General Health

We've noted here before to avoid the use of spray sunscreens as well as those that use heavy fragrance. New FDA guidelines for 2013 add to this mix and try to clarify issues with mislabeling or false claims made on the packaging of some sunscreens. So with many people taking a short vacation, or if you're like me, heading to the beach for the weekend, now is a good time to review what the changes are and what are some good guidelines for selecting and using sunscreen.

Modern sunscreen consists of a variation of zinc oxide. Though not as common as in the past, many will remember the white line of sunblock that men used to put on their noses while at the beach. Today, there are lotions, spray and even powders (though they should have been removed from shelves by last December) that people use to block sun and harmful UV rays. With so many choices it can be difficult to decide which sunscreen is right for you and in many cases, what is even effective.

FDA guidelines approved last December work on two primary issues. First, the FDA addresses "broad spectrum" protection. Almost all sunscreens blocks UVB light, as this is the type of ultraviolet light that causes sunburns, but UVA also damages skin. UVA has been shown to cause cancer as well as prematurely age skin, so the FDA has mandated to manufacturers that they can only market their product as "broad spectrum" if it blocks both UVA and UVB light.

For beachgoers, a waterproof sunscreen has been the product of choice, but recent findings show that there is literally no such thing as "sweatproof" or "waterproof sunscreen." Some sunscreen can be water resistant, but all sunscreens, after a given period of time, will wear off. Manufacturers are now required to use the term "water resistant" and note the duration of protection, i.e. Water Resistant (40 Minutes). Many people mistakenly believe that if they've applied sunscreen, they are good to go for the rest of the day. Sunscreen wears off, period. It needs to be reapplied throughout the day, typically every couple hours, and sooner if you are swimming or sweating.

Though the new guidelines are a good step in the right direction, the FDA has yet to make any new guidelines on SPF numbers or the use of aerosol sunscreen. Research shows, and your dermatologist will recommend, that you use at least SPF 15 sunscreen but SPF higher than 45 is likely just a waste. We often think more is better, but in the case of sunscreen, there is no evidence to support that. SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 45 blocks 98%. So for now, stick with a properly labeled SPF 30 or 45.

As we mentioned last summer, it is probably best to continue to avoid the use of aerosol sunscreen. When a sunscreen becomes aerosolized, it can be inhaled. There is nothing is sunscreen that should be inhaled, and many of the ingredients can be particularly harmful for delicate lung tissue.

In general, keep an eye out for the new labeling requirements. Stick with a good SPF 30-45 that uses no "fragrance." Be sure to reapply at least every 2-3 hours, and avoid the aerosols. Lastly, many of us generally only use sunscreen while at the beach, and since this can be a summer only activity, keep an eye on the expiration date of your sunscreen. It can expire and will not provide the protection you think.

For a sensitive skin or sunscreen that isn't laden with heavy fragrance try Vanicream line of sunscreens. All three offer broad spectrum protection with a limited chemical footprint.

To read the FDA sunscreen consumer guidelines.

Author: K. Gilmore

May is Asthma Awareness Month, as designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and with this comes a renewed focus on asthma and how it impacts not only individuals but the larger community as a whole. In addition to this, each year a few non-profit/advocacy organizations piggyback off this and have designated May Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month. During this month there are a variety of events scheduled to help promote awareness as well as action on these two respiratory problems.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is planning several events to help to raise awareness across multiple age groups. Some of these include kits to help people set up and organize their own events, free webinars, a poster contest for 3rd-8th graders, a sweepstakes and their Ditch the Drip event in Memphis, May 16-18th. For more information on these events, visit the AAFA.

Our the partner, AANMA, is spending the day at on Capitol Hill. There they will focus on a multiple of things including changes in healthcare law, meeting with lawmakers, and providing a variety of free booths that offer anaphylaxis preparedness demonstrations, asthma and allergy screenings as well as consultations with allergists. All of these events are geared towards raising awareness of allergies and asthma while interacting with legislators. To learn more about Capitol Hill Day or for more info on the AANMA.

Lastly, there is the EPA. While this large governmental agency doesn't do much in terms of directly sponsored or coordinated events, they do much in the way of providing educational materials and the tools needed for advocacy groups or just individuals to help spread awareness. This PDF is chock-full of ways that people can help to raise public awareness of asthma and its impact in the community. Some way wonder why the EPA would promote Asthma Awareness Month, but the reason is actually pretty simple. The link between the environment, particularly air quality, and asthma is clear. From ground level ozone, to studies that focus on asthma rates in urban areas (often choked with vehicle emissions), many of the things the EPA does on a day to day basis can have a direct impact on asthma in the United States.

