Food Allergy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Food Allergy Families,<br />
<br />
Please consider participating in the following study intended to explore the psychosocial coping needs of families with food allergy. As anyone who is living with food allergies understands, the psychological impacts of living with a potentially life-threatening condition are incredibly important, but sadly, often given short shrift in the context of limited time available during healthcare maintenance visits.<br />
<br />
Participating in this study is an opportunity to contribute to our knowledge base about the strategies families utilize to cope with the diagnosis. Thank you!<br />
<br />
-AllergistMommy<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizSQPL2wX1AiUW6UQqcProJM4NoR5mh4E4OS4GZLKF3xaXSMm4N2v9MawfFNDWGLPuQsXU7_uzVNjFbwgTtVvMWG7iQRqBPsCUgIkIXcTUSPg5JH7-efAw5-iOmXAcRfg9evPiGgZVb8X/s1600/food-allergy-canva-sourced-2019-06-01_0-53-34-300x268.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizSQPL2wX1AiUW6UQqcProJM4NoR5mh4E4OS4GZLKF3xaXSMm4N2v9MawfFNDWGLPuQsXU7_uzVNjFbwgTtVvMWG7iQRqBPsCUgIkIXcTUSPg5JH7-efAw5-iOmXAcRfg9evPiGgZVb8X/s1600/food-allergy-canva-sourced-2019-06-01_0-53-34-300x268.png" /></a></div>
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____________________________________________________<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We want to invite you to participate in an exciting study researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine are conducting to explore the thoughts, emotions, and coping strategies individuals and families have and use as they manage food allergies. Led by Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, the goal of this research study is to both identify the coping those living with food allergy or caring for someone with food allergy currently use that work best for them, and to gauge any interest in new interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes. With this information, we hope to inform future clinical care so that patients living with food allergy are provided with methods of coping that meet their psycho-social concerns living with food allergy.
If you are living with a food allergy, or are a caregiver of someone who has a food allergy, we would greatly appreciate your participation! Please note, you must be 18 years or older to participate in this survey.
To participate, we are asking you to complete a short and anonymous survey through the online service, REDCap. Being in this study is optional and voluntary. If you are interested in participating, click the appropriate survey link provided below and read through the consent form before proceeding. It should take you no more than 15 minutes to complete the survey.
If you’re interested in completing the survey, please use the following link:
</span><a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-1ddef8g r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://t.co/nOn5LABdLY?amp=1" rel=" noopener noreferrer" role="link" style="border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank" title="http://j.mp/2E7kph0"><span aria-hidden="true" class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-hiw28u r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: inherit;">http://</span>j.mp/2E7kph0</a><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
If you are unable to click on the link or have any issues accessing the survey, please contact the research coordinator, Madeleine Kanaley, at madeleine.kanaley@northwestern.edu or (312)-503-5339.
Thank you for your participation,
Lisa Lombard, PhD
This study is Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine IRB </span><span class="r-18u37iz" style="-webkit-box-direction: normal; -webkit-box-orient: horizontal; flex-direction: row; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-1ddef8g r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STU00210953?src=hashtag_click" role="link" style="border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; white-space: inherit;">#STU00210953</a></span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Title: Understanding the Psychosocial Coping Strategies of Individuals and Families Affected By Food Allergy
Principal Investigator: Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH
The content of this email has been approved by Northwestern University’s IRB.</span></span></div>
Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-8770205342298137182019-04-26T15:25:00.000-05:002019-04-26T15:25:31.453-05:00When Food Allergy Treatments are Sensationalized, it is the Allergist's Role to Bring Us All Back Down to Earth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Sharing a recent post from my practice Facebook page, in response to concerns raised by the recent publication of a meta analysis on anaphylaxis rates during food allergen oral immunotherapy: <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)30420-9/fulltext" style="background-color: transparent;">https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)30420-9/fulltext</a></i></div>
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<i>I hope my comments are helpful at proving some context for patients currently pursuing or consider food allergen desensitization therapy. </i></div>
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<i>I am a non-alarmist by nature, and feel it is 100% possible to integrate new data without falling prey to the sensationalization of these publications by the media. It is frustrating to read in the news one day, "Researchers find CURE for peanut allergies!" (WRONG!!!) and the next day read "Experimental treatment for food allergy causes more life-threatening reactions than avoidance!" (Hmmm...a bit misleading). No nuance, no thoughtfulness, no concern for the impact of such a black & white approach to a decidedly grey issue. And why would there be? Nuance doesn't get you clicks or ad revenue. A sexy headline does. When it comes to alarmist interpretations of science by the media, it is the role of those of us who truly understand these patients and these treatments to bring some rationality back to the discussion.</i></div>
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<i>Don't rely on media articles to help you sort through these complicated issues - you will end up with over-simplified click-bait. Better to find a quiet corner and read the source article itself, and take it to a physician you trust to help you make sense of it all.</i></div>
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____________________________________________________________________</div>
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Receiving (very reasonable!) questions about the OIT Anaphylaxis meta-analysis published in the Lancet journal.</div>
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Quick response: Respected journal, rigorous analysis, tells us what we already knew to be true: the more you ingest a known food allergen, the more likely you are to experience a food allergy reaction.</div>
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I do not dispute the findings that a patient consuming their food allergen daily or twice daily during an oral immunotherapy protocol is more likely to experience anaphylaxis than someone successfully observing strict avoidance. I do think it would be important to compare data on episodes of anaphylaxis as a function of number of ingestions, and also to analyze data on rates of anaphylaxis resulting from accidental allergen ingestion in both groups (non-OIT vs. OIT). This is liable to yield a different perspective.</div>
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It is also notable that anaphylaxis from accidental exposure in an uncontrolled environment and anaphylaxis from a known and quantified ingestion in a controlled and monitored setting are quite different scenarios.</div>
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Nevertheless, as allergists committed to evidence-based medicine and with the best interests of our patients at heart, we must acknowledge that we can ALWAYS do better. Although most patients pursing food allergen desensitization have excellent results and improved quality of life, there is absolutely a subset of patients who truly struggle with dosing due to reactions and anxiety. As a specialty, we need to dive deeper into working to identify those patients most likely to experience a negative course before beginning oral desensitization therapy, so we can A) address pre-existing risk factors prior to the initiation or therapy, or B) direct the patient to defer OIT in favor of continued avoidance or an alternative therapy (EPIT, SLIT, etc.).</div>
