Allergic Fungal Sinusitis Overview

Many medical professionals define sinusitis as the inflammation of the nasal and sinus cavities which can be caused by an infection, an allergy or immunodeficiency.

There are two main types of Sinusitis; however, there is no difference in symptoms, but only the duration that they last. The two types are

1) Acute - A sudden onset of symptoms that one may also experience during a flu or a cold such as runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that does not go away after 7-10 days. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less.

2) Chronic - A condition characterized by sinus inflammation symptoms lasting 8 weeks or longer.

Sinusitis is a condition that can be triggered by a variety of factors such as:

Viral infections - In most cases, viral infections have the ability to weaken the cilia to a dangerous point, however, if the condition is left untreated, they may in fact become completely destroyed by the infection. If the cilia are weakened, they will be unable to eject any mucus from the nasal cavities, therefore, it will become increasingly difficult to get rid of the infection, thus causing a very unfortunate cycle of events.

Bacteria - The paranasal sinuses can become a great breeding ground for bacteria. This growth of bacteria may occur when the openings in the paranasal sinuses become closed off, therefore leaving the body unable to expel dirt and waste, which it usually does through the throat or when we blow our noses. This buildup ultimately renders the cilia useless and unable to perform its function, which eventually creates more swelling to the membranes and further blockage that will continue to take place.

Allergies - Atmospheric factors or incidents are mainly responsible for any allergies associated with sinusitis, both acute and chronic. But it is also possible to suffer an allergic reaction from food, fabric or different substances such as pollen. If the allergens are from environmental causes, then chances are that they can be alleviated by taking shots.

Allergic fungal sinusitis is theorized by health practitioners to be a reaction, which is allergic in nature, to certain types of environmental fungus, which is aerosolized. This condition seems to develop in people who have a compromised immune system, such as those people who are HIV positive or those with diabetes. Allergic fungal sinusitis, also known as AFS is a non-invasive disease, and accounts for an estimated 6-8% of all chronic sinusitis requiring surgical intervention.

There are a number of herbal remedies that one can look to for curing allergic fungal sinusitis. The main benefit of using herbal remedies is that they carry no side effects and that they're relieve is not temporary, but will last long.

Peppermint is a great weapon for fighting sinusitis. It has great soothing qualities that can greatly reduce the size of the swelling that causes sinusitis in the first place, and it can help reduce the excess mucus in the nasal cavities that causes runny noses and head pressure. Peppermint also is great for helping relieve pressure and that stuffed feeling the head. Peppermint is a very flexible herb because it can work its magic in almost any area of the body, including the head, chest, nose etc.

For a more soothing and relaxing alternative for relieving sinusitis symptoms, just make peppermint tea by adding it to water and steeping it for about 5 minutes. Everyone loves the taste of refreshing mint. One of the best ways of curing the symptoms of sinusitis is a good old cup of tomato tea. The anti inflammatory herbs and strong ingredients in tomatoes make them perfect for tackling sinusitis and its symptoms.

Interfering Factors In Allergy Treatment

In the 8 years or so that I have been working with allergy patients, I have discovered that the most common reason why allergy treatment fails, either conventional allergy shots, or "energy medicine" techniques like I use, is heavy metal toxicity. As a matter of fact, of those patients who have consulted with me who had at one time or another been treated with allergy shots that did not work, ALL of them tested positive for one or more heavy metal toxicities.

It appears that heavy metals cause confusion in the body's immune system, and predispose the body to developing allergies. I have observed that the patients who show up as having heavy metal toxicity also are usually reactive to many more allergens that those patients who are free of heavy metals. By far the most common heavy metals that are problematic are mercury and lead, but cadmium, thallium, and a host of other metals can show up as well.

Mercury toxicity appears to most commonly be related to amalgam dental fillings, exposure to thimersol (a preserving agent used in vaccines and various liquid solutions used in medicine), and industrial mercury exposure. Although there has been much concern in recent years regarding mercury contamination of seafood, I have not found seafood consumption to be related to mercury toxicity in my patients. It is my belief that the majority of people probably do not consume an amount of mercury contaminated seafood for it to create a toxicity concern.

In my experience, amalgam dental fillings are probably the most common source by far of mercury toxicity. Even so, I usually do not recommend replacement of amalgam fillings unless there is an indication of major leakage of mercury into the body, because the removal process can release such large doses of mercury into the blood and it is usually safer to leave the fillings in place and simply de-tox the mercury accumulation from time to time.

Lead toxicity is most commonly seen in people who were exposed to lead-based paint (and possibly ingested lead paint flakes during childhood). Lead toxicity can also be acquired from occupational sources, such as in electricians who can get it from stripping wiring insulation with their teeth (the insulation often contains lead). Another occupational source of lead exposure is seen in military personnel and police officers who, during training, handled large amounts of lead slugs (I have heard that a common "punishment" in such training is for recruits to have to go gather up lead slugs from the firing range to collect a pre-determined large amount of lead).

No matter what type of heavy metal is producing the toxic effects, there are a variety of ways to test for heavy metals, as well as a variety of ways to treat the toxicity. Testing can be done by conventional blood and tissue tox-screens, by hair analysis, and by muscle reflex testing ("applied kinesiology"). Of the three, I prefer muscle reflex testing even though it is a bit esoteric, because it is simple to do, inexpensive, and if there are multiple heavy metals present it tells me which metal is causing the biggest problem (allowing me to prioritize treatment).

Chelation therapy is the conventional medical treatment of choice for heavy metal toxicity. Chelation therapy injects various binding agents into the bloodstream to pull the heavy metals out of solution so they can be eliminated from the body by the liver and kidneys. Similarly, chlorella (a type of algae) and/or cilantro extract can be used to bind heavy metals making them easier to eliminate from the body. Another method, that is still somewhat controversial even among "alternative" practitioners is the use of special foot baths that utilize a very low-level electrical current to draw out heavy metals and other toxins through the skin of the feet.

The method of detoxification that I prefer is the use of metal-specific homeopathic remedies to assist the body in eliminating the particular metal that is causing the problem. If a patient presents with multiple toxicities, I will usually begin with the chlorella and cilantro approach to start the process and then eventually use homoepathics to eliminate the specific metals. The homeopathic de-tox approach usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to sufficiently reduce the toxicity so that allergy desensitization can be effective.

Once the patient has de-toxed the heavy metal sufficiently, allergy desensitization can be performed effectively. If using conventional allergy shots, the desensitization will take place over a period of months to a few years. If using "energy medicine" techniques, it has been my experience that most people can have the majority of their allergic sensitivities eliminated within a few weeks. Because of the remarkable efficiency of the energy medicine techniques, I favor them over conventional allergy treatment, but to be fair the techniques I use are quite strange to most people and they can be a bit hard to believe. Many people simply cannot believe that these strange methods of treatment work, so they will stick with conventional allergy treatment, which is quite effective in the long-run once any interfering heavy metal toxicities have been handled.

Health and Vaccination Information for Travel to Cambodia

From the architectural wonders of the Angkor Wat temple complex to the white sand beaches of Sihanoukville, at the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, its affordable travel deals making this exotic destination accessible to a wide range of travelers. But exposure to such diverse nature and geography involves some health risks as well, and travelers who are thinking about a trip to Cambodia should be sure to consider the proper vaccinations, antimalarial treatment, and other health precautions beforehand, to ensure their trip is a safe and enjoyable one.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that travelers to Cambodia be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and typhoid. Those who plan to spend a lot of time participating in outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, or working with animals, should also obtain a rabies shot. And for travelers who plan to visit rural or farming areas, or in periods of increased disease prevalence, the vaccine against Japanese encephalitis is also recommended. Before any trip abroad, travelers should check that their routine vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio are current. This is particularly true with regard to the measles vaccine in Cambodia; while the measles is no longer an active disease in the United States, recent cases have been reported in Cambodia and across Southeast Asia, so have your physician check your vaccination records to determine whether you need a booster shot for measles or any of your other routine immunizations. Remember, most vaccines take four to six weeks to travel through the bloodstream and be fully effective, so plan ahead!

Malaria is present in most areas of Cambodia, excluding the temple complex at Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and Lake Tonle Sap, so if you plan to visit an area in which you could be exposed, you should check with your family doctor about an antimalarial drug regimen. It is important to share your specific travel itinerary with your provider, as certain strains of malaria in Cambodia may be resistant to some drugs. And, like the vaccinations, antimalarial drugs may need a few weeks to take effect, so be sure to book an appointment with travel clinic in advance.

The CDC recommends procuring enough antimalarial drugs to last your entire trip, as antimalarial drugs manufactured abroad are not measured by FDA standards and may contain contaminants, produce dangerous side-effects, or be altogether ineffective. The CDC recommends avoiding foreign antimalarial drugs, particularly Halfan, unless you have been diagnosed with malaria and have no other treatment options. The same holds true for any other routine prescriptions you may need, as well as over-the-counter pain, anti-nausea, and allergy medication; quality and availability may vary, particularly in rural areas, so it's best to pack what you need for your entire stay.

Other diseases present in Cambodia for which there are no available vaccines include dengue, filariasis and plague, all of which are transmitted by insect bite. The CDC suggests preventative measures like using insect repellent, mosquito netting, and wearing long-sleeve clothing, to protect against infection. Some cases of avian flu have been reported in both birds and humans in Cambodia and around Southeast Asia, so the CDC recommends avoiding contact with the local bird population, including poultry farms and markets selling live birds. Waterborne illnesses such as schistosomiasis and leptospirosis are also found in Cambodia. Travelers can steer clear of these diseases by avoiding swimming in fresh water, and using iodine tablets to purify untreated drinking water.

