Are you allergic to cockroach?

Banish cockroaches

A protein in cockroach droppings triggers symptoms. Clean practices can help.

• Vacuum or sweep the floor after meals.
• Take garbage and recyclables out frequently.
• Keep food in containers with tight lids.
• Wash dishes right after use with hot, soapy water.
• Clean under stoves, refrigerators or toasters where loose crumbs can hide.
• Clean stove tops, surfaces and cupboards regularly.
• Block areas where roaches can enter, such as
• • Crevices
  • Wall cracks
  • Floor gaps
  • Cellar and outside doors
  • Drains

Air Canada ordered to create nut-free zones

OTTAWA — The country's largest airline has been ordered to create a nut-free zone on flights to accommodate passengers with serious nut allergies.

The government agency overseeing airline consumer complaints on Thursday gave Air Canada 30 days to come up with a plan to create a "buffer zone" for each aircraft type when passengers with nut allergies warn them ahead of time.

In addition to proposing the size of the zone, Air Canada must also tell the Canadian Transportation Agency what it deems adequate advance notice to institute the specified nut-free area in the cabin.

The agency issued the directive in response to applications by two passengers, who argued that Air Canada lacked a formal policy to deal with travellers with peanut or nut allergies.

The agency ruled that the passengers in question, Sophia Huyer and Melanie Nugent, are considered persons with a disability, so the airline must lift any obstacles to their mobility through a formal policy.

The decision, however, provides Air Canada with an out.

The airline can suggest another option to accommodate passengers with nut allergies if buffer zones constitute an "undue hardship, such as significantly affecting the commercial viability of its service."

But any proposed policy will have to be reviewed and approved by the agency, it said in a statement Thursday.

Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the airline is reviewing the newly released decision, and will have more to say later.

"We are now studying the ruling and its conclusions and we will respond with a submission within the time frame set out by the agency," he said in a statement Thursday.

Gwen Smith, editor-in-chief of Canadian magazine Allergic Living, spearheaded a campaign to get Air Canada to develop clear policies on allergies to minimize the risk of inflight allergic reactions.

Smith said Thursday she's pleased the agency has laid out a formal policy to reduce that risk after the letter-writing campaign didn't move Air Canada to act on its own.

"We need some formal policies. It really is risky. We found studies showing that up to one in 10 people with nut and peanut allergies were having reactions on flights, so this is significant," said Smith.

She just hopes the public "doesn't confuse" this decision with the debate swirling around newly instituted security-related measures and inconveniences placed on airline travellers.

"What people need to know is that this is not over the top. There are real reasons when you're 35,000 feet in the air and you have the kind of medical condition that can come on incredibly rapidly, this is sort of akin to somebody having a heart attack, and in fact that can be a symptom of anaphylaxis," said Smith.

Air Canada does not serve peanuts on any flights, but it does serve other nut snacks. Almonds and cashews can also be purchased from its On Board Cafe.

During the proceedings, the airline argued that it would be impossible to guarantee that meals served on flights are free of peanuts or other foods to which a person may be allergic; some meals are prepared by sub-suppliers, Air Canada pointed out.

Besides, the airline can't be responsible for passengers who may bring peanuts or other nut products on board, Air Canada argued.

In its decision, the agency says it recognizes that "for operational reasons," it may not always be possible to provide a buffer zone when a passenger does not provide advance notice.

In such instances when advance notice is not provided, and where Air Canada is unable to institute a nut-free zone at the last minute, the airline could place the passenger on the next practicable flight to give it time to institute a buffer zone, the decision states.

I wonder when airlines will create dust-free zones ... and noise-free zones... and mold-free zones.........

More on Cat Allergy

Why are cats so allergic? One reason is that we get closer to cats than to other furry pets. That's why I ask how many cats you have. The record so far is 14. Can you beat that? I then ask if the cat comes into your bedroom. Does the cat jump on the bed? Does the cat sleep on your pillow? If you cannot bear to dismiss Mr. Whiskers from your bedroom, then change the bedlinen frequently, and wash your bed linen at a high temperature often so remove the cat protein.