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I also believe an important point to recognize is that avoidance of a reaction is not the only goal of a food allergen desensitization program. For many patients, the benefit gained is reduced dietary restrictions, expanded opportunities for activities, and an increased sense of control.</div>
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We are committed to supporting our patients with a transparent discussion of ALL options for the management of life-threatening food allergies, including the option to continue avoidance, and to continually refine our approach to management to optimize safety and quality of life.</div>
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For those patient currently pursuing OIT, this study likely won't change anything for you - your past experience is more reflective of your future experience than a study. For those patients on the fence - good for you for reading and educating yourselves on this important decision. We are here to support you with information and non-judgemental guidance, every step of the way.</div>
</div>
Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-29145845853774925702015-08-19T23:35:00.000-05:002015-08-19T23:35:33.960-05:00Fostering a Culture of Inclusion in Schools<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's that time again... Back to School!<br />
<br />
I, for one, relish the newly found silence in my home in the afternoon. I am also happy in the confidence that my boys are learning and playing and enjoying school again. I like knowing that the sweltering days of summer will soon transition into pleasant autumn evenings.<br />
<br />
However, I know that back to school season brings on very different emotions for parents of children with life-threatening food allergies. These feelings range from fear and anxiety at being separated from a child with medical needs, to frustration with the necessary mounds of paperwork that constitute school health forms, and apprehension about what some might term "the little things": Will my child have someone to sit with at lunch? What if someone at the middle school starts a food fight, and throws a PB& J? How will my 5 year old handle it, when at the end of a long day of kindergarten, a classmate shares cupcakes with everyone as a birthday treat (everyone except him)? What will I do if the PTA organizer insists on using an ice cream brand for the open house social that is known to have cross-contamination issues?<br />
<br />
In my work as a pediatric allergist, I have come across of a wide variety of ways that children with life-threatening food allergies are excluded in the name of safety. Here are a few examples:<br />
<br />
1) A class was rewarded for good behavior by being permitted to eat lunch in the classroom instead of in the lunchroom. When the teacher discovered that a number of children had peanut or tree nuts in their lunches, my patient's desk was pushed into the corner of the room to keep him separated from the allergens. Classmates were rewarded. He was punished.<br />
<br />
2) A teacher mentioned to a mom that it might be a good idea if a tree nut-allergic student remain home on the day of the field trip, as there would be walnut trees in the park they were planning to visit, and the teacher couldn't guarantee that a chaperone would be able to monitor the student closely enough for the teacher's comfort.<br />
<br />
3) A student with a food allergy was identified by name in a letter that went home to parents stating that only fruits and vegetables could be sent as snacks or treats into the classroom. This resulted in a classmate stating to my patient, "My mom says it's your fault that we can't have any good food for the holiday party, and you should just be home-schooled."<br />
<br />
The common thread in these scenarios is that each child was isolated or excluded. Now, don't get all up in a knot saying, "They are going to have to learn how to go without eventually!"<br />
<br />
Parents of kids with food allergies understand that their kids will one day have to learn that part of the reality of living with allergy is that you can't always have what other people are having. We start teaching that as soon as they are old enough to understand the concept. As children grow older, this is continually reinforced by families and health care professionals. We teach kids to advocate for themselves.<br />
<br />
Young children, however, deserve to learn in an environment that is not only safe, but also as inclusive as possible. Sitting alone at lunch, being the only kid who gets a bag of crackers instead of a cupcake, having to miss out on special activities, leaving the soccer game before the snack, being identified as the reason for other children's "deprivation" - these things add up very quickly in the psyche of a young child and create a profound sense of otherness. It IS worth the extra effort it takes to develop non-food rewards and celebrations. It IS worth the extra thought required to ensure that we aren't just keeping our kids physically healthy, but also emotionally healthy.<br />
<br />
It takes a village to raise a child. It takes many arms to envelop children in a circle of safety and acceptance. It takes the strength of many to lift our children up so they can look to the future and envision possibilities beyond the immediate.<br />
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So, when you are planning that holiday party, or open house event, or fundraiser, or field trip - please ask yourself, "Am I doing everything I can to ensure that all the children in the school feel equally valued and worthy?"<br />
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It may just be something on your task list, but to a kid, it can mean the world.</div>
Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-20869212389233039062014-11-05T23:17:00.000-06:002014-11-05T23:17:21.904-06:00Kids Got Too Much Candy this Halloween? Here Are Some Options!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If your Halloween ended up like hours, a short time spent trick or tricking resulted in a ridiculous quantity of candy. Luckily for me, the risk of finding shellfish in my boys' candy stash is exceedingly low. The same sense of relief does not extend to the families of kids with other food allergies, such as milk, egg, peanut or tree nuts. So, what's a candy-overloaded family to do? Here are a few ideas:<br />
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1. Let mom and dad eat it. Just kidding. Not really. :-/<br />
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2. Invite the "Switch Witch" over for a visit! She takes the candy, and leaves a cool toy in its place!<br />
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3. Send your candy to our troops serving abroad! Your donated candy will be included in care packages. Operation Gratitude does a great job: <a href="http://opgrat.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/halloween-candy-for-the-troops/">http://opgrat.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/halloween-candy-for-the-troops/</a><br />
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4. Ask your local dentist or allergist about Halloween candy buy-backs! Maybe your kids will make a few bucks... see below for a picture of a few of my patients visiting their dentist during a candy buy back event. They look pretty happy too me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXXmC5UZ7qQbtvXP-Mn2Zbi6XGU3J4tZWq3lhVaOUKyMUUQPCXeidugK3XMi_Q_DiMNRppYbYo3shLaCAeJFwlQhU5-ND1IHV24poVdGG-BUImISe9zzcWCUyhzCs6tj1eTCdKF1Iigir/s1600/image+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXXmC5UZ7qQbtvXP-Mn2Zbi6XGU3J4tZWq3lhVaOUKyMUUQPCXeidugK3XMi_Q_DiMNRppYbYo3shLaCAeJFwlQhU5-ND1IHV24poVdGG-BUImISe9zzcWCUyhzCs6tj1eTCdKF1Iigir/s1600/image+(1).jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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5. Donate the candy to a local food pantry, community center, or shelter. Ask first, to see if they are accepting candy donations.<br />
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6. Throw it away. There will be more next year, and it's just sugar anyway.</div>
Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-77018811906802408832013-10-18T17:30:00.001-05:002013-10-18T17:39:53.326-05:00Major Changes to Express Scripts Formulary Will Affect Many Asthma and Allergy Patients<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just received notice that as of January 1, 2014, the Express Scripts formulary will be removing a number of medications from its repertoire of covered drugs. This means that patients under the Express Scripts plan will have NO COVERAGE for these prescriptions, and will be required to pay full price at the pharmacy. The list is long, and heavy on medications commonly used by patients with asthma and allergies:<br />