American Bulldog Health Problems

In terms of American Bulldog health issues, there are lots of potential conditions that can catch you and your dog unaware. The results can be both psychologically upsetting and expensive if they're not resolved quickly and effectively. Rather than addressing possible health complications as they come along, find out what you can do to prevent them in the first place and have your bulldog happy and healthy.

Potential American Bulldog Health Problems

Dogs can experience any amount of health problems, much the same as humans. The difference is the fact that dogs can't tell you "I've got a tummy ache". They are going to experience their pain in silence. Therefore, it is significant to recognize the symptoms plus the steps to take to avoid such matters in the first place.

Infections- Dogs can suffer from a variety of potential infections, in their ears, on their skin, in their eyes and their teeth. Ear problems tend to be the most common and are generally as a result of a foreign body or bacteria getting inside. Check your dog's ears regularly for reddish colored spots, puffiness, extra moisture, or dirt. Of all dog health troubles, infections are the easiest to avoid. Clean your dog's eyes, brush their teeth and brush their fur routinely to avoid any possible bacteria build up.

Allergies- American Bulldogs can suffer from numerous types of allergies. Definitely one of the most common is a flea allergy which will result in hot spots and lead to infections. Make sure you give flea treatments to dog every four-week period and have a vet examine them regularly to make sure they are in good health. In addition, if skin problems trigger ear infections or other hot spots, it could be a food allergic reaction - a more severe concern that really should be taken care of by a professional.

Diabetes- Dog health troubles are likely to mirror human issues in plenty of ways and diabetes is one particular such potential illness. Unnecessary high, fatty and sweet snacks could contribute to pancreatic difficulties that lead to diabetes. To avoid diabetes, maintain your dog on a strict diet plan with hardly any table scraps or excess meals. If your bulldog is afflicted with diabetes, you must visit a vet and may have to administer regular shots.

Arthritis and Dysplasia- Certain dogs are at the mercy of joint troubles. Pure breeds in particular have an extensive history of arthritic difficulties due to their longer, slimmer joints. Be sure your dog gets the dietary supplements it needs each day and that your vet monitors their joints for wear and tear.

Excessive Weight- Excessive weight is one of the most common and fatal dog health issues and is directly triggered by eating too much and not exercising enough. Being overweight alone does not result in death, but it increases the risk of coronary failure, cancers, liver disease, and skin issues. Obesity can be treated with a careful diet plan and keen interest in your dog's activity levels.

If your dog gets lots of exercise, eats properly, and you keep them clean and properly groomed, most health concerns will never be an issue. You should bring your dog to the vet at least once a year for a check-up. The earlier you detect a disease, the easier it can be addressed.

Hydrocarbon Sensitivity

Hydrocarbon and chemical sensitivity always go hand in hand with food sensitivities. In some patients, the chemical and hydrocarbon sensitivity is more dominant than food sensitivities. In other cases food sensitivities are more important. To date it has been possible to sort out the majority of ecological problems concentrating on foods alone. Sadly this situation is slowly changing and it is becoming necessary to take on the much more difficult task of unravelling patient's hydrocarbon and chemical exposure in order to achieve a reasonable clinical result. The outlook for the future is bleak, as there are no signs that hydrocarbon, pesticide, insecticide, food preservative, food additive and aerosol propellant pollution is on the decrease; if anything, it is very much on the increase. By far the most important sensitivity in this group is that of hydrocarbon

What are hydrocarbons? Hydrocarbons contain only the elements of hydrogen and carbon. They occur naturally in petroleum and gas and are used in the manufacture of plastics, solvents, synthetic fibers and synthetic rubbers. Commercial petroleum products, such as petrol, kerosene, aviation fuel and lubricating oils, are derived from mixtures of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are also contained in the gases manufactured from coal and petroleum.

People with hydrocarbon sensitivity will usually feel ill or very tired when exposed to gas, petrol or diesel fumes. They are usually very sensitive to the smell of these fumes, whereas other people would not notice them. Another common symptom is the syndrome termed by American ecologists as 'brain fag'. The person's intellect becomes dulled, his memory is severely affected and often his speech becomes slurred.

Obviously, the hydrocarbon problem is of extreme concern in a world which is so reliant on motor vehicle transportation. However, with care and good management, this problem can be minimized by the sufferer. The obvious things, such as keeping clear of heavy diesel trucks, avoiding self-serve petrol stations and not walking or running near busy roads, can go a long way towards assisting a person, with hydrocarbon sensitivities, to lead a normal life. Because this sensitivity always goes hand in hand with food allergies, often the diagnosis and removal of food allergens will greatly assist the overloaded immune system to cope more efficiently with the remaining chemical/hydrocarbon allergies.

Another major form of hydrocarbon allergy is caused by heating and cooking gas. This can be the most serious of all hydrocarbon problems due to gas appliances, such as fires and cookers, being used in continuous close proximity to the sufferer. Leading American allergist, Dr Theron Randolph, has slated the gas stove as a 'pernicious device'. In the past twenty-five years, he has made three thousand susceptible families switch to something less potentially allergenic. In the case of very sensitive gas allergies, it is necessary to remove completely all gas appliances, pipes and materials regularly exposed to gas, from the home. The obvious choice for these people is electric cooking and heating. The main hydrocarbon derivatives, which cause people problems are paints, varnishes, solvents, cleaning fluids, lighter fluids, aerosol propellants, sponge rubber, plastics, coal tar soaps, detergents, polishes, wax candles, coal fires, air fresheners, deodorants, disinfectants, substances containing phenol and all tinned foods (as the insides of tin cans are coated with phenol), and cosmetics and perfumes.

What Are the Three Leading Causes of Sinusitis?

There are two main types of sinusitis but they both have different causes:

Acute Sinusitis. This is typically a temporary situation regarding the causes that are associated with acute sinusitis. The symptoms should not run for more than 30 days. There are 3 leading causes of acute sinusitis that can be uncomfortable and painful at times.

繚 Virus. This is usually the case when the cilia become paralyzed or in an intense viral case, the cilia is inactive and cannot push through the mucus on its own. This will cause the virus to lay dormant in the sinus area.

繚 Bacteria. When the sinus cavities become overwhelmed with mucus that gets stuck in other passageways, it becomes infected. As the mucus sits in one place it becomes stagnant and the body has a hard time getting rid of this problem without the use of an antibiotic. The body tries to get rid of garbage before it is introduced into the lungs; this is usually done by blowing our nose or clearing our throats. Excessive blowing can lead to a swollen lining inside the nose and then nothing will be able to pass through it.

繚 Fungus. This micro organism can be transferred on food or may be airborne. The origins of these spores come from foods or molds that are present in the air. Just like anything, too much of something is not a good thing. Ingesting enough can cause your immune system to weaken, leaving you unable to fight off the infection. Then your sinuses become enlarged and make you more prone to get sinusitis.

These only explain the three major causes of acute sinusitis; there are many more minute factors that can cause sinusitis: frequent blowing of the nose (pressure), scuba diving (if you already have a cold this will open up the sinuses more and possibly cause infection), foreign objects ( yes the joys of children putting things in their noses, and not just a finger), medications ( some medications have some strange side affects but also they may slow the production of mucus), and in very rare instances, a rotten tooth could cause a bad infection in the sinus cavity.

Chronic Sinusitis

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are generally not painful, just very annoying. Conditions associated with chronic sinusitis tend to last longer than acute sinusitis and have a greater chance of recurring. If there are slight changes in the natural flow of mucus it will probably turn into a sinus infection. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis are caused from environmental hazards. The 3 major causes of chronic sinusitis are:

繚 Allergies. A big portion of allergies are caused by the environment and this can lead to chronic sinusitis. These can be reduced if you go to a specialist and get allergy shots. On the other hand, some are caused by food, feathers and even certain fabrics.

繚 Asthma. Some people are born with asthma and the others have asthma like symptoms that are related to their allergies. Medications are an option to relieve such conditions.

繚 Temperature and Humidity. Indoor and outdoor conditions play different roles in how bad your allergies are. The environment is always changing and so is the temperature and humidity. This can change how your allergies act and with the changes your sinuses can become irritated and swollen making your symptoms recur.

Narrowing sinuses, defective mucous membranes, dehydration, poor air quality, weak immune system, stress and, on rare occasions, polyps and tumors may be other smaller causes for some of your sinusitis problems. On rare occasion surgery may be your only option to relieve some of these more serious conditions.

Mold Allergy Testing

If an individual is allergic to mold, then mold allergy testing is highly suggested. At first, the signs won't be recognizable but later, whenever the symptom starts to become much more obvious, it's would be time to use the tester. These allergies can be found in all ages, whether to a kid, adults (has previous health issues such as asthma, or allergic reactions) or even infants. They are much more vulnerable and susceptible to mold allergies. Whenever an individual starts to develop mold allergies, it might be a big help for you to make an appointment to talk to your physician. The first thing that your physician will do is to ask you what signs or symptoms you're having and then he / she will provide you with the test. It is vital for you to take the test in order to be able to stop another allergy attack. Mold allergy testing might be executed once a physician has examined the patient. Once she / he has examined the patient and evaluated what or if is, which causes the signs or symptoms, then he/ she may recommend one or extra blood or skin tests to see if you have another type of allergy. These tests could be done by making a skin prick test, or perhaps a blood test.

Testing is needed as soon as a person suspects mold as being a culprit. On the other hand, there is no certain way to cure mold allergy, once a diagnosis of a mold has become completed, then prescriptions to alleviate some of the indicators can be offered. These kinds of prescriptions for mold are: nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, an item referred to as NasalCrom and decongestants. Singular, a prescription medication can also be useful. Moreover, nasal lavage-rinsing your nose with salt water can also be of good help. In addition, a sequence of allergy shots may also help. Mold allergy testing is important; especially in case you possess the subsequent signs or symptoms such as, dry hacking cough, sneezing, an itchy, runny or clogged nose, eye difficulties, asthma, respiratory troubles and a sore throat. Mold allergy testing is to be taken seriously as mold is genial and grows rapidly in bathrooms, basements, fridge drip trays, closets, cat litter boxes, and any where exactly where there is moisture, a dark area and warmth. Environments that give mold an opportune climate to grow in are paper merchandise, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wood, wallpaper, dry wall, carpet, fabrics and insulation supplies.