For our part here at AchooAllergy, we know that allergy season is in full swing, so we are offering a 10% discount on asthma and allergy relief products. From window filters, allergy bedding and air purifiers to HEPA vacuum cleaners and nebulizers, save an extra 10% of your purchase of most products. Happy May!

Author: K. Gilmore

Back in 2011, we posted a blog about a vaccine for cat allergies, and at that time, it discussed the Phase II trials of the vaccine. Well, two years later, the results are in, they look promising, and Phase III is about to begin.

Nearly two years ago, more than 200 cat allergy sufferers took part in the second phase trials which involved four doses of the vaccine, ToleroMune®, over the course of 12 weeks. In the fall of 2012, the company responsible for the study, Circassia, released initial results of the patients who returned to be exposed to the cat allergen and reassessed. Then in February of 2013, they announced full results of this double-blind, randomized study.

The results of this stage of human trials continued to show the same promise that began about a decade ago - the development of a vaccine against cat allergies. Those who received the actual vaccine (and not the placebo) continued to show sustained improvement when reassessed two years after the trial began. With this major milestone, Phase III trials have already started.

During this last stage of the trials, 1200 participants are involved in what will ultimately be another two year study that is broader and more in-depth. Upon completion in 2015. The vaccine could potentially be available shortly after the completion of this final phase in 2015. For the tens of millions of cat allergy sufferers, this novel approach represents a more longterm solution particle allergies, and ultimately, this type of development could lead to greater understanding of allergies and bring us one step closer to a cure.

In addition to their work on a cat allergy vaccine, Circassia has also started testing on similar treatments for grass and dust mite allergies.

Author: Kevin G.

With Good Friday and Easter just around the corner, most of us are finishing the final preparations for either dinner, Easter egg hunt or some type of family activity. In my household, my parents would put together Easter baskets then hide them at night so in the morning we would wake up early and begin the hunt!

Fortunately for us boys, the Easter Bunny knew just what we liked. So he would go easy on the jelly beans and heavy on the Cadbury eggs for me while doing the exact opposite for one of my younger siblings. Sweets and candy weren't the only things that came with our Easter baskets. In every basket was a stuffed animal. Mostly rabbits, but often ducks or turtles, from small to large, there was always one in each basket. Another favorite was a pail with a small plastic shovel and rake (which is great for filling with rocks, making sandcastles or mudpies with later). Other times there might be a pack of toy cars, plastic army men or even oversized chalk (that my dad LOVED to see us use on the sidewalk in front of the house!). There was also, always, an outfit - usually a pair of shorts and a shirt. These types of things can serve two purposes. First, they certainly last much longer than a chocolate bunny, but for children affected by food allergies, they can keep the baskets fun without the focus on candy.

As we grew up and began families of our own we also started having an annual Easter Egg hunt. While there always were at least a dozen or two colored eggs, most of what was hidden were plastic eggs, and though no one in the family has food allergies, some of the things my mother did were a bit forward thinking in that regard.

Starting from just a couple dozen and expanding to nearly three hundred, mom would purchase hollow plastic eggs in a variety of sizes and colors. Some would hold candy, like a small packet of jelly beans, individually wrapped chocolates or packets of sweet tarts (a favorite of mine). She would also fill many with a variety of other things, that while not the intention, were very food allergy friendly.

Running around a massive three acre yard we would find colorful plastic eggs with stickers, rubber bouncy balls, or money. The ones with money were what we called the "jackpot eggs". Filled with anywhere from fifty cents to a whopping two bucks, the older we got, the more these eggs became priceless to us. Another fun idea is to put tickets in the eggs. Number the tickets to match with a corresponding, larger, prize that will prolong the anticipation. They could be redeemable or things like a larger stuffed animal, an inexpensive pair of earrings, an iTunes gift card or even events like a couple hours of bowling or roller skating.