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<b>Asthma medications:</b><br />
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Advair diskus<br />
Advair HFA<br />
Alvesco HFA<br />
Flovent Diskus<br />
Flovent HFA<br />
Maxair Autohaler<br />
Proventil HFA<br />
Xopenex HFA<br />
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<b>Allergy medications:</b><br />
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Auvi-Q<br />
Beconase AQ<br />
Omnaris<br />
Rhinocort Aqua<br />
Veramyst<br />
Zetonna<br />
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As insurers continue to seek ways to cut costs and boost the bottom line, they will negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to obtain lower pricing. Those companies that play ball get to keep their drugs on the formulary. Those that don't, get dropped. The losers are the patients who will be required to switch from medications they have been taking successfully.<br />
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If you or a loved one are taking any of the medications on the above list, I would encourage you to schedule an appointment with your Board-Certified Allergist to discuss a trial of a covered alternative medication well in advance of January 1st. Your physician may have a sample of the new medicine that you can "try before you buy". You don't want to be in the position of being forced to switch before you've determined which alternative works for you. You may also want to take advantage of 90 day supplies of medication before the year ends and your coverage expires. Some of the soon to be excluded medications currently have manufacturer's coupons that will be valid through the end of the year.<br />
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Talk to your doctor -- we're here to help you navigate through the complex state of medical affairs.</div>
Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-42878582803802155712013-09-20T12:20:00.001-05:002020-02-09T09:32:35.532-06:00Your Chance to Weigh In On Stock Epinephrine Legislation (Courtesy of AANMA)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span font-size:="" x-small="">I am proud to be from Illinois, where we already have excellent guidelines in place for the protection of food allergic children, and also have a stock epinephrine law on the books. I am also so pleased that my state's U.S. Senators have teamed up to co-sponsor a bipartisan bill designed to keep the children of America safe from severe allergic reactions. Read on to learn more!</span></div>
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Courtesy of the <a href="http://www.aanma.org/" target="_blank">Allergy and Asthma Network - Mothers of Asthmatics</a>:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><strong>Your Chance to Weigh In On</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><strong>Stock Epinephrine Legislation</strong></span></div>
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The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, which would encourage states to require that schools keep lifesaving epinephrine on hand, is now in front of the U.S. Senate, bringing it one step closer to passage. You can make a difference by contacting your Senators today to ask for their support.</div>
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<span 10pt="" font-size:="">S. 1503 was introduced by Sens. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and co-sponsored by 23 other senators. The companion bill, sponsored by Rep. Phil Roe, MD (R-Tenn.) and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.), was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_377967896" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 30</span></span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act would provide incentives for states to adopt laws requiring schools to have "stock" epinephrine auto-injectors, which is epinephrine that is not prescribed to a specific student but can be used for any student or staff member in an anaphylactic emergency. Between 20-25% of life-threatening allergic reactions happen</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> at school without prior knowledge of allergies.</span></div>
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<span 10pt="" font-size:=""><strong>Now is your chance to help.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Call or email your Senators today. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014bOWbaDlmwlUbFa0oS5Ol3S6RD4_TcJqG03KeQWg1YX68wzgi9s3l9wSYMUxfuUyhV9uZ_Co-HfwjJ5x7Dnj_WOPHYnjzfKQKS-gpXdHXECT-OzEyVWc9gDCWp1kv2KdItOf4LTrRM-qfToUGGto9JrS0JFf8SL9vAurwmaVFf5UdIBwXFvulnjxl4rRT80_pAQrQE-ayi03OQjj0w-dqUnUF6bKCG5eiJr4AmdTTMN1yyVY0qJKlNCrqbHO-oESbDVR4jUUJB4LpyeWgdys2L5Ybbntp8Q8VeDTu9vcaAd-2eZg16_RLAYsSr6qHM0fyOavDmZUVnzi0cHm-tW5lyuJH36f0zLJ" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Find contact information here.</a></span></div>
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<em>Suggested talking points:</em></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;">S. 1503 -- Sponsored by Senators Durbin and Kirk, the bill would encourage epinephrine auto-injectors be stocked in schools.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">As a [parent of a child at risk of anaphylaxis] [constituent] [school nurse/teacher/other], urge them to cosponsor S. 1503.</li>
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Twenty-eight states already have laws or guidelines in place allowing schools to stock undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors. Check AANMA's USAnaphylaxis™ Map (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014bOWbaDlmwle3pk7ltwiHTFWnaGDYncXr_PDmsqkpph_rzVTMdPlEWh8kZts8-1Ip6taHIbyZe7Ry3weEhV1jH7P9ZXZqJuCaH7REFVhTe3KXJSgfQ7KQZu5wYpykPMkG5a1hHceoKBosSqtpOVOdMLEYc6FBSRBgrHR2B5qi64IMAf7biiOTONhS4KXe0Oi6vmBckhqDaA8jPWGF8HWsWRpulPR7EMx7xTEDAmmnWWPRMmdkZNNSi-NBJSjHJxGWpO0V5YuzaNz36coEo4L-tVPYci4tthGIvq6C42hVAgyxl5uBzjhvA==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">www.aanma.org/USAnaphylaxis</a>) to see the status of laws in your state.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Questions? Contact Kimberly Turner, </span><a href="mailto:kturner@aanma.org" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">kturner@aanma.org</a>.</div>
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Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-17237219439668471742013-06-19T08:33:00.001-05:002013-06-19T08:33:16.458-05:00Generic Epinephrine Autoinjector Authorized (once again!) - What Does It Mean For You?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The following message is courtesy of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. A formerly available epinephrine auto-injector (Adrenaclick) is back on the market, as is an authorized generic for this specific device. It is likely that insurance companies and pharmacies may encourage substitution with this generic product, as a way to decrease expenses for both insurers and patients. Please read the message, and be alert to the possibility of device substitution.</div>
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Be Aware of Authorized Generic Epinephrine Autoinjector</h1>
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Dear Colleagues:</div>
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It has come to our attention that Lineage Therapeutics, Inc. recently launched an authorized generic version of Adrenaclick® under the name <em>epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector</em>. This product being marketed as a generic epinephrine autoinjector is an “authorized generic” of the Adrenaclick autoinjector only.</div>
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We want to make you aware because the availability of this product may result in substitution for other epinephrine autoinjectors at the pharmacy, which could lead to patient and caregiver confusion.</div>
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Epinephrine autoinjectors look and function differently from one another, and they have different instructions for use and require different training. You may have trained your patient for the administration of one type of injector, and the pharmacy may provide another type on which the patient has not been trained. During the stress of an anaphylactic reaction, this may be confusing to a patient and could result in the delay or perhaps an error in the administration of the drug.</div>
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When having a prescription filled, patients or caregivers should reinforce with the pharmacist the importance of getting the specific epinephrine autoinjector their physician prescribed and that they are trained to use.</div>