Allergy Treatment - How I Cured My Allergies For Good

I know about allergies and asthma. My first 18 years of my life were spent going to Doctors and avoiding the allergens that would cause asthma attacks. I couldn't play baseball or have a dog growing up. I used asthma inhalers, took allergy shots for years, and allergy medications that turned me into a zombie. It wasn't fun, but at least I could breathe thanks to medications.

It took me 15 years, and hundreds of approaches to come up with my 5 step approach. Here is step 1 and 2:

My 1st step; juicing

After years of shots I started to take herbs and vitamins. I also took glandulars (thyroid, adrenal). The one thing that worked for me; juices. By drinking juices, especially carrots and greens, I noticed that my sinuses were more clear. I would suggest you start slow however, because carrot juice will"push" the liver to detoxify. The reason it works - the liver produces a lot of the histamine iin the body, and if the liver is toxic it will overproduce histamine and make your body respond with too much histamine.

My 2nd step: an air purifier

I started buying them in 1969 when I was 11 years old. I would take my lawn-mowing money and buy HEPA purifiers, UV purifiers, ionizers, etc. Yes, I've owned them all. In fact I have owned well over 52 at last count (plus I have tested and/or reviewed over 115).

So How Did The Air Purifier Help Allergies and Asthma?

I know longer have allergies or asthma, and the removal of toxins inside (juice and herbs) and outside my body (air purifier, etc.) returned my body to the non-allergic state.

A Few More Critical Facts about Allergy Relief

Fact #1: Removing what you are allergic to may not be enough. Even if you get rid of the allergen which affects you things like dust mites, mold, mildew, viruses, gases, VOC's, viruses, bacteria, germs, pet hair, and dander can all stress your immune system, making you more vulnerable to allergic reactions.

Fact #2: Air pollution can create or cause your allergies to get worse. Toxins coming in to the body from air and water pollution can cause the body to create additional histamines, which in turn make allergic reactions stronger

Fact #3: Most air purifiers use only 1-3 technologies to purify the air. By not using more of the 9 technologies available makes them ineffective at removing all 14 of the immune system stressors.

You can read more about allergy cures via my free e-books and websites...

Allergy Season Is Tough For Some

The Midwest, the Southeast, the Northwest, and even the Southwest all have them. They cause people to sneeze, they make people cry, and they even keep people in their house. These wretched things can make a two hundred pound body builder feel like a train wreck. People can't get away from them, they are nearly omnipresent. They are at the store, in the house, outside on the porch, in bed, out of bed and at work. They can't be seen but surely can be felt. They change at times with some years are really bad and other years not so bad. Rain is good for them and bad for people who are affected by them. When it's time for laughing and running, people are sniffing and sitting. So what is it that can be so bad? It is allergens and they are indiscriminate. They affect millions every year and it is sometimes tough to get a handle on the specific allergen that is having an impact on any one person. There are basically three different or recommended treatments according to the people who fight allergies and try to help people live a comfortable life during allergy season or year round for those with allergies that are not season specific.

The three recommended treatments according to some are avoidance, immunotherapy and medication. The first of these is avoidance and is not easy all the time. If a person is a cat lover and is allergic to the cat then avoidance is next to impossible. If a person is allergic to cats and isn't a cat lover it makes it considerably easier to avoid cats. Figuring out what the allergen is can be the challenge some people run into. It is relatively easy for those who encounter an animal for instance, like a cat, and immediately have a reaction. When they leave the symptoms go away. However, if a person starts to sneeze in the spring, which plant is causing the problem? That one is a little tougher. There are even tougher examples but this one will do for now. If avoidance is not possible then immunotherapy may be worth a try.

Immunotherapy should be done with a doctor. It is not recommended to try without professional assistance. There are many hospitals in Illinois that can be of service if you live in the area. These are commonly referred to as allergy shots. There are a number of professionals in the Illinois healthcare facilities or in any of the top 10 hospitals in Illinois. These allergy shots usually include a mixture of the various allergens to which the patient is allergic. This helps the immune system of the patient build up and fight off the allergens.

The third often recommended treatment is medication. Antihistamines and decongestants are just two of the more commonly known medications for relieving the symptoms of allergies. Other commonly known medication delivery systems are inhalers. These can be filled with a variety of different medicines that often work to help open narrowed breathing passages. No matter what people suffer from they should see their family doctor to help them find relief.

You Can Cure Asthma Naturally

Asthma is a lung disease that causes obstruction of the airways. During an asthma attack spasms in the muscles surrounding the bronchi (small airways in the lungs) constrict, impeding the outward passage of stale air. Asthma provoking allergens include animal dander, chemicals, drugs, dust mites, environmental pollutants, fumes, mold and tobacco smoke. The bronchial tubes then swell and become plugged with mucus in order to isolate the offending allergen or toxins. The swelling of the bronchial tubes further irritates the airways resulting in even greater sensitivity. Symptoms:

Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, coughing, wheezing, feeling tightness in the chest.

Recommendations:

• Correcting nutritional deficiencies may significantly affect people with asthma. People with asthma may be nutrient deficient in Vitamin B6- supplementation led to significant improvement in children suffering from bronchial asthma. Allergy, 35(2), August 1975, p. 93-97, Vitamin C- Asthma symptoms in adults have been shown to decrease following vitamin C supplementation. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61(17), April 23, 1983, p. 649-652, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. We suggest a high quality whole food supplement, like VITAFORCE that is complete and made from whole foods. Make sure you know what you are getting from the nutritional label.


• Flax seed oil (essential fatty acids needed for production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins - hormone-like chemicals that are important in regulating the inflammatory response),


• Eat a diet of foods that heal, primarily consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, oatmeal, brown rice and whole grains, include garlic and onions (these contain quercetin and mustard oils which have been shown to inhibit an enzyme that aids in releasing inflammatory chemicals).


• Drink 8 glasses of distilled water, not at meals, but throughout the day. This helps eliminate toxins and decreases the amount of mucous in the body.


• Drink organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar 2-4 times a day. This helps cut down on mucous.


• Keep your home clean using all natural cleaning products. Vacuum regularly and use a wet cloth to remove dust. Look into high quality air filters.

Things to Avoid:

• All dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, etc...) as they are a major contributor of toxins and the formation of mucus in the body.


• All meat (fish, turkey, and chicken too). Major contributors to asthma.


• All processed and junk foods; loaded food additives and preservatives like sodium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and sulfur dioxide which have caused severe attacks in asthmatics.

References:

1) James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," (1997)

2) P.J. Collipp, et. al., "Pyridoxine Treatment of Childhood Bronchial Asthma," Ann Allergy, 35(2), August 1975, p. 93-97

3) G.E. Hatch, "Asthma, Inhaled Oxidants, and Dietary Antioxidants," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61(17), April 23, 1983, p. 649-652

Alternatives to Cough Syrup

Even though there are billions of dollars spent every year in the US on over-the-counter cough syrups, most such medicines do little if anything to relieve coughs say the ACCP (American College of Chest Physicians). According to the nation's chest physicians, cough syrups generally contain drugs in too low a dose to be effective, or contain combinations of drugs that have never been proven to treat coughs. Some over-the-counter cough syrups do contain two drugs that have been shown to help relieve coughs caused by colds - codeine and dextromethorphan - but again the doses are too small to be effective. For adults fighting a cough and runny nose, the best option is probably an antihistamine with a decongestant, such as Dimetapp Cold and Allergy Elixir, Robitussin Allergy and Cough Liquid, or Vicks NyQuil. For children between 2 and 14, here are two alternatives to using over-the-counter cough medicines.

Chocolate

Researchers at the National Heart and Lung Institute have found that a component in chocolate called theobromine, may be more effective in treating coughs than traditional treatments. The chemical was found to work directly on the vagus nerve, which is responsible for triggering coughing. In the study, 10 healthy, non-smokers received theobromine, followed by capsaicin, a cough stimulant. The effect of theobromine was compared to a placebo - and also to codeine, which is used in traditional cough remedies. It was found to be more effective than both in treating the cough. As a cough medicine, codeine (mostly known as a painkiller) had nominal success compared to the placebo, but theobromine was 33 percent more effective than codeine to stop coughing.

Theobromine has diuretic, stimulant and relaxing effects similar to caffeine, but about 10 times weaker. Unlike caffeine, it does not affect the central nervous system. Theobromine can lower blood pressure because it can dilate blood vessels and also relax bronchi muscles in the lungs. Dark chocolate contains 450 mg of theobromine per ounce which is four times more found in milk chocolate. The quantity of dark chocolate that should be eaten to stop coughing--about two ounces for an adult and about half as much for a child--is not enough to get children wound up, or for the minimal amount to cause sleep disturbances. Remember, chocolate is an anti-depressant and also contains flavonoids and other anti-oxidants, which help maintain a healthy heart, keep your blood circulation working well, and reduce the blood clotting which can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Honey

A teaspoon of honey before bed seems to calm children's coughs and help them sleep better, according to a new study that relied on parents' reports of their children's symptoms. The folk remedy did better than cough medicine or no treatment in a three-way comparison. For the research, researchers recruited 105 children with upper respiratory infections from a clinic in Pennsylvania. The study found that honey was more effective than dextromathorphan for treating nighttime coughs in kids ages 2-11. The dosages used in the test were equivalent to the cough syrup: half a teaspoon for kids 2-5, a full teaspoon for kids 6-11. It is noted that honey should not be given to children under age 1 because it might cause a type of food poisoning known as botulism.

