Monday, July 2, 2012

Summer Allergies Part III

 Welcome back readers I will be wrapping up my topic of summer allergies as it is time to move on to some other topics. I have discussed allergens outside and allergens inside the house and now we will take a look at the outdoors again because now I'm going to discuss allergens that fly.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Most insect stings in the United States are caused by bees, wasp, hornets, yellow jackets, and in the south east, fire ants. These insect carry a toxic substance called venom, which is a powerful defense against their enemies.  I humans the venom works on the circulatory system, causing blood vessels to dilate, or become wider. This affect ensures that the toxin will travel rapidly throughout the blood stream . The venom can also disrupt blood cells and nerve cells, and in some persons, can trigger a powerful immune response. There are 2 million people in the United States that are allergic to insect stings not all are severe.

The small number of people allergic to venom allergy, stings may be life threatening. This reaction is called anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-lak-sis). Symptoms may include two or more of the following:  itching and hives, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and in severe cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure may result in shock and loss of consciousness.

 Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and may be fatal. If you have these symptoms after an insect sting, get emergency medical treatment. After this treatment, you should also ask for a referral to an allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, to learn how to stay safe in the future.

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology   list  how identifying stinging insects is extremely important to those with insect allergies.

Yellow Jackets:   Nests are made of a paper-maché material and are usually located underground, but can sometimes be found in the walls of frame buildings, cracks in masonry or woodpiles.

Honeybees and Bumble bees: Are non-aggressive and will only sting when provoked. However, Africanized honeybees (AKA "killer bees") found in the Southwestern U.S. are more aggressive and may sting in swarms. Domesticated honeybees live in man-made hives, while wild honeybees live in colonies or "honeycombs" in hollow trees or cavities of buildings.

Paper Wasp: Nests are usually made of a paper-like material that forms a circular comb of cells which opens downward. The nests are often located under eaves, behind shutters, or in shrubs or woodpiles.

Hornets:  Are usually larger than yellow jackets. Their nests are gray or brown, football-shaped and made of a paper material similar to that of yellow jackets' nests. Hornets' nests are usually found high above ground on branches of trees, in shrubbery, on gables or in tree hollows.

Fire Ants: Build nests of dirt in the ground that may be quite tall (18 inches) in the right kinds of soil.

Avoid getting stung by staying away from the insects home or if flying around be calm and move away, rest assured you will not be stung. That wraps up summer allergies and now it is time for the recipe of the day.

Today it is all about breakfast, I know I have not provided any recipes as of yet so I felt this would be a good time so enjoy.

Cherry almond pancakes or waffles

1 cup blanched almond meal
3 Large organic eggs ( substitute with ener-g) egg replacer
2 tablespoons   coconut oil
2 tablespoons water
21/2 tablespoons of refined or unrefined sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup pitted and chopped cherries (fresh or frozen)

1. Combine all ingredients and mix- stirring in the cherries last.
2. Heat a non-stick grill with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Pour batter allow to cook 3-5 minutes over medium heat then flip. ( the second side will cook much faster).
3. Serve.

It is recommended to put all the ingredients (minus the cherries) in a blender this will make the pancakes lighter and fluffier. Stir in the cherries just before pouring. Enjoy everyone and we'll be back with something new on Life Around The Allergies. 




 

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