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You can view each type of epinephrine autoinjector and the instructions for administration at the respective product websites: <a href="http://www.epinephrineautoinject.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.epinephrineautoinject.com</a>, <a href="http://www.adrenaclick.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.adrenaclick.com</a>, <a href="http://www.auvi-q.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.auvi-q.com</a> and<a href="http://www.epipen.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.epipen.com</a>.</div>
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Sincerely,</div>
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<img alt="" height="55" src="http://www.execinc.com/hosted/emails/aaaai/image/cox-sig.gif" width="200" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">
Linda Cox, MD, FAAAAI<br />AAAAI President<br /><a href="mailto:president@aaaai.org" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">president@aaaai.org</a></div>
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<b>Bottom line? </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">As proper use of autoinjectable epinephrine is dependent on training and familiarity with the device, generic substitutions for one device should not replace a prescription for a different device. If cost concerns require you to consider a generic, please first visit your doctor's office to be trained on the device you will be receiving. This will allow you to ensure that you and your family are comfortable with the device to be dispensed.</span></div>
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Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-31722163745409540832013-02-15T13:39:00.001-06:002013-02-15T13:43:42.698-06:00Be a Star! Submit your video to AANMA's "Why see an Allergist?" campaign!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Allergy & Asthma Network - Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) is partnering with the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) to produce six video vignettes on "Why see an Allergist?" and they need your help! AANMA is looking for people who fit the following criteria and are willing to participate: <br />
<ul>
<li>Newly diagnosed or undiagnosed patients with symptoms of allergy and/or asthma </li>
<li>Patients diagnosed with at least one of the following conditions: </li>
<ul>
<li>Children with seasonal allergies </li>
<li>Food allergy </li>
<li>Pregnancy and asthma </li>
<li>Teenager with asthma </li>
<li>Pet allergies </li>
<li>Rhinitis </li>
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<li>Required to send a homemade, 60-second video of your story to AANMA by March 15, 2013 </li>
<li>Willing to participate in a pre-interview via telephone with video production agency </li>
<li>Able and willing to participate in a one-day commercial video shoot in downtown Chicago in April 2013 </li>
</ul>
The video vignettes will be utilized in social media outlets to raise awareness and educate the public on the role of an allergist in a comprehensive, collaborative care model.<br />
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<br />Please contact Tonya Winders at twinders@aanma.org or 703-641-9595 should you have any questions regarding this opportunity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYiqYnexMu1dx6WPKqxePcWs7oGhfl-rNj7ncneY2KPVWCt9Ry9h20aZEs2EZ6Hs5YPVOGvmiW1_p1kzCXpwOCFrLL0sImuU5UJMYd2GrREh5pIAL7XtMIrC33nR7HQrKOLFzhfr44vtb/s1600/AANMA_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYiqYnexMu1dx6WPKqxePcWs7oGhfl-rNj7ncneY2KPVWCt9Ry9h20aZEs2EZ6Hs5YPVOGvmiW1_p1kzCXpwOCFrLL0sImuU5UJMYd2GrREh5pIAL7XtMIrC33nR7HQrKOLFzhfr44vtb/s320/AANMA_Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-45582337639228603592013-02-14T16:29:00.001-06:002013-02-14T16:29:20.374-06:00Fun With Daisy Scouts!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As a mother of 2 boys, I sometimes feel outnumbered. Therefore, I was delighted to be invited by the local Daisy Scouts to a meeting which focused on being kind and considerate. Using the topic of food allergy as an example, we were able to address the issues of safety, inclusion/exclusion, bullying, how to be a good friend, and more. The girls offered up a whole host of ideas about how to celebrate special events without being food-centric, just in time for Valentine's Day!<br />
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In this one group of Daisy Scouts, there were allergies to milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts and fish! It was lovely to see the girls talk about how they pack special lunches so they can sit with their food-allergic friends and how they don't ever share food. One adorable little one demonstrated, arms outstretched, how she would come between a bully and her food-allergic pal! We did a drill of how to call for help if a friend is experiencing an allergic reaction, and familiarized ourselves with autoinjectable epinephrine.<br />
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The girls were great listeners and participants, and they presented me with a lovely card and a copy of the story they read aloud earlier in the meeting. It's called <a href="http://thebugabees.com/" target="_blank">"The Bugabees - Friends with Food Allergies"</a>.<br />
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Thanks for inviting me, girls!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSSpqSkb78w56imJhWBwl9z7pe9PYSuT5n1LPpY303FR-UPy1JFwOzvtsFNBoHaygWVVZKiCeAbgCeeJTdB56gP6zD9H1voyZKk38k_zIDcK7AX-YT_XevgkDJK8WsfVFk7I8n_noY94W/s1600/BugaBees_FrontCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSSpqSkb78w56imJhWBwl9z7pe9PYSuT5n1LPpY303FR-UPy1JFwOzvtsFNBoHaygWVVZKiCeAbgCeeJTdB56gP6zD9H1voyZKk38k_zIDcK7AX-YT_XevgkDJK8WsfVFk7I8n_noY94W/s320/BugaBees_FrontCover.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This story about friends with food allergies was a wonderful companion piece to the meeting about being kind and considerate.</td></tr>
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Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-18501151032318560842013-02-13T13:15:00.000-06:002013-02-13T13:15:04.677-06:00My Son, Future Immunologist?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The other day, my 7 year old son came home from school excited to tell me about his day. His second-grade class had just begun a unit in science about the human body. As an introduction to the unit, his teacher asked the students to name organ systems.<br />
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One child called out, "the gut", and another, "the lungs".<br />
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But not my child. No, my kid offered up "the immune system"!<br />
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Here's the book he took from my office to read to his class:<br />
<a href="http://primaryimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Our-Immune-System.pdf">http://primaryimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Our-Immune-System.pdf</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvheRZ_Tp1LVIoz4sfGtv-qRL-BHDz4YMSKv03-KHOcHepM56K_iI_-FYbWid8tHu9b-HZ17WWcBfXys3Ru4Ec-Two_35wZR9WGOzRAMDiRI9j38-8E6fSL5eEJu9N25WNeop7Pfv8Pay/s1600/JFK-immunesystem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvheRZ_Tp1LVIoz4sfGtv-qRL-BHDz4YMSKv03-KHOcHepM56K_iI_-FYbWid8tHu9b-HZ17WWcBfXys3Ru4Ec-Two_35wZR9WGOzRAMDiRI9j38-8E6fSL5eEJu9N25WNeop7Pfv8Pay/s1600/JFK-immunesystem.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Our Immune System", by Sara LeBien</td></tr>
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Obviously, I'm biased by both genetics and profession. But I couldn't be prouder. :-)</div>
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Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-9535487907859413242012-10-08T14:11:00.002-05:002012-10-08T14:11:41.856-05:00Peanut Allergy "Patch" Study Now Recruiting in Chicago!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A new treatment option for peanut allergy is currently being studied in Chicago!<div>
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This treatment modality is commonly referred to as the "peanut patch", and aims to induce tolerance to peanut protein by delivering small amounts of peanut allergen to the immune system through the skin. This is similar in concept to oral and sublingual immunotherapy for foods. However, in the case of the patch, the mode of delivery is hoped to result in fewer reactions during treatment, as the allergen will not be ingested. It is certainly an interesting development, which may hold promise in the treatment of food allergy. This study is recruiting children as young as age 6 years, so it may be an option for those children who are not old enough to qualify for the Food Allergy Herbal Formula study.<div>
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Please read the memorandum below for further details:</div>
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...I would like to share with you the exciting new peanut allergy clinical trial we will be starting this fall called A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED, RANDOMIZED TRIAL TO STUDY THE VIASKIN® PEANUT’S EFFICACY AND SAFETY FOR TREATING PEANUT ALLERGY IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS (VIPES STUDY). </div>
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The VIPES study is a 12 month, multi-center trial examining Viaskin© Peanut as a potential immunotherapy treatment of peanut allergy in participants aged 6 years and older. Viaskin© Peanut is an allergen extract of peanut administered daily using the Viaskin© epicutaneous delivery system.</div>
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The goal for this study is to determine the efficacy of several doses of Viaskin© Peanut to significantly desensitize peanut allergic subjects, and to evaluate the safety of long term epicutaneous immunotherapy with Viaskin© Peanut.</div>
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You may always find the most up-to-date information about our food allergy research studies by visiting our website at<a href="http://www.chicagochildrensresearch.org/allergy" target="_blank"> www.chicagochildrensresearch.org/allergy</a>. You may also find a current list of all the Division of Allergy & Immunology’s clinical trials at <a href="http://www.chicagochildrensresearch.org/clinical_trials/allergy">www.chicagochildrensresearch.org/clinical_trials/allergy</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaCLYvQl_vxF-rWatctu76QygwrzCE2kouAII98F1iTQsx-T3bOjpYIUx1YwDnFGifjTz5QkCa8kKI_mnRQaGuLMj4xR0tv_JSVVhPwhCqVPSfjT8y9yY1WNYjar0NXTEc1X7zSw3iGvp/s1600/viaskin-peanut.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaCLYvQl_vxF-rWatctu76QygwrzCE2kouAII98F1iTQsx-T3bOjpYIUx1YwDnFGifjTz5QkCa8kKI_mnRQaGuLMj4xR0tv_JSVVhPwhCqVPSfjT8y9yY1WNYjar0NXTEc1X7zSw3iGvp/s1600/viaskin-peanut.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Viaskin Peanut Patch</td></tr>
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Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-2532027061276409882012-09-17T10:10:00.002-05:002012-09-17T11:12:01.203-05:00Neglected Child's Eyes Well Up, AllergistMommy's Priorities Get Shaken Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a crazy few months...<br />
<br />
My micropractice is now a little over a year old, and I've been blessed with a growing patient base. However, with more patients comes MORE WORK! I love the patient care part - could do that all day. However, I could do without some of the paperwork, data entry, inventory, etc. I pretty much stopped sleeping.<br />
<br />
So the time came to add someone to my team. The search for someone who can channel my vision for the practice into their everyday activities was not an easy one. Resumes, essay exams (yes, I actually had candidates complete an essay exam!), interviews, math quizzes, background checks... phew! Adding employees also means adding an employee handbook, policies and procedure manual, compliance programs, payroll, worker's insurance. Wait a minute - I thought getting help was supposed to reduce my workload?<br />
<br />
So, no one would blame me if I haven't been scrapbooking, right? Wrong. My 4 year old blames me, and rightfully so.<br />
<br />
This morning, he sat on the sofa with his brother after breakfast, leafing through my 7 year old's baby scrapbook. You know, the scrapbook I created when I was a wide-eyed, bushy-tailed new mom, delighted by the thought of documenting first smile, first bath, first solid food, first fill-in-the-blank? The scrapbook that is not only a collection of photographs, but also captions describing baby antics and quotations on boyhood and motherhood? My older son loves looking at this book whenever he gets the chance. Who wouldn't love a book where you're the star, and every photo is flattering, embellished with jungle animals and teddy bears?<br />
<br />
The tears in my 4 year old's eyes were like a dagger in my heart. "Mommy, where is MY book?"<br />
<br />
I didn't have the heart to tell him, "Honey, your photos are in a couple of albums on Facebook."<br />
<br />
So, this week, I have added to the top of my task list:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Redeem self in eyes of baby boy. Create best baby scrapbook EVER. You have 2 hours.</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgrn_qSSKHHlip2NL_2uay0op6rr13QIHkaoDtE7607b4SgcaFlMkv9DBaKZ9vmQ7g4HPKhdYy8NA8OdWb3huulYGGghqeBDWATM7y-e05Nqzb7uiOpau_4q9JgyKVGAoK1lvYZs5y0Io/s1600/Scrapbook-Idiotsguide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgrn_qSSKHHlip2NL_2uay0op6rr13QIHkaoDtE7607b4SgcaFlMkv9DBaKZ9vmQ7g4HPKhdYy8NA8OdWb3huulYGGghqeBDWATM7y-e05Nqzb7uiOpau_4q9JgyKVGAoK1lvYZs5y0Io/s200/Scrapbook-Idiotsguide.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will be needing this...</td></tr>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
One day, I will sleep. Today is not that day.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow isn't looking good, either. :-)<br />
<br /></div>
Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-82091002912390600422012-08-18T11:27:00.002-05:002012-08-18T11:27:39.353-05:00A Peek Into the Mind of a 4 Year-Old<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday morning, I asked my younger son to throw his dirty clothes down the laundry chute. What I witnessed shortly thereafter cracked me up:<br />
<br />
Son #2: "Bye-bye, underwear! Have a nice trip!"<br />
Son #2 (imitating the "voice" of his dirty underwear): "Nooooo! I don't want to go!"<br />
Son #2 (back to himself): "Sorry, you need to get clean. Now go, and have a nice day!"<br />
<br />
It makes me smile to witness my children engaged in imaginative play. In this day of little faces glued to tiny screens, it's so nice to see that creativity and imagination are still the best entertainment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQEg_D6jhzdarsMfTbkfkcHd-gouKMguw783tATzX-sLIqm_d-ttTW8OujFL-fxx8eaGMBNwnGqs7iiZ3Sq6sUC7QPx3I9ze8U5fXW_3bkx3l0mU1Rl2Mydgpln3kOI42wC0jcuALIEeK/s1600/laundry_chute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQEg_D6jhzdarsMfTbkfkcHd-gouKMguw783tATzX-sLIqm_d-ttTW8OujFL-fxx8eaGMBNwnGqs7iiZ3Sq6sUC7QPx3I9ze8U5fXW_3bkx3l0mU1Rl2Mydgpln3kOI42wC0jcuALIEeK/s320/laundry_chute.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a long trip for a small pair of drawers!</td></tr>
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Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-42357642846091256892012-07-28T12:01:00.000-05:002012-07-28T13:07:33.554-05:00How My Asthmatic Son Taught Me Not to Underestimate His Potential<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My younger son and I both have asthma. Although we are well controlled, we still carry rescue medication with us everywhere. Even well-controlled asthma can flare severely under the right (or wrong) circumstances.<br />
<br />
I was especially cautious during a recent family vacation to Colorado. Living in the Midwest, we were unaccustomed to the thin mountain air, and I worried that my 3 year old might have his enjoyment of the trip ruined by asthma symptoms.<br />
<br />
So when our agenda was modified to include a steep 1.2 mile hike to view a pristine lake nestled close to the mountaintop, I wondered aloud if we should leave him behind at the hotel with his grandparents. My husband (who does not have asthma) glibly replied, "Relax, he can handle it!".<br />
<br />
"Easy for you to say," I retorted. "What are we going to do if he has an asthma attack halfway up the mountain?"<br />
<br />
Dear hubby didn't need to reply. My fearless son overheard the conversation and chimed in: "I want to climb the mountain, too! Mommy, are we going to climb the mountain togedder?" Puppy dog eyes looked up at me, awaiting my answer...<br />
<br />
One look at his earnest expression, and how could I deny him? After confirming that all our gear was in place (Water bottles? check. Inhaler?check. Spacer? check. Oxygen tank? Chill out, lady. This is Hanging Lake, not Mount Everest.), we set out on our journey.<br />
<br />