For coughs and sore throats, it may be the stickiness and viscosity of honey that makes it work well. Honey is also generally less expensive than over-the-counter medications and brings none of the side effects like dizziness or sleepiness. Honey also has antimicrobial effects with darker honeys having more antioxidants than lighter honeys.

So the next time you find yourself having to treat your cough or your child's cough, think about using one or even both of these alternatives. These remedies are suggested in moderation since they also contain higher amounts of sugar compared to over-the-counter medicines.

Is There Really a Remedy for Ringing in the Ears?

All of us have heard a loud screech in one or both of our ears from time to time, but tinnitus is much different. This is a chronic sound in the ears that can keep you awake at night, distract you while others are talking, or even make it difficult for you to hear other people. Finding a remedy for ringing in the ears is essential, and thankfully it is now possible.

What Causes This?

In order to find your remedy for ringing in the ears, it is first important to find your cause. There are many different causes, some of which are external, and some of which are internal. If you have had exposure to a lot of loud noises during your lifetime, such as gun shots, loud machinery, or loud music, then you may have had some physical damage done to your inner ear.

On the other hand, if you are more prone to allergy and sinus attacks, asthma, ear infections, or colds, then the remedy for ringing in the ears that you will use will focus back on getting rid of that.

What Can You Do?

The first thing that you should do is start keeping track of your tinnitus. When is it the worst? For most people, it starts to occur in the evening, which also coincides with the increase in allergy problems. On the other hand, your tinnitus might start when you are around loud noises. So, pay attention to what the potential causes will be and you just might find the solution there.

Another way to find help is to try the Tinnitus Miracle. This is an extremely popular online program that is basically a five step approach to stopping tinnitus. Whether you have had this all your life or it is just starting now, this program will show you how to get rid of the tinnitus within two months, so that you can live a more normal life.

What Else Is Available?

Not every remedy for ringing in the ears will work for every person, but you should be reassured that there are cures that will work. By changing your diet so that you are eating fewer processed foods, fewer meats, fewer sugars, and healthier food, you might just see a difference in how you feel. Another way to help reduce the signs of tinnitus is to increase your daily exercise level. Some people find that just by walking each day, they are able to reduce the symptoms.

Should You See a Doctor?

If you have been suffering from tinnitus for a long time, then it is worth checking with your doctor for a remedy for ringing in the ears. Especially if the ringing is accompanied by pain, then it is something that you should definitely have checked out. But barring any physical damage to your inner ear, you will find that some simple changes to your lifestyle might bring about a reduction in the amount of ringing that you experience on a daily basis.

How to Deal With Cat Allergies

For a cat lover one of the worst things to happen is to develop an allergy to cats. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and a headache and range from merely annoying to life threatening. Unfortunately, the bad news is for severe cases, the best remedy is often to part with your feline friend. The good news is that for mild allergy cases there are methods of minimizing the discomforts so you can continue living with your cat companion.

Allergies can show up in several parts of the body. The most common indication of an allergy is with the nose irritation such as itching and sneezing. With eyes, it's redness, puffiness and itching. There can also be issues with the throat, skin and ears.

The most critical of the cat allergies involve the lungs. Symptoms include coughing and wheezing and even shortness of breath. Sometimes these are more intense while doing certain activities such as grooming your cat or changing the litter box. In cases where you can't be sure it's the cat instead of another allergen, then testing is recommended, because the allergy may not be directly caused by the cat at all. Instead you may be reacting to the particular brand of kitty litter or something else.

Despite what's commonly believed, the material causing the allergy is not simply the cat hair. Instead it's a protein that's in the dander and saliva. These are microscopic particles that become airborne, are inhaled and cause the allergic reaction.

Cat allergies are also caused by an allergen called sebum, which is a protein that the glands near the base of the tail secrete to help with the condition of the skin and coat. When it dries, the sebum flakes off. The tiny particles can cling to almost anything and remain in the area long after the cat has gone. The sebum flakes can even be transferred to other locations that don't have cats simply by tagging along on clothing.

While researchers have found some cats to be less allergic than others, there is not practical way to know which they are in advance. One important indicator, though, is hormone levels. An unaltered male cat is generally sheds the much more allergen as compared to a female cat. Once neutered, the male sheds much less.

Unfortunately, the allergens may not be present in high enough levels in kittens to trigger a reaction. So a person may buy a kitten because they didn't have any symptoms of the allergy only to have it appear much later as the as the cat ages. It's when the cats skin becomes less supple that the sebum is secreted in greater quantities when then leads to the problem.

One of the most effective treatments for cat allergies is desensitization shots. This gradually increases a persons tolerance to the allergen up to 10 times their normal level. As mentioned previously, having the cat spayed or neutered can be helpful by decreasing the allergens. Other ways to reduce the allergens in your house include using a special, extra thick, HEPA filter in your vacuum; switching to hardwood flooring instead of carpeting; keeping your cat out of your bed; and using an air filtration system.

The Scenario of Chronics Yeast Infection

While it is often called Chronic Candidiasis in medical terms, chronics yeast infection results from an overgrowth of yeast in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it can likewise occur in conjunction with mucus membrane. There are a wide range of factors underlying an elevated risk of chronics yeast infection including using antibiotics, taking birth control pills, taking food loaded with carbohydrates, yeast-containing food, and pregnancy (in case of women).

Yeast infection illness symptoms can be complicated for those trying to diagnose their condition. Chronics yeast infection is represented by a variety of symptoms depending on the specific label of infection. In case of women, for example, vaginal infection by yeast shows in recurring symptoms of itching, a burning sensation, and abnormality in discharge. Gastrointestinal infection is shown by symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. A respiratory allergy with sneezing and puffing is another indicator of the condition. Menstrual abnormalities in women can correspondingly point to infection with yeast. Anxiety, frequent memory lapses, depressed mood, and lack of alertness are all possible symptoms associated with the effect of chronic candidiasis on the nervous system. Fatigue, headache, and irritability are some of the other generic symptoms associated with yeast infection.

The prognosis is often not that clear. Chronic candidiasis is an ailment that still lacks a remarkably precise and clear definition. Therefore, no laboratory test exists that can point out an affliction clearly. For Down-to-earth purposes, all cases of recurring vaginal irritation and thick vaginal discharge are projected as plausible cases of chronic candidiasis at the root. Patients with generic complaints as mentioned above receive a physical examination, CBC (Conclusive Blood Count) diagnosis, tests for serum and liver enzymes, and reading of thyroid glands. If these checks reveal no other dysfunction, then chronics yeast infection is projected as the workable cause of the symptoms reported.

The treatment of Chronic Yeast Infection can be more complex than one might think. Therapies for treating chronic candidiasis encompass substantial treatment with anti-fungal drugs until the symptoms are totally eliminated. Nystatin is the many admired drug for this purpose, taken orally and (in women with vaginal infection) as suppository. Moreover, food changes are suggested, particularly a check on foods rich in sugar or simple carbohydrates. An additional specialized therapy is candida allergy shots that allow the immune system of the body to block out future growth of candida after it has been injected into the patient's body in very small amounts.

Considering how to prevent Yeast Overgrowth Infections might be the best approach. Preventing chronic yeast infection requires you to keep clear of moldy (hot and damp) environments, practice regular body cleansing (bowel, kidney, liver and mouth), keep physically active, and wear clothes that allow sufficient air inside so that a person is not damp with sweat. Use yogurt with food in a proper amount to defeat the infectious yeast in the bowels and digestive tract. Eat healthy and stay healthy.

How to Treat and Prevent Chicken Allergies

Allergies to meat such as chicken meat are very common nowadays. There are so many people suffering from allergies coming from chicken meat. Chicken allergy is the adverse reaction of the body's immune system to chickens. The common symptoms of chicken allergy are ear infection, frequent colds or vomiting after eating.

There are so many treatments against chicken allergy. According to research, allowing our body to heat up is one way of removing the allergies. The sweat will remove the allergies from our skin. Allergies are not curable. They can be prevented and treated but they cannot be cured. The best prevention for chicken allergy is not to eat any food with chicken meat.

Here are some treatments that can help you when you have chicken allergy.

First, wait it out. If you have a mild allergy, you can just wait until it is gone. Drink a lot of water and rest. Keep your body warm because sweat can really help remove your allergies.

Second, intake a lot of vitamin C when you accidentally eat chicken. It is proven that high amount of vitamin C can help remove the allergies in your skin. It is advisable to take 2000mg of vitamin C to lessen the symptoms of allergy.

Third, consult your doctor. It is best if you consult your doctor immediately once you have an allergy attack. The doctor can give you some advice and medication that can help you when you have an allergy attack. If the allergy is severe the doctor may give you allergy shots to remove the allergies in your body.

Aside from these treatments, you will also need some tips on how to prevent accidental ingestion of chicken products.

Before you buy products in the market, be sure to look at the ingredients. You have to make sure that there are no chicken products added in the food that you will buy. Any kind of chicken product can trigger your allergy. When you are going to eat in a restaurant, inform the waiter about your allergy. They must be aware of your allergy so they will not serve food that has chicken products.

Prevention is still the best medication for chicken allergies.

Allergic Reactions - Some Typical Reactions

Allergies are becoming more and more common in individuals in western world. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in the USA. Allergic reactions differs from a runny nose or minor skin irritations to severe breathing complications.

Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction arises when a foreign substance like pollen or food enters the body and the immune system produces more protection than it needs. This over stimulation results in simple, bothersome symptoms or those that are more extreme leading to death.

Anaphylactic Reactions

Anaphylaxis is the most hazardous form of all allergic reactions. This is commonly caused by insect bites, some foods, or medicines. The disorder generally requires medical attention.

