Dr Purvi Parikh joins us to talk about the two available Covid-19 vaccines currently available. Dr Parikh and Dr G discuss the nitty-gritty of the two mRNA vaccines, the allergic reactions associated with them and more.
A podcast bringing you easily digestible information on all things allergies, asthma eczema, and immunology
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
What we cover in this episode
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Understanding herd immunity.
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What are mRNA vaccines, how do they work and when did they first get developed.
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Can people with food allergies get the Covid-19 Vaccine?
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Could you be allergic to the protein that the mRNA is producing?
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The side effects of the Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine.
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Why you should get the Covid-19 Vaccine.
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Why the vaccine is in two does.
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Differences and similarities with data for Moderna and Pfizer/Biotech vaccines.
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What does the vaccine rollout look like?
- What are the other vaccines being developed?
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Why are people skeptical about vaccines?
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Can pregnant and lactating women get vaccinated?
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You can get the flu vaccine with an egg allergy.
Resources:
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Article from Allergic Living about soy in PEG: https://www.allergicliving.com/2020/12/16/faq-on-allergy-concerns-and-the-mrna-covid-19-vaccine/
Thursday Dec 10, 2020
Thursday Dec 10, 2020
Registered dietician Alida Iacobellis joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss how intuitive eating, diet culture, and food anxiety impacts those managing food allergies. Alida uses intuitive eating as a tool to help her clients find food freedom and believes it can also work to help people with food allergies gain a positive relationship with food.
Alida is registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario and holds membership with Dietitians of Canada. She also manages multiple food allergies, so she knows first hand how it feels to experience types of food fear surrounding allergens and anaphylaxis.
What we cover in this episode
- The difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist
- What is disordered eating and how to recognize it in yourself or others
- How disordered eating and living with food allergies can cross paths
- People with food allergies have an increased risk of developing eating disorders
- The role of diet culture in disordered eating and how it also impacts those managing food allergies
- Anxiety around food - the underlying factors behind disordered eating
- Questions a doctor can ask to figure out if their patient may be experience disordered eating
- How can people with food allergies develop a better relationship with food
- Intuitive eating and how people with food allergies can adapt it
- What are food rules - why it is important to identify them and where they came from
- Thinking food will be a quick fix to our problems and how this is not always true
- What are the determinants of health and the role food has
- How to start your intuitive eating journey: food rules and listening to your body
- What does respecting your body mean for people with food allergies? It is about eating everything you can and having a good variety in your diet to meet your needs
- Emotional eating, turning to food to soothe or not eating at all due to anxiety
- Meal planning for intuitive eating
- Parent anxiety transferring to their child and how intuitive eating can help
- How to help someone or yourself identify disordered eating and first steps to reclaiming food freedom
Helpful Resources:
- Kortney’s her journey with disordered eating: Disordered eating hiding behind my food allergies
- Intuitive eating resources for food allergies
- The graph on the determinants of health
- Dietician directory Websites: Dieticians of Canada, Health Profs
- Intuitive Eating Website
More about Alida Iacobellis RD: website, Instagram @alida.iacobellis.rd
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
Dr G and Kortney take another deep dive, this time exploring how to treat environmental allergies (allergies of the eyes and nose). A quick recap - when we talk about allergies of the eyes and nose, we are talking about allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. These are two forms of allergic responses that can be caused by things such as environmental allergens like pollen and grass, dust mites, and animal dander.
What we cover in this episode
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Treatments for allergies of the eyes and nose: avoidance, natural methods, drug therapy and immunotherapy.
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Types of drug therapy for treating allergies of the eyes and nose: antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops
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If avoidance is not possible tips to create a safe space free from environmental allergies
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Demystifying hypoallergenic pets
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When to use and care for a Netti pot
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Different types of nasal sprays: intern-nasal antihistamines, intern-nasal decongestants, intern-nasal steroids.
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What to look out for and tips for using eye drops and artificial tears
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Topical antihistamine for the eyes
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Mast cell stabilizer eye drop & steroid eye drops
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Is it possible to use one treatment to treat both allergies of the eyes and nose?
