Buying a cat? Think long and hard about it if you are allergic. It's not a good idea. But if you can’t live without one, pick a light colored one. Dark colored cats are four times more likely than light colored ones to cause intense allergic reactions. They produce more of a protein that triggers sneezing, watery eyes and chest tightness in people allergic to cats.
If you get stung by a bee, you can ease the discomfort with meat tenderizer, sold in supermarkets. It contains the enzyme papain which breaks down proteins in insect venom. Mix one-half teaspoon of papain-containing tenderizer (such as Adolph's) with enough water or vinegar to make a paste. Apply the paste to the sting and keep it on aslong as the pain persists. However, if you feel faint, panicky or short of breath or develop a rash, go to an emergency room Immediately. You may be experiencing a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Did you know that some people with ragweed allergies may have a "'cross- reaction"' to melons such as watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe? And some people with tree pollen allergies might have a "cross-reaction" to fruits like cherries, apples, pears, and peaches.
If your child is missing school due to allergies, he or she has company ...9,999 others are also absent on a typical school day for the same reason.
Ragweed is about as hardy a plant as you can find. It grows on every continent except Antarctica.
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