We took our time, because the climb was rocky and steep, and his little legs didn't allow him to leap up the mountainside like his brother (who arrived at our destination nearly 40 minutes before we did!). However, I was amazed to find my little guy navigating the rocks like a pro! He climbed all the way up on his own power, never once asking to be carried. After a snack at the top, he made it down on his own too! Nearly 3 hours of hiking 2.4 miles at an elevation of over 7000 feet above sea level, all by himself. Thanks to a few puffs of prophylactic albuterol before the climb, no coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath interfered with our fun! All the other hikers stopped to tell him he was doing a great job, and proclaimed, "You must be the youngest hiker on this trail!" He was so proud. WE were so proud.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MSiauaBMP07Fd3mFYd2YKcMeM-2xV7jowzvCcN5at7CimsOUQgxxz4dQPikLZ26AQFAQoXkLD3froeJKB6zBysc2SWMuwkYMEUf1CLRmSH1aWV-rIEWrntORJlZ2tD58hSy4GUkbsm0t/s1600/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+%2528137%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MSiauaBMP07Fd3mFYd2YKcMeM-2xV7jowzvCcN5at7CimsOUQgxxz4dQPikLZ26AQFAQoXkLD3froeJKB6zBysc2SWMuwkYMEUf1CLRmSH1aWV-rIEWrntORJlZ2tD58hSy4GUkbsm0t/s320/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+%2528137%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a laugh during a water break.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCTS15iv3fEF87n5Q8GrkdOMyzOayiiA9kZaZ-h8lmRoNj_gXe7iSZ3C1EpjmgDa9yF7TSz9mDR3ucRG3JgR9lRigHi_EsNnKusCmCHY4L5ZvyAwOfIe4jYJvgvRKvCH4lMpmV3rs92i-/s1600/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+(130).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCTS15iv3fEF87n5Q8GrkdOMyzOayiiA9kZaZ-h8lmRoNj_gXe7iSZ3C1EpjmgDa9yF7TSz9mDR3ucRG3JgR9lRigHi_EsNnKusCmCHY4L5ZvyAwOfIe4jYJvgvRKvCH4lMpmV3rs92i-/s320/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+(130).jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfalls abound!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My take-away lesson? Well-controlled asthmatics really CAN do anything they put their minds to, even if they're only 3 years old and Mommy is a chicken.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb_TWG2R_XiiONwMoTOEfU5bR6tMjgPYtl3qQ1Qd8iSuEpJMWKlK9Wj15Zi4XPu2U7hkOGIvPR__7SQOt8czRAo6iWiHbnignKVSgI8IUtaR5dwDHuSgy0jgt0AlIfrHqGD_KNd_7KgvJ/s1600/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+%2528146%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb_TWG2R_XiiONwMoTOEfU5bR6tMjgPYtl3qQ1Qd8iSuEpJMWKlK9Wj15Zi4XPu2U7hkOGIvPR__7SQOt8czRAo6iWiHbnignKVSgI8IUtaR5dwDHuSgy0jgt0AlIfrHqGD_KNd_7KgvJ/s320/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+%2528146%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close to the top... kids are getting hungry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As parents, we want to protect our kids from the mere possibility of harm. However, we shouldn't shelter them from amazing life experiences just because they carry a modicum of risk. Risk is a part of life. All we can do is give them a healthy foundation and teach them to make good choices... then we need to let them LIVE.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKZ9g5RR7QWxQZM3gSnvjJIf2ogKV1MHY1FN-DqJioM6IsH4FZ9hw1AxFxRgf6HzrdcimPSEufFF9YGFgIfLsI-rsQwT1dOKehXZNtRhFHWO_88Tgzvknyp9-Ehy4ch40z-KW8F0hH3w9/s1600/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+%2528152%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKZ9g5RR7QWxQZM3gSnvjJIf2ogKV1MHY1FN-DqJioM6IsH4FZ9hw1AxFxRgf6HzrdcimPSEufFF9YGFgIfLsI-rsQwT1dOKehXZNtRhFHWO_88Tgzvknyp9-Ehy4ch40z-KW8F0hH3w9/s320/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+%2528152%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>No risk, no reward!</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1j3-KEhgi0DGy4MpzmDpYTOQ3189Vw7p8b2SywUshIveuuDrL3NuEXuqUfLc1bM4RnN-Q5wzRlAiBw2k0H_YhtnRpW5ttFwOeCCoWFKTd-2UXORN2Q6kLDPwLR3aHz8GTSWGtyqE2X57/s1600/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+%2528185%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1j3-KEhgi0DGy4MpzmDpYTOQ3189Vw7p8b2SywUshIveuuDrL3NuEXuqUfLc1bM4RnN-Q5wzRlAiBw2k0H_YhtnRpW5ttFwOeCCoWFKTd-2UXORN2Q6kLDPwLR3aHz8GTSWGtyqE2X57/s320/2012+Family+Reunion+Pic+%2528185%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-88543027738615174962012-06-30T13:04:00.000-05:002012-06-30T13:04:24.124-05:00My Boys Spend a Morning in My Office. Or, How the AllergistMommy Earned Her Vacation.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><i>My boys spent 2 hours with me in the office this morning. Here's what went down:</i></b><br />
<br />
1. Coloring on scrap paper with highlighters.<br />
2. Raiding the "treasure bucket" for toys.<br />
3. Putting stickers on each other.<br />
4. Eating fruit snacks in the kitchen.<br />
5. Washing hands in every sink. Singing "handwashing song" at top of lungs.<br />
6. Reading Harry Potter.<br />
7. Sitting on Mommy's lap in waiting room full of patients, reading picture books about fire trucks and trains.<br />
8. Sword-fighting with wooden tongue depressors.<br />
9. Checking oxygen saturation.<br />
10. Using Mommy's stethoscope to listen to everything in the office.<br />
11. Locating Mommy's stash of Mike and Ike candies.<br />
12. Filling cups with water from the water dispenser. Actually drinking most of the water. Dumping leftover water on brother's head.<br />
13. Helping Mommy sweep the floors between patients.<br />
14. Making friends with pediatric patients, and playing "Cut the Rope" and "Angry Birds" with them on our iPad. :-)<br />
15. Trying to take a nap in an exam room. Giving up because the motion detectors kept turning the lights back on.<br />
16. Reading children's books about the immune system.<br />
17. Marching around the reception area singing "Yankee Doodle Dandy".<br />
18. Going potty.<br />
19. Watching patients receive allergy shots. Being amazed that no one cried.<br />
20. Immediately declining when offered shots of their own.<br />
21. Looking out the window, waiting for Daddy to come take them to lunch.<br />
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<b><i>I have never been so happy to see my husband. :-)</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFhBHZ9urk2oXmhaSpUP3GnweI8NbQASBa1bBjfyqEbm5sXzRgB3tWEnf-Up_z64HCVQHgDy2E9caQrovIjLAtXihfRFi7J0KT1XNYEf4HhEALr2-eWve0-H7Qo_8GijbKVWV5ifLb9gB/s1600/TAKE-YOUR-CHILD-TO-WORK-DAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFhBHZ9urk2oXmhaSpUP3GnweI8NbQASBa1bBjfyqEbm5sXzRgB3tWEnf-Up_z64HCVQHgDy2E9caQrovIjLAtXihfRFi7J0KT1XNYEf4HhEALr2-eWve0-H7Qo_8GijbKVWV5ifLb9gB/s320/TAKE-YOUR-CHILD-TO-WORK-DAY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-31518130000319453952012-06-05T12:23:00.000-05:002012-06-05T12:23:08.102-05:00Free Asthma Screenings Help Identify Poorly-Controlled Symptoms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On May 20, 2012, I was pleased to offer a free asthma screening for our local community as a volunteer for the <a href="http://www.acaai.org/" target="_blank">American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's</a> Annual Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. This is the 16th year of the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program, the
ACAAI's public service campaign to find adults and children who are at
risk for undiagnosed and uncontrolled asthma. Our screening was a wonderful experience, and we were able to identify a number of individuals whose respiratory symptoms are likely to improve with comprehensive allergy and asthma care. We've been asked to return for additional screenings, and I plan to do so this summer and fall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUR50Betq_QfYZOSqCpQ3ni4I-qKzAboYXZMs6BYCt1XgA3q6_bUDW_o3eKpEUxYQO-D1m11_07VCa3yHTO_z_am0y7-xu9lGw44_PIU2PyNPlKeSLLcjWjzbcVxY3iwkBw3Ghyphenhyphen6a3UIQJ/s1600/asthmascreening1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUR50Betq_QfYZOSqCpQ3ni4I-qKzAboYXZMs6BYCt1XgA3q6_bUDW_o3eKpEUxYQO-D1m11_07VCa3yHTO_z_am0y7-xu9lGw44_PIU2PyNPlKeSLLcjWjzbcVxY3iwkBw3Ghyphenhyphen6a3UIQJ/s320/asthmascreening1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many thanks to <a href="http://www.medicaldevicedepot.com/" target="_blank">Medical Device Depot</a> for donating the spirometry turbines, without which this screening would not have been possible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq7GfJyy0jpL1qIdvYguREYscWxJMIF_Hq-yi2mlZorFj1km7B7sozDXBGocJjI6sxkJJEF-WXjcp6mTeMSojFyoxTiHkjcPHIXZLfzidyxoa1MQNY0F5_hAIFJRjgbQPPDNGKEn81kWC/s1600/asthmascreening2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq7GfJyy0jpL1qIdvYguREYscWxJMIF_Hq-yi2mlZorFj1km7B7sozDXBGocJjI6sxkJJEF-WXjcp6mTeMSojFyoxTiHkjcPHIXZLfzidyxoa1MQNY0F5_hAIFJRjgbQPPDNGKEn81kWC/s320/asthmascreening2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are looking for a free asthma screening in your area, please <a href="http://www.acaai.org/allergist/asthma/screening-for-asthma/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">click here</a> to learn more! </div>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-46505299679036105472012-05-31T09:49:00.001-05:002012-06-07T19:13:39.733-05:00"The Doctors" Ill-Advised Suggestion for Viewers to Fake a Butter Allergy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">UPDATE: The post you see below was deleted/censored from the comments section by "The Doctors" website. Attempts to repost have also been met with deletion, and there has not been any response from the producer of the program, Jay McGraw. </span></h4>