Additional Information & Links
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How to use nasal spray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICqBAN28Tgo
Thursday Oct 22, 2020
Thursday Oct 22, 2020
A deep dive episode about allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis, also known as allergies of the eyes and nose respectively.
These are the two most common types of allergies affecting individuals. In the first part of our deep dive, Dr G goes into detail about the symptoms of the allergies of the eyes and nose, some things that may pose as them, and more. Part two will cover how to treat allergies of the eyes and nose.
What we cover in this episode
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What are allergic conjunctivitis (eyes) and allergic rhinitis (nose)?
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How common are allergies of the eyes and nose?
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Can you develop symptoms at any age?
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Signs and symptoms of allergies of the eyes and nose
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What you should know about environmental allergies.
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Environmental allergies, and the difference between seasonal and perennial allergies.
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Why uncontrolled asthma can make allergies of the eyes or nose worse.
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How allergies of the eyes and nose are diagnosed and the testing involved: patient history, skin prick, blood test, intradermal testing, and patch testing.
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Other conditions that look like allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis
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Allergies of the eyes and nose in pregnancy
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Nasal Polyps
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Medications that can cause a runny nose/congestion.
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Why you need to be cautious when using Afrin.
Additional Information & Links
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Pollen count app to download: Klarify
Thursday Sep 17, 2020
Thursday Sep 17, 2020
A bonus 'mini' episode all about wearing a mask to help prevent catching and spreading COVID-19.
This is an excerpt focusing on face masks from episode #32 about COVID-19 and asthma with Melanie Carver of Allergy Asthma Foundation of America.
What we cover in this episode:
- Best practices for handling a face mask
- What to look for when buying or making a face mask
- How to clean your face mask
- Can you wear a face mask with asthma
Thursday Sep 10, 2020
Thursday Sep 10, 2020
September is known as September Asthma Epidemic or Asthma Peak Week because of the increased hospitalizations due to asthma. Since we are entering the fall during the COVID-19 pandemic there are some additional preventative steps those with asthma should take this year.
Dr G and Kortney are joined by Melanie Carver, the chief mission officer of Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Melanie has been working on creating more resources surrounding COVID-19 and Asthma. She shares her expertise about the impacts of COVID-19 on asthmatics, schools, and wearing face masks.
What we cover in this episode:
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Why September is a peak month for asthma
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What you can do to help ensure you will not be negatively impacted by your asthma during September peak
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How COVID-19 impacts those with asthma
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Back to school: what are asthma triggers that kids are being exposed to and how you can address them
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Back to school: what you need to know about preparing for being in the classroom
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The symptoms of COVID-19 versus the symptoms of asthma
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Does wearing a mask impact asthma
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Tips on wearing a mask
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What you can do to help protect yourself from COVID-19 this fall/winter (get a flu shot!)
Additional resources:
Wednesday Aug 05, 2020
Wednesday Aug 05, 2020
How do you set up a 504 plan for food allergies and asthma?
Whether it is food allergies, asthma, ADHD or another disability, a 504 plan is an essential part of your child's school experience because it states in black and white why they need accommodations and what they are.
Kristin Osborne joins Kortney and Dr G as she outlines how to set up a 504 plan, what accommodations you can arrange for food allergies and asthma, what happens if your child's 504 plan is violated, and more! Kristin is a trained disability advocate and mom to three boys with multiple life-threatening food allergies, so you bet she knows all about what it takes for setting up a plan and navigating the federal school system.
What we cover in this episode:
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What is a 504 plan and who can get one?
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When can you start a 504 plan for your child? Preschool to high school.
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Can you have a 504 plan if your child goes to private school?
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How to qualify for a 504 plan: the eligibility meeting, the criteria, and who is involved in this process.
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The types of accommodations food allergies and asthma can have in a 504 plan.
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What would be considered a violation of the 504 plan?
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The steps to take if the 504 plan has been violated.
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The role of class parents in ensuring the 504 plan is respected.
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When and how you should get your food allergy child involved in the 504 planning process.
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What is your doctor’s role in setting up a 504 plan.
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Could COVID impact your 504 plan?