Anaphylatic reactions may include swelling in specific locations, reduction in blood pressure, and major breathing difficulties. Usually, symptoms can be relieved with an injection.

These types of reactions happen in minutes and the sufferer often do not have time to seek any medical help. That is why many individuals who have a history with anaphylactic reactions keep Epinephrine Auto-Injectors with them and take the shot immediately after made vulnerable to the irritant.

Breathing Difficulties

Asthma is caused by airborne allergens like pollen and mold. Medication includes those breathed in through the mouth and dilates the bronchial tubes to return normal breathing. Some oral medicines are also effective.

Digestion Problems

There are foodstuffs and medicines, such as some prescription antibiotics, that could induce diarrhea, nausea, and/or pain and bloating in the abdomen. Even though these symptoms can be rather bothersome, they're typically not dangerous and disappear within a few of hours.

Skin Conditions

Allergies cause eruptions, bumps on the skin, eczema and hives. Many allergic skin conditions are on-going or they might crop up quickly and then disappear. An eruption might cover an area of the body and be gone in a couple hours to a few days.

The same is true with hives that are big red, raised bumps on the skin that hurt and itch at the same time. There are plenty of effective hives treatment selections available that can easily offer substantial alleviation from the symptoms.

Cold-Like Problems

Hay fever or pollen, mold, dog dander and some food allergies create runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing and stuffed up ears.

These reactions can be on-going, but in most cases they cease when the cause is gotten rid of. Allergy shots, given on a schedule, generally aid get rid of or relieve the problems.

Allergic reactions are typically not hazardous and can easily be handled by having antihistamines or allergy shots. Nonetheless, there are also more severe kinds of reactions which need an immediate medical attention. It is also typical that the intensity of allergic reactions reduces, or they even entirely disappear, as the person gets older.

Here Are Some Things You Should Know Before You Get A Shot For Your Plantar Fasciitis

Cortisone shots are a widely-used treatment that doctors commonly prescribe when confronted with fascia conditions like plantar fasciitis. But do they really work?

I'll address that question in a moment. But to start with, let's talk about what cortisone really is. Cortisone is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland. Specifically, it's a cortico-steroid (don't confuse this with the anabolic kind of steroid, which is what bodybuilders use to gain muscle), and naturally produced cortisone is absolutely vital if you want to maintain your body's proper function. Other than some unfortunate people who are stricken with Addison's Disease, cortisone is naturally produced by every human body, so there are no allergy issues to contend with.

If you receive a cortisone injection, the doctor generally won't give you the pure stuff, which has a short effective life and isn't particularly potent. Instead, more commonly used alternatives are derivatives of actual cortisone that are longer-lasting and cause fewer side effects. Usually there is some sort of pain-relieving compound included in the injection as well.

In many cases cortisone works to suppress inflammation for limited periods of time, and of course this often provides a degree of pain relief. But it doesn't really help to deal with the root cause of the problem. The end result is that the discomfort will return once the effects of the injection have worn off. There is also a limit to the number of shots you can get within a particular time period. Research on animals has indicated that cortisone can actually weaken tendons, fascia and cartilage in joints if it is over-prescribed and injected into local sites.

This potential (but frequent) adverse effect is more of a problem with younger people, because younger joints, tendons and fascia are still comparatively healthy. Patients in their mid-twenties or younger should definitely try other types of treatment before opting for cortisone injections. But with patients who are older, and whose joints usually have already experienced some fairly significant damage, this is not as much of a concern. There are also certain tendons and fascia that have a high tendency to tear even if the injections themselves are given as carefully as possible.

The physiological process of inflammation is generally a useful reaction. But it can end up impeding the healing process when it is present to an excessive degree. A cortisone shot is supposed to suppress unnecessary inflammation, which will then help the body to heal itself. But recent medical studies are increasingly starting to show that long-term fascia conditions like plantar fasciitis are, despite the name, not actually the result of inflammation but of some different mechanism. (The most likely suspect is thought to be direct damage to the primary fascia tissue.) Of course, this means that the whole rationale for the shots is decidedly iffy.

So why is it that patients often report a decrease in pain when they get a cortisone injection? Well, not all of them do - the injections are only effective about 50% of the time. But some people do experience some relief; for them, the most likely reason is that the analgesic that is put into the shots is temporarily masking the pain. And, of course, the possibility of a placebo effect should never be ignored.

Cortisone shots can be a good treatment option for certain conditions (for example, older patients with arthritis in their joints), but when it comes to conditions like fasciitis, fasciosis and so on there are some real questions about their effectiveness. Particularly in young people and plantar fasciitis sufferers, it appears that there really are more effective treatments... ones that have a higher ratio of cost to benefit and a much higher percentage of success. Naturally, there are some advantages to the shots as well:

1. Cortisone injections are fairly cheap
2. They're usually covered by insurance
3. They can be quickly and easily administered.
4. Doctors can monitor them very closely.

But for the patient there are also a lot of disadvantages. Some of these are:

1. Getting a needle inserted directly into damaged tissue (ouch!)
2. Potential side effects that can end up requiring surgery
3. The questionable way that it's supposed to work
4. The practically random percentage of patients who even get short-term relief from pain.

Weighing up the evidence, it seems that the advantages are mostly economic, whereas the disadvantages are physical. It's an individual choice, of course, but if you're placing more priority on your health than your wallet, I think it's just common sense to want to give other treatment options a chance first.

Childrens Allergies and Dogs

Children and dogs can be great companions, but what if your child itches and sneezes whenever he comes in contact with a dog? You can still own a dog in spite of your child's allergy, but you just need to be more selective on what breed to choose.

The cause of your children's allergy is usually the dog's saliva, hair or dander. Dander is the skin flakes and scurf that's constantly shed from a dog's skin. Symptoms of an allergy to dogs include red and itchy eyes, a runny congested nose, sneezing and wheezing.

Fortunately, there are number of "hypoallergenic" dog breeds (also called low-allergy dogs or allergy-friendly dogs) available so your child can enjoy the companionship of a dog without any added health problems.

Allergy friendly breed choices include:

The Hairless Breeds

The Mexican Hairless Dog and the Chinese Crested Dog are unusual looking and because they have very little hair, if any, they can be good companions for children with allergies. However, they are not 100% allergy free, as they still shed dander, which can cause an allergic reaction in your child.

Maltese

Maltese are adorable, fluffy little dogs that love babies, children and even cats. That out-going attitude is part of their natural fearlessness. They shed very little, but their soft, silky coat does require regular grooming to preventing matting. Keep in mind that toy varieties can be too fragile for children, so choose a Maltese larger than seven pounds.

Poodle

Surprisingly, the dog breed famous for its abundant hair is actually low-allergy. The toy Poodle may be the best known, but poodles come in several sizes, ranging from toy (less than 11 inches) to standard (over 15 inches). These curious, acrobatic dogs are very intelligent and make great playmates. They require lots of interactive play and obedience training or they'll invariably get into mischief. They don't like to roughhouse, though, so children should be taught to play gently with them, and they need regular clipping and grooming.

Puli

If you're looking for a larger dog with an unusual look, the Hungarian Puli might just be for you. Highly intelligent, agile, and protective, these dogs are ideal both as watchdogs and companions for active children. Just remember that they were bred as working dogs, so they need obedience training and plenty of daily exercise to prevent boredom and behavior problems. Also, although their coat is low-allergy, it does require considerable care.

If an allergy specialist has diagnosed you or your child with a dog allergy, it doesn't mean you have to give up your pet. You can discuss the possibility of allergy shots or medication with your doctor, but there are also ways to reduce the allergens in your dog and your home so that you can continue to live happily with your dog. There are medications such as antihistamines that can treat your children's allergy to dogs. If the allergy is particularly severe, you can have desensitising injections made which can stop your child reacting to the allergen.

A little extra work can also cut down on dog allergy symptoms. Vacuum the floor and furniture daily to pick up hair and dander using a machine with a HEPA (High-Efficiency particulate arresting) filter. Regularly clean walls with water to further reduce exposure to allergens and dust. Use washable blinds or shades, cotton-covered furniture, and limit the number of rugs, upholstered furniture, and drapes in the home. Opt for hardwood floors or tile rathe than wall-to-wall carpeting.

Regularly wash your dog's bedding to make sure no hair builds up. Groom your dog as required for the breed. Be aware, though, that over-bathing can cause dry skin, which leads to more dander and more allergic reactions, so only wash as needed.

Look for symptoms of dermatitis in your dog, which often leads to accelerated skin sloughing and fur shedding. Always wash your hands after touching your dog and do not touch your eyes or other areas of your face before your hands are washed.

For most children, allergy problems don't have to mean a childhood without pets. Choose a low-allergy dog like a Maltese, Poodle or one of the many other allergy-friendly dog breeds and your kids can have a puppy playmate to love without any sniffles or watery eyes.

Post-Marketing Pharmacovigilance For Well-Established Drugs

Even if a drug has been prescribed for many years within the European Union, there is still a need for pharmacovigilance work to develop the knowledge base around the product. During the pre-marketing phase, the drug will have been subjected to clinical trails according to EU drug safety laws. An application will have been made for a Marketing Authorisation to allow the drug to be sold within the EU. This will have been carefully considered by regulators, and the drug will only have been placed on the market should that authorisation have been duly issued. Nonetheless, the possibility for unanticipated adverse reactions is still present, even with such apparently 'well established' drugs.

Pharmaceutical Drugs Could Contain Excipients Which Invoke A Reaction

When the patient receives a prescription or over the counter drug (for example, as a tablet or capsule), it often only contains the active chemical component (the drug) as a small component of the total volume. The remaining volume consists of excipients, substances which in theory do not produce any effects. They may be present to give the tablet, capsule or other preparation its distinctive form, colour, flavour and so on. They may be added as preservatives, as dilutants, and so on. They can vary between dose strengths and formulations of the very same drug.