Though we didn't do this, before the event, you can have the children help you decorate the eggs. In reality you can get as extravagant as you want, from using simple stickers to going as far as hot gluing beads or other decorations on each egg. Ribbon or paints can also be used. For real eggs, you can fall back on the trusty Paas coloring kit or even use packets of Kool-Aid to dye the eggs. (Oh, and PLEASE make sure you boil them first! You or your child will only make this mistake, once.) Again though, for children with food allergies, the plastic, or even a purely decorative wooden egg, is likely your best bet to avoid and potential problems.

If you put on your own Easter egg hunt, here's a few tips, coming from years of experience. There are easy hiding spots as well as more difficult ones, so cater to your age ranges. By placing as much or more emphasis on things OTHER than food and candy, you can subtly make the event more inclusive for all kids. Lastly, don't let things get too big. Even with six to twelve kids searching, three hundred eggs is... a bit much. If you don't keep track of exactly how many you had to start with, you might have another annual experience that we had, finding them with the lawn mower a few weeks later.

There is nothing quite like hearing the audible change in the sound of the mower as you buzz through a plastic egg, or watch the contents spew out of the mower into a thousand little slivers (particularly when it is a George Washington that was obliterated). Nearly as bad, if not worse, when you hit one of the real, boiled eggs, after it had been sitting in the yard for three weeks.

For many people, Easter is much like other holidays in that a big part of it is gathering with family or friends. While things like food allergies shouldn't be completely ignored, they do not have to dampen the fun. There are a variety of easy ways to be more inclusive and to ensure all the children and adults involved have an enjoyable time!

Author: Kevin Gilmore

I have to say, I always enjoy reading or hearing stories like the one a friend of mine passed me yesterday (thank you Cordelia!). A very similar story was part of the broadcast on NPR this morning as well. The focus of both was controlling asthma, but to me the more interesting part was how it was being done - environmental control.

At AchooAllergy.com, we have been advocating environmental control, as a way to reduce allergic and asthmatic reactions, for over a decade. So, it is always heartening to see doctors, insurers and others recognizing the importance of this preventative style approach to asthma and allergies and actually creating programs to bring these ideas into the homes of people who need it the most.

Environmental control is multifaceted, and something that is often done in stages. Because it can be time intensive and not the most inexpensive process in the world, we have always stressed that people start with the bedroom and work out towards the rest of the home. You spend more time in your bedroom than any other single room in your home, so if there is one place to be a sanctuary, a place where you can provide relief from allergens, it should be there.

Both stories touched on things we have written about and advocated for years.

• Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner
• Installing allergy bedding covers on your mattress and pillow
• Avoiding harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia based cleaning products as well as "deodorizers" that pollute the indoor air even more
• And, removing carpet, to name a few

These measures all work to do one main thing - reduce allergens and improve the indoor environment. In addition to this, programs like the Community Asthma Initiative actually help people by going into the home, educating, coaching and providing the information and products to go about making these changes. Most importantly, they also measure their results, and in a time when budgets are being literally pushed to their breaking points, the ability to quantify the good that comes from these measures is critical in obtaining the funding to continue and expand this type of program.

On a similar note, over the last year, we have had the benefit of working with a partner who has recognized the benefit of allergy bedding in helping to reduce dust and dust mites in the home. With them we have been able to provide mattress covers, pillow covers, pillows, and other dust mite bedding to hundreds of people who, without this program, would not likely be able to afford it. Sadly these partnerships remain more of a rarity than the norm, and one of the biggest problems remains education - education of those affected as well as education of those who can help and those who can provide funding for these types of programs. Too few people in both of these groups understand the long term benefit that environmental control can offer.

The educational side is where other partners, like the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics, is critical. As a non-profit on the front lines of asthma education and advocacy, the AANMA works to not only help to educate those affected by allergies and asthma, but they also act as a voice to raise awareness on these issues at the state and national government levels.

Allergy shots remain one of the closest things to a cure for allergies, and while medication can tamp down many of the reactions that those affected with asthma have, it's really only when the these things are combined with environmental control measures in the home that the most benefit is seen. It is my sincere hope that as research continues, partnerships, like the ones we have, and programs like the Community Asthma Initiative can continue to coalesce and provide health benefits to those who need it most.

For the full article from Pediatrics Journal.
For more information about the Community Asthma Initiative program or to read/listen to the NPR story.

Author: Kevin Gilmore

Well, it took a lot of stopping and starting and some changing dates on Miele's part, but the all the new Miele S8 canister vacuums are now available for purchase online.