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Recently the Program "The Doctors" aired a segment advising their viewers to tell a "little white lie" and fake a butter allergy when eating out to avoid the ~120 calories from butter added to vegetables and other prepared items. Read it here: <a href="http://thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/1012?section=synopsis" style="text-align: left;">http://thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/1012?section=synopsis</a></div>
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As a food-allergic individual, and physician for hundreds of allergic patients, my jaw dropped at the irresponsibility of this suggestion. Read my response to them below, and tell me... what are your thoughts about their recommendation to fake a food allergy?<br />
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As a practicing board-certified allergist, mother of children with allergies, and food-allergic individual, I felt compelled to reply to the irresponsible suggestion by your program that viewers "fake a butter allergy" in order to avoid caloric intake. Faking an allergy is not a "white lie". It is feigning an illness and disability, with profound consequences for those who truly suffer from the condition in question.</div>
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True food allergy is not something one "fakes". Rather, it is something that you wish you didn't have, because it can KILL YOU. Individuals with serious food allergies have a difficult enough time explaining the intricacies of cross-contamination to restaurants, and have only recently made enormous strides in restaurant safety. Your promotion of false allergy claims is a slap in the face of years of hard work, advocacy and education.</div>
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<li style="font-family: helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc;">Encouraging your audience to feign illness is anathema to those physicians who work so hard to ensure that food allergies are not overdiagnosed, so that the diets of growing children are not unnecessarily limited.</li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc;">Encouraging your audience to feign illness promotes a glut of false allergy claims in eating establishments, which will undoubtedly lead to true food allergies being taken less seriously by restaurant staff.</li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc;">Encouraging your audience to feign illness goes against the grain of what you are supposed to be doing in your daily work and on your show -- promoting ACCURATE information and HEALTHY choices.</li>
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Would you encourage your viewers to fake diabetes in order to avoid sugar? How about faking celiac disease to avoid gluten? Oh, here's a good one: let's encourage our patients to fake CANCER or disorders of DNA repair to avoid going through the whole body scanners at airports!</div>
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If the above suggestions seem unreasonable, take another look at your ill-advised recommendation. That the segment was aired during Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month is the ultimate irony.</div>
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Also, just so we have our medical facts straight... IgE-mediated food allergy is in almost all cases an aberrant immune hypersensitivity response to a food protein. Butter is a prepared food product. Claiming that you are allergic to butter is like saying you're allergic to a casserole.</div>
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The Doctors owe their viewers and the food allergy community a retraction of this ridiculous segment and a public apology.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dmiWTOmZRJB0jbFKVVWY9NWOQBzJLCJQAsTnMXpUrmMdMJJBQ8V8C2NSHam5Fmsc4ES0z3RFowOWLyqumOvu1n5XDG51XKqbIO0fcfZURw3piBIrgF3WJmBtOb0cyvwQ23Hrn9eYqqQH/s1600/fakeallergycartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dmiWTOmZRJB0jbFKVVWY9NWOQBzJLCJQAsTnMXpUrmMdMJJBQ8V8C2NSHam5Fmsc4ES0z3RFowOWLyqumOvu1n5XDG51XKqbIO0fcfZURw3piBIrgF3WJmBtOb0cyvwQ23Hrn9eYqqQH/s400/fakeallergycartoon.jpg" title="" width="303" /></a></div>
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</div>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-58320550506945131972012-05-11T12:17:00.000-05:002012-05-11T13:57:40.187-05:00Mother's Day Wishes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><i>Mother's Day is nearly upon us, so I feel inclined to spread a little mama-love via the internet.</i></b><br />
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Fellow mothers of children with allergies, let us acknowledge that:<br />
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1. We love our children more than they will ever know, and would lay our lives down for them in a heartbeat.<br />
2. There is not one among us who, if given the opportunity, would not "magically absorb" her child's allergy.<br />
2. We spend the majority of our birthday wishes, shooting star wishes, 11:11 wishes, and 4-leaf clover wishes not on dreams of tropical vacations and lottery winnings, but on hopes for cures and the safety of our little ones.<br />
3. We spend countless hours and dollars selecting and creating meals and treats so that our children can participate in social activities as fully as possible, and not feel isolated.<br />
4. In addition to roles of mother and partner, we have taken up the essential roles of educator and advocate.<br />
5. We eagerly share in the joys of allergies outgrown or treated, and also share in the mutual sorrow and loss when one of our children suffers. It is as though our hearts are joined with a single string - pulled in one place, and each heart gets tugged.<br />
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<b><i>Dealing with allergies is a unique endeavor in each household. We all deal with it differently. </i></b><br />
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Some have been lucky, and have been spared serious reactions in their kids. (There, but for the grace of God, go I...) <b>Bless you.</b><br />
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Some continue to charge on in the face of frequent reactions, unknown/multiple triggers, or complicating illnesses. <b>Bless you.</b><br />
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Some have poured their energy into making allergic children's environments as safe as possible, or offering safe foods/recipes, easy access to emergency medication, books and other educational materials. <b>Bless you.</b><br />
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Some have shared their personal day-to-day experiences via the magic of the web, hoping that others may find solace and hope in learning they are not alone in this world. <b>Bless you.</b><br />
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Some have participated in trials of novel therapeutic options, contributing to the march towards a cure. <b>Bless you.</b><br />
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Some, unable to participate in a trial, have made the decision to pursue some of these therapies outside of the research studies. <b>Bless you.</b><br />
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Some simply (BIG understatement) continue to do the best they can to keep their kids safe, happy and healthy, one day at a time. <b>Bless you.</b><br />
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Bless you all during this time, and always.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Mother's day, from the AllergistMommy.</span><br />
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<br /></div>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-55559816800840337132012-05-05T11:46:00.002-05:002012-05-05T11:46:38.953-05:00Keratosis Pilaris - Or, Why My Kid Looks Like a Plucked Chicken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The skin is the body's largest organ. The condition of the skin is, in many ways, a window into our internal health. Therefore, it is only natural that people become immediately concerned by rashes. We often neglect our own elevated blood pressure, achey joints, or other ailments. The onset of a new rash, on the other hand, can quickly lead to a call to the doctor.<br />