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Kristin’s honey and hot sauce method
Helpful Resources:
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Kristin's website and how to get in touch with her: www.theprioritizedgroup.com
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Sample Section 504 Plans for Managing Food Allergies from Kids with Food Allergies
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SAMPLE ACCOMODATIONS FOR 504/IEP/IHP from FAACT
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Section 504 and Written Management Plans from FARE
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Megan explains what she has in her son's plan for food allergies and EOE from Allergy Awesomeness
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
How do disparities (racial and economic) impact people with food allergies?
Dr. G and Kortney explore disparities in food allergies with Emily Brown, the founder of Food Equality Initiative. Emily shares her story of food allergies and food insecurity, and how this impacts so many Americans.
Emily started Food Equality Initiative (FEI) to ensure that no mom has to feel like she did when she first stepped into a food pantry and could not find any safe options for her family.
FEI’s mission: Improve health and end hunger in individuals diagnosed with food allergies and celiac disease through access to safe and healthy food, nutrition, education and advocacy.
What we covered on this episode:
- Why Emily started Food Equality Initiative and her journey into becoming an allergy mom.
- The role of family support in food allergy management.
- Food disparities and food insecurity - what does this mean.
- Why there is no shame in asking for help.
- American food programmes: WIC, SNAP (supplemental nutrition program).
- The struggles food allergy families may face at food banks and pantries.
- How you can benefit from FEI or get involved.
- Since avoidance of allergens is the only treatment, access to safe food is therefore also the treatment. Emily and FEI are working to make safe food covered by insurance.
- Asthma and food allergy disparities - how they are linked.
- Why doctors need to screen for food insecurity.
Helpful resources:
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Are there special precautions you need to take when pregnant with food allergies?
Chelsey Amer joins Dr G and Kortney to talk about her experience being pregnant with food allergies. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Chelsey also shares information about proper nutrition during pregnancy for those with and without food allergies.
Dr G also shed some light on allergic reactions and what you need to know about taking allergy and asthma medications during pregnancy.
What we cover in this episode:
- Chelsey's journey with food allergies, chronic lung disease and how she became a registered dietitian.
- Can you use anti-histamines, epinephrine, topical steroids while pregnant?
- Pregnancy and asthma, can you continue to use controller medications and does anything change with asthma during pregnancy?
- Tips on how to eat a well-balanced diet during pregnancy and what that looks like.
- The role of supplements during pregnancy: what to look for and what to take.
- Is it ok to be a vegetarian while pregnant? Will your baby get all the nutrients they need to thrive?
- Why omega 3 fatty acids should not be neglected during pregnancy.
- What foods to avoid during pregnancy.
- Should you avoid eating allergenic foods while pregnant if you are not allergic to them? If you have a child with food allergies, should avoid eating their allergens during pregnancy?
- Can vitamin D help prevent allergic disease in babies?
- Why you want to introduce allergenic food to your child early on.
- Breastfeeding: what foods should be avoided, and when should you avoid allergenic foods while breastfeeding?
- When should someone consider working with a registered dietitian?
- What concerns Chelsey had about food allergies for herself and for her son.
- How to safely introduce your food allergens to your baby, and what Chelsey has been doing with her son.
- Sugar and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Helpful Resources: https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-29
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Tuesday May 12, 2020
What is the secret to feeling comfortable in your skin, especially when you have eczema?
Dr. Gupta and Kortney interview "skinfluencer" Alexis Smith, who shares her eczema journey on Instagram. Alexis has appeared on the cover of People Health Magazine, and Dove Beauty campaigns openly displaying her skin. Alexis shares how to feel comfortable in your skin, how to date, and wear makeup when you have eczema.
Dr. G goes into detail about patch testing for contact dermatitis, and how it is an integral part of eczema management.
What we cover in this episode:
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The role Instagram played in her eczema journey and the doors that it has opened from collaborations to developing a community
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How Alexis's family adapted to her diagnosis and the changes they had to make as a household
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The emotional toll eczema puts on you
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Alexis's story of not covering up her eczema and why is it important to know and remember that "people don't care"
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Advice on how to be more comfortable in your one skin and gain confidence in your body
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How to interact with people who comment on your skin and don't really understand it?
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Navigating makeup with eczema
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Tips for rocking your eczema routine
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The testing used to help diagnose eczema
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Dating with eczema
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Mental health & resources for people who are feeling emotionally drained from their skin conditionAdditional resources:https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-28