Pharmaceutical companies may manufacture thousands of products for which the composition and quantity of excipients used varies from product to product. The company may change suppliers for those excipients, and/or vary formulations over time. It is possible for an adverse reaction to occur with excipients, for example, lactose intolerance, or allergies or the effects of sugar in diabetic patients, etc. In previous years, there have been instances where changes to the formulation of a particular well established product have resulted in increased amounts of the active drug being absorbed by the body.

Placebos And Associations With Suspected Adverse Reactions

In the past, there have been some adverse reactions reported within clinical trials where there was an association suspected with placebos. The (EU) Clinical Trial Directive 2001/20/EC, April 4, 2001 refers to placebos within its list of 'investigational medicinal products'. Accurate and timely reporting of adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the taking of a placebo applies to clinical trials which take place during the post-marketing phase. Typically such reactions occur due to an allergy to one or more of the excipients contained within the given placebo. The same can be said for those that occur with excipients in medicinal products which contain active ingredients which may also be the cause of allergic reactions.

Problems Can Arise Even With Generic Drugs When Manufactured By Differing Pharmaceutical Companies

An important point note about generic drugs is that they will have originally been marketed as a patented formula by one particular pharmaceutical company. After sufficient time has elapsed for the patent to expire, the drug can then by made by other companies as a generic, providing the correct clinical trials are conducted according to the relevant drug safety laws prior to (and after) release onto the market. Should an adverse reaction be suspected to be associated with taking a generic formula, it is the company who made the particular generic in question who must report it to the regulatory agencies, rather than the company who held the original patent. Since there can be problems associated with excipients, cases can arise where an association is suspected with the formulation of the generic, or other aspects of its manufacturing process.

New problems can arise with 'old products'

There are numerous examples of even very serious adverse effects which have taken many years to be identified. It could have been that the rarity of the occurrence of these adverse effects meant that suspicions were not initially raised in connection with taking the particular product. Examples here include the identification of heart valve disease associated with certain types of drugs prescribed to combat obesity, or heart rhythm disturbance associated with certain non-sedating antihistamines. There have also been other instances where it has taken many years for the development of the adverse reaction, such as the development of certain types of cancer.

For the above reasons pharmacovigilance is still crucial for pharmaceutical companies, professionals, patients and the public even when a drug has been prescribed in routine practice for many years within the EU and elsewhere. It is important to note however, that the information contained here still cannot be considered as an exhaustive list of all eventualities nor as any form of formal or informal professional advice.

Allergies - Allergy Shots

In this article we're going to discuss a common form of battling allergies with the use of allergy shots and how allergy shots work to build up a person's immunity to outside allergens.

A growing number of people who suffer from allergies and not finding the relief that they want from antihistamines are turning towards allergy shots to hopefully put and end to their dreaded sneezing, wheezing, itching and misery.

So exactly what are allergy shots? Allergy shots actually contain a very small amount of whatever it is that you're allergic to. If you have multiple allergies, such as a combination of indoor and outdoor allergies, then two shots are actually given. One for the outdoor allergies and one for the indoor allergies.

How do allergy shots work? Well, in theory it's actually very simple. Allergy shots help your body fight the allergen that is bothering you. When you get shots of the allergen itself your body makes antibodies to the allergen. These antibodies help block the effects of the allergen itself. Your symptoms become less severe because the antibodies block the way your body reacts to the allergens. After taking enough of these shots over a long period of time you might start to get relief from your symptoms. This relief should last for a very long time.

Many kinds of allergies can be battled with allergy shots. They work very well with allergies to pollen, or what is commonly called hay fever. They also work for eye allergies, bee sting allergies, and even some drug allergies. In many people, allergy shots can greatly improve asthma symptoms. Most people will get allergy shots after they have exhausted every other option.

Unfortunately, not everyone can get allergy shots. If you have severe asthma or a heart problem you should not get allergy shots. Also, if you take a beta blocker for a heart condition you shouldn't take allergy shots. Children under five years of age should also not get allergy shots. Also, you shouldn't start allergy shots if you are pregnant.

If you decide, along with your doctor, to get allergy shots, he will first have to give you an allergy test to determine what allergies you have. This test in effect is actual treatment as some of each allergen has to be injected into you in order to do the test. After the results are in, a vaccine can be made which can then be given on a weekly or biweekly basis or for whatever interval the doctor thinks is necessary.

Once you start taking your shots you will at first have to take them every week or every other week. After about 6 months most people can go on what is called maintenance and get shots once each month. This usually continues for about 3 to 5 years until eventually most people no longer need to take shots because their immunity has been built up enough to the allergens.

Allergy shots are normally not harmful but some people do have reactions to them. If you should have a severe reaction the doctor will usually keep you in his office for about 20 minutes each time you get your shot so that if you have a reaction he can give you something to counteract it.

Dog Allergies Are More Common Than We Suspect

It may come as a surprise to some people that dogs do indeed suffer from dog allergies. There are many different kinds of allergies affecting man's best friend and many different sources that can cause adverse physical reactions:

Food

Dogs that tend to suffer from itchy skins are often allergic to the soy, wheat or corn products in the dog food. Dog owners should rotate the different dog foods on the market in order to pinpoint which ones are causing the itching.

Mold

Another food related cause can be mold which is found growing on the grain particles in the dog food. Molds are known for producing toxic immune system suppressants called mycotoxins. This will cause dogs to scratch their skin frequently since they are more vulnerable to these uncomfortable elements.

Mold spores are also found in unventilated kitchens and bathrooms. Mold growth can be controlled by keeping the humidity level down in the home as well as keeping the mold level down by regular cleanings. Mold and mildew can grow wherever it is dark and damp such as in ventilation ducts, air conditioning and fan filters as well as in electronics.

Cats

Dogs may also be allergic to cats. Cats emit allergens called feld-1 that is found in their skin. When these are released, they tend to stick to many surfaces sometimes for as long as a decade. This can be controlled by giving the cat periodic baths which prevents this allergen from being released into the environment.

Top of the line air filters are also effective in picking up the allergens. The filters will need to be washed or replaced on a regular basis to keep the allergen levels low. Sprinkling tannic acid on the floor and carpets is also effective in minimizing the potency of the feline allergen.

People and Other Animals

Dogs can also be allergic to people since people, too, give off allergens in the form of dandruff, or other animals. In these cases, it may be helpful to give the dog allergy shots. Outdoor pollens may also cause reactions in some dogs that have not been exposed to certain allergens at an early age when the immune system is still building in strength.

Often pets and their owners are allergic to the same things. No one knows the reason for this but it does occur. Shampoos containing tea tree oil have been proven to provide temporary relief but often they cause additional skin irritation. It helps to ask the veterinarian if the dog can be administered the same remedies that work for their human owners.

Tracking down the cause of dog allergies is a trial and error process. The veterinarian can subject the dog to the scratch test where different pollen extracts are injected into the dog to ascertain which naturally occurring pollens are negatively affecting the dog. It is a good idea to be patient when trying to pinpoint the cause for the dog allergy.

How Probiotics Help Alleviate Allergy Problems

Scratching

Food allergies, the response to the high level of grains in dog food, causes itching which in turn causes mild to severe scratching. At the same time, the dog food is lacking the natural enzymes that your dog's stomach needs to fully digest the food. Probiotics help your dog's intestinal track to accept the food and absorb the needed nutrients into the body.

Dry and flaky skin

Red, blotchy or dry, flaky skin can be a sign of your dog not getting enough needed nutrients from his food. Probiotics can help dogs to absorb the vital nutrients they need from their food and crowd out an overgrowth of bacteria in the body. It also helps the dog eliminate wastes and toxins in the body, resulting in an overall healthy skin and coat.

Excessive Shedding

Excessive shedding can be caused by allergies, age or poor digestion. Of course, dogs can be expected to shed but excessive shedding can be greatly reduced by introducing probiotics into the digestive system

How to Cure Any Phobia Without Prescription Drugs or Therapy

A phobia is an intense fear that causes you to avoid the feared thing or endure it with unbearable mental pain. Additionally, a phobia is an irrational fear, in that most people either don't fear the same thing that you do or fear it to a much lesser degree. Some examples of common phobias are the fear of public speaking, dating the opposite sex, heights, spiders, closed spaces, crossing bridges or tunnels, going to the dentist, swimming in the ocean, flying in planes, and being in a crowd of people.

Classical Conditioning

One of the most powerful techniques used for curing phobias is called classical conditioning. Simply put, classical conditioning involves pairing a particular feeling with a particular event over and over again until the feeling and event become automatically associated with each other.

Let me give you an example. Let's say that whenever you give a public speech, you feel intense fear. However, you wish to feel intense calm, whenever you give a public speech. How do you accomplish this?

First Step: First you must find something that makes you feel intensely calm - something like two or three shots of whiskey.

Second Step: Then whenever you give a public speech, you drink two or three shots of whiskey just before going onstage. You will undoubtedly feel calm during your public speech.

Third Step: After giving many public speeches under the influence of whiskey, you will automatically associate giving public speeches with feeling calm. Once this happens, you will be able to calmly give public speeches - without drinking whiskey beforehand! Mission accomplished, your phobia is cured!

Sedatives

You say, "Wait a minute! If my supervisor catches me drinking alcohol on the job, I'm history!" Good point. In many workplaces, drinking alcohol is taboo and those found committing the taboo may suffer serious consequences. Luckily, there are other sedatives that are more socially acceptable.

Some examples of socially acceptable sedatives are Remeron, Xanax, Thorazine, Risperdal, Benadryl, Lunesta, and Rozerem. All of these sedatives need to be prescribed by a physician, except for Benadryl. And taking any one of these sedatives is more discreet than drinking alcohol, since it doesn't leave your breath smelling and your eyes red.

