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Updated: 12:38 PM Jan 25, 2012
Martha Jefferson Healthwise--May 23rd
Food allergies are serious and can seriously affect someones life.
Posted: 10:56 AM May 24, 2007 |
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Dr. Gary Rakes treats food allergies and says a food allergy is where the body mistakenly believes a certain food is harmful. About 8% adults and 2% of children have food allergies. Common food allergies are peanut, tree nuts, egg, cow's milk, fish, shellfish, soybean and wheat. Nut allergies are most common and most harmful. We have to be very careful because nuts can find themselves into many recipes.
The best way to prevent food allergies is to exactly pinpoint what foods you are allergic to. This can be accomplished by taking a simple blood test. Once we find out what foods we are allergic to, it is a matter of reading labels on all foods. By law food producers have to label food allergy ingredients. If you don't have a label or do not know what is in the food, the best practice is to avoid it altogether.
The best treatment for major reactions is a self-injection of adrenaline or epinephrine, and really knowing how to use it. Minor itching and rashes can be treated with Benadryl or something like it.
Don’t wait until your family needs a doctor to find one. Martha Jefferson Hospital has more than 300 affiliated physicians representing more than 35 specialties. Click Here to find one that matches your needs.
Martha Jefferson Hospital supports your right to make decisions about your future medical care. We want to know your wishes so we can provide the care you desire. We never know when an accident or serious illness will leave us incapable of making our own health care decisions. For peace of mind, it is important to think about and talk about your values and wishes for medical care and to put those wishes in writing. Download the Advance Directives form by clicking here.
MJH Calendar of Events:
Each quarter Martha Jefferson Hospital holds more than 75 informational classes focusing on everyday health, help for diabetes, women’s health, and family centered maternity care. We also have free support groups to help new mothers, patients and families affected by cancer and those struggling to get a good night’s sleep. The calendar is searchable by week, month and year or by keyword. Click Here to find a class to help you. If you don’t see a class that meets your health needs call Health Connection at 434-654-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663 and ask to see if you qualify for a free consultation with a community health specialist.
Health Connection:
Register for classes, find a doctor and learn about our community education programs and health screenings by calling 434-654-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663.