What makes each model unique? The UniQ is by far, the top of the line, the crème de la crème. It offers the most features and several upgrades that truly make it "unique". The Marin provides many of the same features but also gives you the choice in which carpet cleaning tool will best meet your needs. The Kona is a direct replacement for the Callisto. Versatile and well-rounded, the Kona offers a perfect balance of value and performance. Similar to the UniQ in one-of-a-kind features, the Alize has a built in spotlight, DynamicDrive casters and the AirTeQ floor tool to help set it apart. Lastly, the Calima provides quality filtration and the right tools for homes with mostly smooth floors.

The last in the new line, the Miele Cat & Dog, can be pre-ordered, but stock isn't expected to arrive for about another week. This canister vacuum separates itself by using the Active AirClean filter and including the STB 101 to help make this vacuum the best fit for pet owners.

See the full line of Miele vacuum cleaners.

Author: Kevin Gilmore

While I generally shun most of same things men in my family have long considered habits of the opposite sex, there is one thing in particular where I break that mold. I have two furry caterpillars that are constantly on a slow march towards each other - my eyebrows. No amount of pulling seems to deter them, and while I admire her work, there can and should only be one person that people think of when they hear "unibrow" - Frida Kahlo. So one of this weekends tasks was to find a place to have them waxed into submission. Going from the suggestion of my roommate, I went to a nail salon just a short drive from the house.

I don't have much experience to work from, but the salon seemed trendy, clean, a lot of white and modern furniture. Another thing that did not escape my attention was the smell. The minute I opened the door it was like being slapped in the face with a bottle of nail polish. After talking to front desk, I sat down in an overstuffed chair, and noted that I was the only male there. (I suppose that was to be expected though.)

As the minutes ticked by, I looked over the large room. It had high ceilings, similar to what you would see in renovated industrial spaces. While I did spot one employee wearing a surgical mask, I couldn't help but wonder why. They offer absolutely no protection against the fumes and at best really only block escaping saliva as she spoke. Aside from that single mask, there was nothing that I could see, that was filtering the air in their. And with no open windows or doors, I could see how even this large space could hold such an overpowering smell.

Nail polish has a long history of being laden with toxic chemicals, and even though laws limit or ban the amounts of things like toulene, DBP and formaldehyde (toxic trio of nail polish) that can be found in polish, many products labeled a "toulene-free" or "three-free" still contain these substances. These types of chemicals can have far reaching health consequences, as some are carcinogens and others are linked to everything from respiratory and skin irritation to developmental and reproductive problems .

I am guessing that this type of thick, heavy polish odor is fairly common since the other patrons and employees seemed completely unfazed. Since I was already feeling out of place, the overpowering smell did little to make me want to continue to wait. After another ten minutes passed, and I was still quietly waiting, I had decided my fuzzy caterpillars were going to live to see another day. I said goodbye to the folks at the front desk and "hello" to my tweezers.

Author: K. Gilmore

Viruses, bacteria, and germs... they seem like a terrifying lot sometimes, particularly when the evening news shows stories of salmonella food poisoning, some ultra rare microbes with devastating effects or a story about how research on the mutating the Avian flu virus to affect people will continue. For all the negatives we hear day in and day out about the microscopic organisms, millions of them are on our skin and even inside of us at any given time. As science focuses more on how they interact with our bodies and effect our health, the picture of a positive relationship is becoming much clearer.

Over the last few months new studies have shown that bacteria in our digestive system play a key role in everything from losing weight and fighting colds to lowering cholesterol and even alleviating asthma. In addition to the longer known relationship between bacteria in our GI tract and digestion, new research is showing a symbiotic relationship on many levels.

The lungs have long been thought to be sterile, devoid of the types of microorganisms that are so commonly found in the digestive system. A recent study by the Cardiff University of Medicine has revealed that not only was that assumption wrong, but that some of the organisms found in the lungs may play a key role in whether or not a person develops asthma.

With over 100 different types of fungi found in sputum samples, the study showed differences in not only the types but also the number of fungal species found in samples from asthmatic and control patients. For asthmatic samples certain fungal species were found that were either not found or found in much lower numbers in the control group - Psathyrella candolleana and Malassezia pachydermatis are just two. The reverse was also true for control patients. Systenostrema alba and Eremothecium sinecaudum were found in healthy patients and were either not found in asthmatics or found in much lower numbers.

