Raising A Healthy Family » Allergies http://raisingahealthyfamily.com Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Allergen Free and Special Needs School and Art Supplies http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/allergen-free-and-special-needs-school-and-art-supplies/ http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/allergen-free-and-special-needs-school-and-art-supplies/#comments Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:41:15 +0000 Char http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/?p=290
When you have a child with allergies the first thing you focus your attention on is food and environmental elements, but what about all the supplies they use at school?  Many art products such as paint, glue, markers, playdough and clay contain common allergens such as dairy, soy, egg, gluten, latex and even peanuts.

gluten-free-play-doughDiscount School Supplies is the best resource for all of your art/school supplies, however, if you have a child with allergies or special needs, they are the first place you should look. They have the largest selection of Common-Allergen-Free Products and make it easy to shop by allergy-free product you need. From gluten-free playdough to dairy/casein free glue, latex free craft supplies and kits, and soy free paints Discount School Supplies will help you select products you can be sure are safe for your child.

Additionally if you have a special needs child, shop Special Needs at Discount School Supply to find over 500 products specifically selected to enhance and develop learning and independence.

Looking for printables and crafts your kids will LOVE? We recommend:

Right now you can take 10% Off In-Stock Orders – Use Code SHOPDSS. It is a perfect opportunity to stock up for summer activities, summer camps, bible school, homeschooling and vacations.

]]> http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/allergen-free-and-special-needs-school-and-art-supplies/feed/ 0 Tips for Living with Pets When You Have Allergies http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/tips-for-living-with-pets-when-you-have-allergies/ http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/tips-for-living-with-pets-when-you-have-allergies/#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:45:59 +0000 Char http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/?p=214 allergy free dog

Approximately 15% of the population is allergic to either cats or dogs, yet when faced with giving up a family pet or dealing with the symptoms of allergies, only one in five would give up their furry friend. (source) So, if you or a family member has an allergy to cats or dogs, what can you do to make the co-habitation work?

  1. Try selecting a breed that typically has a lower dander level and is considered “hypoallergenic”.
  2. Have a non-allergic family member brush and bathe your pet on a weekly basis. This process alone will greatly reduce the level of pet dander in the home. There are specialty shampoos like Allerpet – For People That Are Allergic to Cats that help to reduce allergy creating dander levels.
  3. Sweep and vacuum surfaces in the pets’ living area frequently. Using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter will help.
  4. Use HEPA air cleaners in the areas of the house that the dog or cat spends most of its time. We have an Air Cleaning Tower Fan running in the main living area of the house most of the day. It is easy to clean and really does work well to reduce allergens in the air.
  5. Wash hands frequently, especially after touching the pet. Additionally, over the counter anti-histamines or even allergy shots may end up giving the most relief – just consult your family doctor first.

For more information on selecting the best breed for your family, check out the Dog Guide – comprehensive dog lovers resource.

]]> http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/tips-for-living-with-pets-when-you-have-allergies/feed/ 0 Ways to Reduce Seasonal Allergy Discomfort http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/ways-to-reduce-seasonal-allergy-discomfort/ http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/ways-to-reduce-seasonal-allergy-discomfort/#comments Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:20:45 +0000 Char http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/?p=157 allergy seasonAs much as I love Spring, I dread it so much! Last Wednesday the sun was shining and the air was warm – I laced up my tennis shoes and headed out for a walk with a friend. Unfortunately, by the time I got home my eyes were watery, my throat itchy, and I was feeling like I was in a fog. When I did the “white glove” test on my car, I knew why – the yellow layer of pollen was unbelievable!

So, how can you enjoy the Spring and not suffer through allergies? Here are a few tips:

  • Do not sleep with the windows open. Keep the house cool using the air conditioner and an air purifier.
  • Shower in the evening so you don’t take the pollen from outdoors to bed with you via your hair, your clothes and skin.
  • Wash and dry your clothes in a washer/dryer rather than hanging them on the line to dry.
  • Wash bed linens frequently and use.
  • If you have to do outdoor yard work such as mowing the grass or weeding, wear a mask and gloves.
  • Avoid working outdoors in the morning when the pollen count is highest.
  • Use a saline nasal spray to relieve sinus pain and to thin out mucus.
  • A variety of foods such as cayenne, ginger, onion and garlic are also helpful for thinning mucus.
  • Get extra rest and good nutrition to help boost your immune system.
  • If all else fails, see your doctor for a prescription antihistamine or a recommendation for an over the counter option.

Personally, I have found that Similasan’s Eye Drops #2 Allergy Eyes works the best for soothing my itchy eyes and Natra-Bio Allergy Relief offers the most overall relief.

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