Winter Reflections and To Do List

Happy New Year! It's cold out and the pollen counts are down to virtually zero. In fact many pollen counting sites shut down until the spring. So it's actually a good time to think about planning for the upcoming Spring and Summer. If you were thinking of starting on allergy shots, please remember that it will take a while for you to build up the dosage to the final maintenance dose, so starting now would give you a head start and the prospect of significant relief by the Summer.  Also, all the environmental control measures that I talk about for dust and mold take a while to deliver their maximal benefit, so there's no day like to today to start!   When you spend time indoors with the heating on, your environment is often drier than at other times of year. Low humidity is a common reason for nasal symptoms, so you might want to check the humidity in your house by buying an inexpensive hygrometer.

Your New Year's Celebration can cause more than a Hangover

Press release from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology

MILWAUKEE – Toasting the New Year is a tradition that can cause more than a headache the next day. For some people, drinking may also trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). “It is usually not the alcohol itself that produces the reaction. It is most likely ingredients, such as sulfur dioxide (metabisulfite), yeast and additives,” according to Clifford W. Bassett, MD, FAAAAI, Chair of the Public Education Committee of the AAAAI.

The key preservative in wine is sulfur dioxide. It is naturally produced by wine yeast in small quantities during fermentation. Sulfur dioxide is also used as a preservative in foods such as dried fruits, baked goods, condiments, canned foods, shellfish, frozen shrimp, canned tomatoes, frozen potatoes and fruit juices. If you tend to have a reaction to these foods, you may also experience it with wine.

Histamine can be another culprit. Bacteria and yeast in the alcohol generate it. Histamine is naturally released by the body during an allergic reaction so even if you don’t have an actual allergy, drinking alcoholic beverages may cause a runny or stuffy nose, itchy, runny eyes or worsening of asthma symptoms. Red wines often have a larger amount of histamines than white wines.

If you think you are allergic to beer, it is most likely the barley, corn, wheat or rye in beer that may cause similar allergic reactions.

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, visit www.aaaai.org for more tips and information that can help you have a happy, healthy new year.

The AAAAI (www.aaaai.org) represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has nearly 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. To locate an allergist/immunologist, visit the AAAAI Physician Referral Directory at www.aaaai.org/physref.

Dr. Druce is a Fellow of the Academy and member of the Rhinosinusitis Committee.

Coping with Allergies During the Holidays

For asthma and allergy patients, the holidays present a variety of challenges to maintaining good health. Enjoying the holidays is easier when you plan ahead so you can look back on this special time with joy. These tips are from the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America.

• Clean your chimney before the first holiday fire
• Check fireplace vents and secure fireplace doors to reduce smoke entering the room
• Use doors instead of screens
• Decorations stored since last year can become coated with dust and mold
• Thoroughly clean and dry all decor, seal in plastic bags, and store in airtight containers
• If you are sensitive to dust or mold, wear a face mask while unpacking and decorating
• Clean and replace filters in your furnace before turning on the heat
• Use a filter over vents to catch dust particles
• Clean or replace filters in any portable air cleaners
• Run units at the highest setting during winter months
• Check humidity levels in rooms where you spend most of your time
• Keep humidity below 50%, as long as you are comfortable and allergy symptoms are minimal
• Limit use of air fresheners such as candles, oils and potpourri

If you bring a live tree into your home, use the following guidelines to help reduce problems:

• Thoroughly wipe the trunk with a solution of lukewarm water and diluted bleach (1 part bleach/ 20 parts water) to kill mold.
• Use a leaf blower (away from the house or garage) to remove pollen grains.
• Artificial trees are great substitutes as long as they are not coated with sprayed-on "snow."

Outdoor allergens can also be potential triggers for asthma and allergies. Here are some suggestions for preparing your home and family for the holidays:

• Remove wet dirt and leaves from the foundation and gutters to prevent mold growth near windows and doors
• Stack firewood outside, bringing in new logs only for immediate use in your fireplace.
• Wear protective clothing when exposure to mold is likely (gloves, long sleeves, pants, face mask, etc.)
• While outdoors, wear a scarf over your face to warm winter winds that enter your lungs. If this is inadequate, consider a warming mask - available at most medical supply stores
  

Happy Holidays

It's quiet here in the office, and we will be closing until next week, when we will be open every day. Have a safe and joyous holiday!