Okay, so which sedative should you choose? Upon researching each sedative, you see that each of them works differently, producing different types of sedation. You end up choosing Benadryl, since it is the easiest to obtain (no physician's prescription needed) and it sedates effectively.

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride)

Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine that is used to relieve allergy symptoms. It is also used as a sleep aid, due to its sedative effects. Benadryl sedates by blocking histamine from its receptor sites. Histamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes alertness, arousal, and allergy symptoms. By blocking histamine, the opposite occurs.

Another way Benadryl sedates is that it inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that calms the brain. Neurons release serotonin to send calming signals throughout the brain, but then the neurons need to reabsorb serotonin to turn off the calming signals. Benadryl interferes with this turning-off process.

Phobia Cure

Now that you have a sedative that can be bought over-the-counter, is very affordable, works quickly, and sedates effectively, you are ready to cure your phobias. Pick a phobia. Fear of dating the opposite sex? Okay let's cure it.

First Step: Strike up pleasant conversations with potential dates, and ask them if they would like to get together with you to do something fun (e.g., bowling, dinner, movies, swimming, etc.). To reduce the chance of rejection, only ask potential dates who already know you and have expressed some interest in you. A good hunting ground is your workplace or any other populated place that you visit often.

Second Step: Take 25-50 mg of Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) a half hour before going on the date. If you must drive a motor vehicle, be careful - Benadryl may cause drowsiness! Your date may drink alcohol, but you may not; because Benadryl increases the intoxicating and sedating effects of alcohol. The sedating effect of 25-50 mg of Benadryl lasts 4-6 hours.

Third Step: Go on many dates, taking 25-50 mg of Benadryl a half hour before the start of each date. Eventually, you will automatically associate feeling calm with going on dates. Once this happens, you will be able to calmly go on dates - without taking Benadryl beforehand! Mission accomplished, your phobia is cured!

Warnings, Drug Interactions, and Common Side Effect

When using any drug, some common sense is needed. Even though Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) is a very safe drug with minimal side effects, I advise you to check with your physician and pharmacist to see if it is okay for you to use Benadryl as prescribed here.

To avoid adverse drug or medical interactions, always read the container label of any drug that you take. Benadryl enhances the effects of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers. Additionally, taking Benadryl tablets and applying Benadryl cream or ointment enhances the effects of each other. If you have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate gland, or breathing problems, Benadryl may worsen your condition.

Since Benadryl may cause drowsiness, be very careful while driving or operating hazardous equipment. To reduce your chances of becoming too drowsy, don't exceed 50 mg per dose, don't take more often than every 4-6 hours, and don't take more than six doses within a 24-hour period of time.

Discussion

Therapy and prescription drugs can be very expensive, especially if you don't have health insurance. Oftentimes the poorest members of society have to live with mental health problems such as phobias. Affording the best health care, the rich rarely have to live with phobias or other mental health problems. Thus, mental health relates to financial health. However, there is an alternative way to cure mental health problems such as phobias. This way involves using an effective self-help technique with an affordable over-the-counter sedative.

How to Relieve Sinus Pressure: Learning to Feel Better

Until you have experienced true sinus pressure you have no idea how painful it can be. Many people find that sinus pressure can range from mildly annoying to incapacitating because of the pain. There are countless people all around the world that are dealing with the pain that is associated with sinus pressure and many assume, wrongly, that they have to live in pain and wait for the pressure to resolve itself, but this simply is not the case.

If you want to feel better you may need to get to the bottom of why you are experiencing such pressure. For many people it is a sinus infection and for other people it is caused by allergies that could be treated to do away with the pressure. Either way, there are treatment options that can reduce the amount of pressure or pain and overall suffering that many people around the world are experiencing.

Relieving sinus pressure may be as simple as getting antibiotics that will treat the underlying infection that is causing the pain. Allergy medications or allergy shots can help to treat different allergies so that the suffering can be stopped. When the pressure remains and there doesn't seem to be one specific trigger, there are some other options to consider.

For many patients it is as simple as using sinus rinse. There are special solutions that can be mixed with sterile water and applied with a squirt bottle or netty pot that will clear out the sinuses by removing any mucus or irritants from the sinus passages. For many people this can simply be done daily to relieve any and all irritants and therefore removing any and all sinus pressure on a regular basis.

There are other simple practices that can help you deal with sinus headache relief. Many people assume that simply staying in bed will do the trick, but in some cases you need to move around. In fact, it has been found by many patients that when you run or get moving that the sinus pressure will relieve itself as the passages naturally open up to allow for ideal blood oxygenation.

Another great option is to take showers. If you take hot showers when you are suffering from a sinus headache it can help to open up the sinuses and relieve pressure. This may be a temporary solution, but it can help you get the relief that you need to help prevent the anger and frustration that often accompanies sinus pressure that you cannot relieve simply.

If you find that you really need to lie down to relieve pressure, this can help. The best thing that you can do is to lay down on a supportive pillow, preferably one that has been made for support. Then, lay facing the side of your face/sinus that is not filled with pressure. When you do this it can help to equalize the pressure in the sinuses and may bring you some relief until medications have a chance to kick in, or in an effort to combat the pressure at all.

Sinus pressure relief can be sought in many different ways. If you haven't had luck with medications or you just want to try to go as natural as possible, you may just find that these simple but natural remedies really do work to provide you with the sinus headache relief that you need to feel better.

Nasal Polyposis

What is nasal polyposis?

It is the growth of a soft painless and noncancerous mass lining the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. They result from chronic inflammation caused by conditions such as allergies, asthma, recurrent infectious, hypersensitivity to certain drugs and or certain immunologic diseases.

Before continuing, a little history...

Nasal polyposis was first reported by the Egyptians over 4000 years ago. They are considered the pioneers in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition as they were thoroughly familiar with the nasal anatomy and due to the mummification approach take took place in that time. Samuel of Egypt, was first described as a patient. It is said that he had a polyp so great that it hung down the back of his nasopharynx and "strangled" the patient!

However, it was Hippocrates who coined the term polyp considering that it resembled a "marine polyp" (has a flat base, are soft and the body is shaped like a tube). Hippocrates was even the first to describe the surgical procedure for resection of the polyps or the "polypectomy"

What are the symptoms of nasal polyposis?

They come in different sizes. When they are small they may not cause any symptoms. However, when they are large or even giant, they can give very severe symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, changes in smell and taste, nasal congestion, nasal voice or permanent, postnasal discharge, presence of abundant hyaline mucus, pain in the upper dental arch, tightness in the forehead and malar region (also known as the cheek), snoring and recurrent infections.

When should you visit the otolaryngologist (physician in charge of looking at diseases of the Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT))?

You must go to your doctor if symptoms persist for more than 10 days. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis are very similar to those of many other conditions or diseases, including the common cold. It is advisable that you go to see your doctor if you feel that you have one or more of the above symptoms.

Who is affected by polyps?

Polyps can occur at any age but are by far more common in people over 40 years and tend to be more common in men than in women. In rare causes they are also know to affect children under the age of 10 years. They can form anywhere in the nose but typically occur first in the ethmoid cedillas but are most common in the area where the sinuses are "drained", this place is better known as osteomeatal complex.

What are the risk factors?

The risk factors for developing polyps in the nose could be from any situation that involves the chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa, such as allergy.

The diseases associated with nasal polyposis frequently are: Asthma, Allergy to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, better known as NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), allergic fungal sinusitis, cystic fibrosis (a genetic disorder resulting from the production and secretion of abnormally thick, sticky mucus) and Churg-Strauss syndrome (a disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels). There are also hereditary genetic diseases that can make us more likely to develop nasal polyposis.

However, in many cases, nasal polyposis is of an unknown cause but cases are known of nasal polyp formation preceding the development of asthma or sinusitis.

What are the potential complications?

They are varied and can range from sinusitis to obstructive sleep apnea, to asthma exacerbations, dissemination of the infectious process to the eye or even to the development of meningitis.

How are they diagnosed?

The nasofibroendoscopa is a very useful tool to the otolaryngologists that is easy and painlessly and allows direct and detailed visualization of the nose and sinuses with a camera.

Similarly, the CT scan of the nose and paranasal sinuses may help assess more accurately the location and extent of the polyps in deeper areas of the sinuses and allowing the extent of mucosal inflammation to be assessed. Also it allows us to know if there is obstruction of either side within the nasal cavity and thus it is best option to decide and plan treatment for the patient.

There may also be other diagnoses studies that can be used such as allergy tests, and if polyps are found in the nasalesen of a child then a specific diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis should be carried out. It is important that treatment is multidisciplinary, i.e. several specialists should be consulted with in order to offer the best treatment and the gain best result for the patient.

Normally, depending on the size of polyps, our first approach is to treat the polyps with medication. Corticosteroids (nasal sprays) are the first line treatment because they help us to reduce inflammation. This treatment can reduce the size of polyps and sometimes even eliminate them altogether. Other times, we can accompany oral and injectable corticosteroids if they do not get the desired effect with the nasal spray. Also, occasionally we have to prescribe antihistamines to control the allergic process as well as antibiotics to treat chronic or recurrent infections.

Surgical treatment for nasal polyposis

The surgery is performed when despite medical treatment, polyps do not get smaller or disappear. The type of surgery depends on the size, the number and location of polyps.

There are 2 surgeries that can be performed. The first of them is the polypectomy (Hippocrates, the father of Rhinology, was the first to do it), which is used in small or isolated polyps that can be completely removed with a suction device or a microdebrider. The second is endoscopic sinus surgery (which uses a camera that magnifies the nasal structures). It is reserved to remove large polyps and to correct sinus problems that promote inflammation and the development thereof of polyps.