While the study of numbers, types and more importantly the role of fungal species in the lungs is still in its infancy, it offers a new avenue of study in terms of the development and treatment of asthma.

To read the full text of the study.

Author: K. Gilmore

We recently expanded the our line of Organic Cotton Blankets. Traditionally, we have offered what we refer to as our 100 weight (wt.) crepe weave blanket. Perfect for year-round use, the crepe weave blanket is light enough for summer use but an excellent for use under your winter comforter for those colder nights. Now you can purchase the crepe weave blanket in a slightly heavier weight.

Our 120 Wt. organic cotton blanket weighs a bit more, but is woven with a slightly different crepe pattern. This pattern tightens the blanket while the added weight means you get a heavier blanket. The new 120 Wt. has also undergone an initial warm water prewash. This fabric won't shrink as much as the 110, but it's still a good idea that regardless of which of these two blankets you go with, wash them by themselves for the initial washing. I made the mistake of washing one with a smaller, dark-color cotton blanket, and now it has cotton fuzzies on it! In terms of shrinking, organic cotton is untreated so, both will shrink in the first wash. We have sized both large to accommodate for this.

So whether you want a great year-round organic blanket or one more geared towards the cooler months, both of our Allergy Armor organic cotton blankets are warm, durable, chemical, dye and finisher free, and are both 100% American Grown and Made products!

In other news, the Allergy Armor Ultra Comforters have arrived! Pre-ordered comforters are shipping today, so if you've purchased one, it should arrive in the days ahead. If you haven't, this warm, durable and allergen blocking comforter might be the perfect addition to your bedding set.

With reinforced, rolled edges and a boxed construction, the Allergy Armor comforter uses the allergen blocking power of our Ultra fabric to keep dust mites, pollen, dander and other particle allergens out. Machine wash and dry (might need to run through a cycle or two unless you're using a big laundromat style dryer), then use the sew-ins on the corner to tie your decorative duvet cover on, and you're all set!

They even have a born-on date on the tag. So 20 years from now you'll still be able to see where and when you got that great, allergy-friendly comforter that's held up so well for all those years.

Author: Kevin G.

As the last in the new S8 line of Miele vacuum cleaners, the S8380 Cat & Dog is the perfect addition to any pet owner's home. While many of the features make this vacuum a great fit in any home, a few things make this vacuum particularly well-suited to tackle the things that most pet owners deal with - pet dander, hair and odors.

Pet Hair - Nothing screams "I have dogs" like pet hair on every article of clothing you own. Pets shed, and whether you have a pet that only sheds a little or one that could win a Hair Club for Dogs award, keeping pet hair at a minimum can be a real challenge. To help with this, the Cat & Dog has several features, starting with the carpet attachment. The included SEB 228 is powered by an independently driven motor and works well in removing entangled pet hair from any style or thickness of carpet. In addition to this, the S8380 comes standard with the STB 101. This handheld turbobrush is great for removing pet hair from upholstered furniture, carpeted steps or any other area where your pet's hair is finding its way onto and into fabric.

Pet Dander - Just because you have a pet doesn't mean you never want friends or family, who are allergic to said pet, to never visit. The Miele Cat and Dog uses a sealed system and multiple stages of filtration to not only pick up and remove pet hair and dirt but also microscopic particles of dander. While the filter traps 99.95% of particle 0.5 microns or smaller, the reason why you give up a little bit, compared to traditional HEPA filtration, is explained next.

Pet Odors - I'm one of those pet owners who doesn't like pet hair or pet odors. Truthfully, I was the guy who said, "I'm NEVER have a dog in my house," and like most of the time when someone proclaims 'never' this or 'never' that, it didn't stick. With regular cleaning, you can avoid having visitors come to your house and be smacked in the face with dog funk as soon as they open your front door. The Miele Cat and Dog does its part by removing the pet hair and dander but by also adsorbing odors. The Active AirClean filter uses more activated charcoal than the standard Miele HEPA filter. This helps to remove pet odors as you clean.

The Miele Cat & Dog is Good Housekeeping approved and comes with the same standard features that other Miele S8's offer like, one-touch cord rewind, suction control foot buttons, a raised bumper strip, 3 integrated mini accessories, and one of the longest warranties available today. You can pre-order or for more information about the Miele Cat and Dog canister vacuum. Stay tuned for our video and new photo galleries.

Author: Kevin Gilmore