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Interestingly, there is one rash I see in my practice which rarely causes alarm among patients and parents. In fact, it is common for a parent to state, "Oh, that? His sister has that too. In fact, so do I!"<br />
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Keratosis Pilaris is a common, heritable disorder which results in small bumps consisting of accumulated skin cells and keratin at the sites of hair follicles. It is especially common in people who have a history of allergies.<br />
Although it can be mildly itchy, the rash generally does not cause discomfort. Commonly described as "gooseflesh", keratosis pilaris can be a concern cosmetically, leading to the avoidance of short sleeves or shorts (upper arms and thighs/calves are common locations for the rash). When it appears on the face, it can be confused with acne. If scratched and irritated, the bumps can become red and inflamed. In individuals with darker complexions, the bumps can take on a dark brown appearance, leading one to appear altogether polka-dotted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0vFODLBuBWSMSYjSIQdaZru08yx8aKeuttUv9F7KAIO-e6J7x3CggHL-cXu6p4RY1K9B88ZMc9bKB6akBQ9gDvzUvmRxCKU_gZzbdH-WRnBSxcYoljmcGA6nF-L10rKTLXdZGOrPlk27/s1600/keratosispilaris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0vFODLBuBWSMSYjSIQdaZru08yx8aKeuttUv9F7KAIO-e6J7x3CggHL-cXu6p4RY1K9B88ZMc9bKB6akBQ9gDvzUvmRxCKU_gZzbdH-WRnBSxcYoljmcGA6nF-L10rKTLXdZGOrPlk27/s1600/keratosispilaris.jpg" /></a></div>
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Because they have lived with the rash of KP for so long, many patients are surprised to find that there are effective treatments. I generally have great results with an over-the-counter lactic acid lotion twice daily and daily exfoliation with a warm wet washcloth (a new one every day, please -- unless you like rubbing bacteria into your skin). One note of caution: I do not recommend applying lactic acid lotion to broken/scratched skin, as it can cause significant burning. As with any health care regimen, consistency is key. With regular attention, smooth skin can be yours again.<br />
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I speak from experience - I have KP, and so does my 3 year old son. But you won't find us hiding when the warm weather arrives! With good skin care, we'll be ready for summer this year, and so will you!</div>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-41593970506517900362012-03-17T07:55:00.001-05:002012-03-17T07:55:37.294-05:00Unbeknownst to Me, My Husband has Jumped on the One Minute Parenting Bandwagon!<div><p>The other night, we piled the kids in the car to go out for dinner.</p>
<p>Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" was playing on the radio, and our 7 year old was singing along to the chorus.</p>
<p>"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger..."</p>
<p>At the end of the song, my husband surprised me by asking our son to relate the lesson in that phrase. (Apparently, they had discussed it during a previous car ride. At #1 for quite a few weeks, the song has gotten a lot of radio play.)</p>
<p>I was so pleased to hear the kiddo reply, "It means that you shouldn't be too upset if something bad happens or if you don't get something right or if you don't win, because you will learn for the next time." (run on sentence is his own)</p>
<p>Well played, boys. Well played.</p>
</div>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569897044603346297.post-42448051151087771032012-03-15T13:34:00.000-05:002012-03-18T13:07:22.660-05:00Lesser Known Symptoms of Environmental Allergies: Can You RecognizeThem?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Illinois experienced an unusually mild winter. I'm pretty sure I saw buds on the trees in my office parking lot a full month ago. I had been preparing myself for a gangbuster of a tree season this spring, and Mother Nature has not disappointed me.<br />
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My boys and I suffer from tree pollen allergies. More than birds chirping or flowers blooming, I have come to associate boogery sleeves and sneezing with the onset of spring. But these are the typical symptoms, which are easily recognizable as allergy-induced.<br />
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What I'd like to address in this post are some lesser known symptoms of seasonal allergies, which may also be rearing their ugly heads this spring. Red eyes and runny noses aside, there are plenty of other ways that allergies can make us miserable. Especially in children, who already have a hard time translating physical symptoms into words, some of these symptoms are easily overlooked. So, dear reader, I present to you a few somewhat obscure allergy symptoms to be on the lookout for this spring:<br />
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<b>1. Headaches</b><br />
Headaches in combination with nasal symptoms are a typical seasonal allergy complaint. However, many people do not realize that isolated headaches (without associated sneezing and runny nose) can also be brought on by high airborne allergen levels. I personally do not experience a great deal of sneezing or eye irritation, but one of my first clues that allergy season is upon us is a frontal (forehead) headache.<br />
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<b>2. Itchy ears</b><br />
I see this all the time. People think they have swimmer's ear or an ear infection, but when I look in the ear, there is no sign of infection. Sometimes there is inflammation of the ear canal, similar to eczema. Many of these people actually experience this ear itching seasonally, and their symptoms often improve with antihistamines or prescription ear drops. If your kid is walking around town with his finger stuck in his ear, a visit to the doctor may be in order.<br />
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<b>3. Sore throat in the morning, that improves throughout the day</b><br />
Think of it this way: if you have a stuffy nose, you are forced to sleep with your mouth open. When you sleep with your mouth open, the air you breathe can cause evaporation of moisture from the mucosal tissues in your mouth and throat. This causes you to feel parched during the night, and to wake up with a sore throat. More often than not, you will hack up an ugly yellowish-brown loogie in the morning, and your sore throat will improve after breakfast. You probably don't have strep throat or a sinus infection. It's just that the stagnant mucous hanging around in your throat all night got icky.<br />
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<b>4. Skin rash</b><br />
Most people assume that allergic skin rashes are due to food allergies or contact with a chemical/metal allergen. However, it is common for eczema to flare up during airborne allergy season.<br />
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<b>5. Itchy mouth, abdominal pain and diarrhea</b><br />
Many foods (especially produce and grains) cross-react with pollens. Ex: apples and birch pollen, wheat and grass pollen, watermelon and ragweed pollen. Although most people with environmental allergies do not need to limit their diets due to this cross-reactivity, certain patients (especially those with irritable bowel syndrome) find that their GI systems are more sensitive to these cross-reactive foods during the respective allergy season. Mouth get all itchy after eating a peach? It may be a tree pollen allergy to blame, rather than a fruit allergy!<br />
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<b>6. Behavioral issues</b><br />
Poorly controlled allergies result in poor-quality sleep. As adults, not getting a good night's rest makes us grumpy (mean) and tired (lazy) during the day. However, I have found that children with poor sleep are not so easy to identify. Rather than falling asleep at their school desks (which can also happen), I see issues with normally happy, cooperative children becoming moody, hyperactive and difficult to redirect. Solving the sleep issues can help with daytime behavior. Frequently, parents bring in their children fearing that a food allergy is leading to behavior issues. However, addressing environmental triggers that impede restful sleep often ameliorates the issue.<br />
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Keep these symptoms in mind as you enjoy the warm temperatures, and seasonal allergies won't catch you off guard!</div>Sakina Bajowala, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03240454760485085295noreply@blogger.com2