AAFA's Free Hotline Offers Expert Advice for Allergy Sufferers.LOS ANGELES--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 3, 1998--While pollen has its impact during spring, winter brings more indoor activities and increased exposure to dust, indoor molds, pet dander dander /dan·der/ (dan´der) small scales from the hair or feathers of animals, which may be a cause of allergy in sensitive persons. dan·der n. and smoke. The holiday season presents particular challenges to people sensitive to certain food allergens and evergreen trees, dusty ornaments Ornaments are a frequent embellishment to music. Sometimes different symbols represent the same ornament, or vice versa. Different ornament names can refer to an ornament from a specific area or time period. and scented candles. A one-day toll-free "Attack Allergies" hotline will be sponsored by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA AAFA Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America AAFA American Apparel & Footwear Association (Arlington, VA) AAFA American Association of Finance and Accounting AAFA Aplastic Anemia Foundation of America AAFA Army Aviation Flight Activity ) on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Operated by volunteer medical allergy specialists, they will be available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) to offer advice to allergy sufferers. Contact the "Attack Allergies" hotline at 877/ALERGY-0 (877/253-7490) for answers to allergy-related questions. Callers will also receive follow-up educational information by mail. "Some 60 million Americans suffer from allergies, the major cause of missed school and work for children and adults," said Richard M. Harris, M.D., Medical Advisory Chairman -- AAFA/Southern California Chapter. "This hotline will provide an important step in helping people to get a year-round handle on their allergic al·ler·gic adj. 1. Of, caused, or characterized by an allergy. 2. Having an allergy or exhibiting an allergic reaction to a substance. allergic pertaining to or caused by allergy. conditions. It's a unique opportunity for free access to an allergy specialist who can offer practical tips on managing allergies. When patients are informed, they become more involved in their own health management," added Harris, "but this is not a substitute for professional consultation with a regular health provider." Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , costing consumers and employers as much as $2 billion annually in treatment. Allergic reactions allergic reaction n. A local or generalized reaction of an organism to internal or external contact with a specific allergen to which the organism has been previously sensitized. can range from a mild inconvenience to a severe, life-threatening emergency. Additional information about asthma and allergies is available by contacting AAFA/Southern California Chapter at 800/624-0044. AAFA is a nonprofit A corporation or an association that conducts business for the benefit of the general public without shareholders and without a profit motive. Nonprofits are also called not-for-profit corporations. Nonprofit corporations are created according to state law. health organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who suffer with asthma and allergies. |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion