Friday, April 3, 2009

Allergy Belt?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America named the 10 most difficult cities to live in for allergy sufferers this spring. Louisville, Kentucky, came in first receiving a total score of 100.00 while Dayton, Ohio, received a score of 92.20, both representing worse than average pollen scores and medications per patient. The study also took into account the number of treatment centers in each city. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, approximately 60 million people in America suffer from asthma and other allergies. Coughing, sneezing, hives, and even death may result from allergies. Here are some facts from the Foundation:
  • There are no cures for allergies. Allergies can be managed with proper prevention and treatment.
  • Allergies have a genetic component. If only one parent has allergies of any type, chances are 1 in 3 that each child will have an allergy. If both parents have allergies, it is much more likely (7 in 10) that their children will have allergies.
  • More Americans than ever before say they are suffering from allergies. It is among the country's most common, yet often overlooked, diseases.
With allergies so prevalent in the Southern Ohio area, sufferers may take heart in the information available online for help. For example, when the allergy conditions reach moderate levels, which is the point where most allergy sufferers begin to experience symptoms such as Hay Fever, Pollen.com will send you an Allergy Alert™ two day forecast for the local area. Also, nearly 80% of every $1.00 you donate to AAFA is used to support asthma and allergy research, educational programs, and other nonprofit services. If you itemize on a tax return, you can lower your annual income taxes by making a contribution to AAFA by December 31st of each calendar year. Cash gifts are fully tax-deductible up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income. AAFA's toll-free hotline is 1-800-7ASTHMA or online Development Manager at info@aafa.org. Most of us who suffer from allergies of any kind know how miserable these immune responses and reactions can be. Anything to help ease the pain, I'm sure, will be greatly appreciated.

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