Although surgery is associated with a significant improvement in most patients it may be less effective in those with a combination of polyps and asthma or those with polyps, asthma and hypersensitivity to aspirin ( Triad Sampter described this in 1969 in Sampter and Beer).

Reoccurrence

Unfortunately, nasal polyps tend to recur if the underlying cause is not treated or controlled. Therefore, both the otolaryngologist and allergist and sometimes even the inmunologist must maintain tight control of the patient because they must address the factors mentioned above in order to offer the patient a better quality of life.

Stayin' Alive at 55

When I was 5 years-old I was in first grade and fully energized by those of my age together in the playground where a hierarchy of order was made plain by class, color, and wealth. It was the beginning of abuse by bullies who were stronger and lean compared my to husky size from my mother never allowing anyone leaving the table unless all the food was eaten, and she cooked for an army. I learned that mass hysteria was easily accomplished on the playground. I watched a mentally retarded brother manipulate my adult parents with ease. I learn the subtle art of psychology without even realizing it.

When I was 10 years-old I was beaten many times in the school yard and to and from home. My hormones kicked in early and I began to lift weights and body build. A short time later those same bullies, who were expelled from the school system for beating me, wouldn't come near me. A few years later in Catholic school the pastor sexually abused me and many others, a long buried event that only came up when I was writing a novel and I used that experience when writing the key element of the main female character. As an altar boy, I learned that praying was not a substitute for action to solve my problems. I had to act or allow myself to become merely fodder for those who were sadistically stronger. I learned to question all authority be it religious or otherwise. I watched as my intransigent brother was put into an institution for threatening my two infant brothers. I watched as my mother blamed my father for it. I grew up quickly because of their rift caused by pure manipulation. I learned to hide fear well.

When I was 15 years-old I was a high school starter in football as a center, odd as I was the smallest guy on the team, and then attempted wrestling due to a coach's pressure. I hated it, and got out by exaggerating an injury. I had become a bonafide athlete. I threw discus and ran track, and girls now became an attractive force of nature, but I knew there was danger in paradise. I learned how to play drums. I learned that although I had a far superior education in Catholic school, emotionally there was a vacuum inside. I sought acceptance and allowed myself to be used for that purpose. I felt like the poor boy at grand banquet and didn't deserve to be there. I learned that I had to begin an ongoing process, to rely on me, to love myself before I could go further. I learned how hard that really was.

When I was 20 years-old I drove a forklift, made a bunch of money, went to Jamaica by myself, didn't come back when I supposed to and was fired by Scott Paper. I then went back to college after dropping out after the first semester with the college being on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City due to a construction strike, and earned a degree in music two and a half years later. I gained strength from adversity. I came from knowing nothing about music to graduating in Who's Who in American Colleges in a very short time. The immersion of myself into knowledge and technology at that time made it the most incredible part of my life. I learned that I possessed incredible passion and it made me go for the seemingly impossible as I truly began to believe in the spirituality of a force within me. I studied the subject of religion voraciously, and cared not about what anyone else thought of me. I learned I had the power within to do incredible things when I surrendered to that force and allowed the energy to flow through me. I learned to be vulnerable and to accept failure as a temporary setback to success, and then realized that it was an inevitable part of it. I learned that listening was more important than talking, that being smart was being secure in being smart, without having to prove it or impress anyone else.

When I was 25-years-old and ready for a career after graduation in 1977 the recession and the "gas crisis" made for a harsh time and I shoveled coal at the local utility company and my rental home in the farm area of South Jersey was burglarized and we lost everything that my girlfriend and soon-to-be wife had owned. We lived in a tent on a friend's property for the summer. My favorite Uncle was able to secure for us an old chauffeur's quarters behind a former mansion that was now being used as an American Legion Hall for $90 a month in Pleasantville, N.J. We began to play music in the clubs in and around Atlantic City. I enjoyed the night life and playing great music for appreciative audiences the experience was soul satisfying but paid comparatively little. I learned not to depend on anyone but myself in all matters and that certain old friends were best left as such when they become toxic. I realized that the pain I went through as a child now made me better able to handle the bitter parts of life that I could not change.

When I was 30 years-old I was now working for a casino as an Audio Technician and learned my trade both from books and being on the job. It was a new age of growth for the area with the incredible expansion of casinos, but like anything, greed begets greed and the corporate structure killed the golden goose. The political and corporate stupidity was constantly at work and I learned that what "appears to be" is much more important that "what is." I watched my father die over a few months. I learned to accept my mortality and cried for the time back. I saw what seemed so much time wasted and was bitter, I still hadn't learned the understanding and enlightenment to be at peace with it.

When I was 35 years-old I was now married for some time and had bought a house in the country with way too much grass to cut and I developed severe allergies that would not be discovered or even checked until 5 years later. It was a time of false bliss, of thinking that possessions and money could bring happiness. My move to the Taj Mahal nine months early to prepare for the opening was to be the beginning of both "The Donald's" and my demise in that era of the 90's. Chasing corporate dollars was a pastime and not really a career that was fulfilling although it provided just enough comfort to not take a chance and remain safely in the corporate cradle. I learned that physical pain is never understood by anyone but those who have been through similar pain. Headaches got worse and workloads were excessive. I learned to have trust in but a few key fellow workers. I learned that one must proactively terminate a threat before it cannot be overtaken regardless of the personal circumstances. I learned brutal bloody coldness from the very best management that Donald Trump offered.

When I was 40 years-old my health worsened, the headaches went unabated and my high school football-worn knees could barely handle the constant humidity of the East Coast. Without work I went into depression and then my left arm went numb from a C-4 nerve impingement that no one figured out for 8 months. By that time my marriage was asunder, I was out of a job and I went to Las Vegas with less than $1000 and searched for work while I knew my wife at the time would not go with me. My divorce soon followed when Merv Griffin called and needed an Entertainment/Technical Director for his new place in Mesquite, NV. Of course, greed got to those owners as well and they went belly-up. It was when I moved to Las Vegas that I was diagnosed as having bubble-boy allergies. The severe headaches and cysts were keeping me in misery, and I was put on allergy shots for the next six years.....this after two futile operations back East without even testing for allergies and two more operations in Las Vegas. I worked both at the Sahara showroom AND the Stratosphere (pre-opening) full time and made bank to make up for the losses of those previous years. I learned that the world when confronted by the truth always looked the other way and offered trite solutions to complex problems because they really didn't want anyone to know anything that could take their corrupt advantage away. I learned that living in the now was the most important thing to understand. My past was unchangeable, the future not here yet. I began to understand the wisdom of the past leading to what was the "now" and the inevitability of what could only be, based on choices that I made.

When I was 45 years-old I had been working at the Tropicana in Las Vegas and ran audio for the Folies Bergere and then after 3 years completely revamped and operated their Convention Services Technical Department. After much turmoil from the past, I would marry a woman that I knew for over 24 years and had her band booked many times in Atlantic City at the Taj Mahal and other places. The irony was that her band would have played for my first wedding but they weren't available, but I did book them for my brother's first wedding......her family was from a place 20 minutes from my New Jersey childhood home....I met her in Las Vegas at the Riviera lounge one night.....so it is indeed a small world. A few years later an emergency operation was done on my skull to stop infection from reaching my brain and holes were drilled into the area above my eyes to drain the poison, like I needed two holes in my head. Obviously, it worked. I watched as my mother died at age 67. I learned that the number of people I could really trust, I could count on one hand, as my father predicted and warned me 30 years earlier. I never gave up on myself.

When I was 50 years-old I planned a big birthday bash and made out the invitations with a picture of a man in a wheel chair on an IV, and being tended to by a nurse. Little did I know that I would be in a hospital fighting for my life because of an emergency operation for a spinal infection. I did in fact flat line and die, but was given a choice to fight and come back to the pain and bittersweet experiences of life, and I took it, despite the painless beauty of that afterworld experience. The nerve damage disabled me but I took this as just another challenge that life has doled out for me since I was that beaten-up child. I learned that love does truly conquer all and the love I had for my wife brought me back to the land of the living so that I could tell her and others that I was alright on that "other side." Despite the best efforts of the doctors and the hospital, I survived and checked myself out after 5 weeks in intensive care. I also learned "patient do thy own research" and don't trust "practitioners." Irony upon irony was that I had already written a Near Death Experience in my novel 10 years earlier that paralleled my real experience. I learned to laugh at death, to embrace life's preciousness and I allowed the epiphany of living, in its own right, to saturate my every action. I finally published my novel, I opened a restaurant with my brother, and I took chances without fear of the consequences. I was finally free to be who I always was and dared to do things without fear and was supported by those who cared without judgment of success or failure.

Now I have now turned 55 years-old and I am happy to be alive despite the paralyzation and pain from the surgeries and I know that life itself is all that counts. There is much more to my life than these highlights, there is no describing the passion, the intense work and rewarding outcomes, the dreams that became reality and the dreams that still live on. It is the how that is much more important than the what I have done. There is no great secret to how to live your life other than to survive and make lemonade from lemons. Those of weak minds do not survive and cannot be stable unless they begin to realize- this is it, this is not a rehearsal. You get one chance and only one chance, so why care about what anyone else thinks? I have learned that relying on pure hope without the effort of one's self is an invitation for disaster, but in the overall human existence, it is the singular most powerful emotion that brings us the strength to face another day, then another, and then another.

Now on the day of the First of November, I'll raise a glass for my diabetic-ridden ass, to drink to the thoughts on my special birth-day of celebrating my life, my wife, and for my parent's sacrifice to have brought me into this world, and lastly for the suffering and sacrifice to all those who are brave enough to have offspring in this world of unknowns. To my nieces and nephews and to all others, I leave you with this: Do what makes you happy and in the words of Joseph Campbell, "always follow your bliss." Anything less and you have no one else to blame for your misery. Accept the pain and deal with inevitable and then rejoice for your existence every day.