The familiar chill of fall reminds us that we’re seeing less of the sun.  Less sunlight means fewer opportunities to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D in our bodies.   With all the buzz surrounding calcium, the importance of vitamin D in supporting strong teeth and bones was long overlooked.  So let’s spend a few minutes getting up to speed on calcium’s biggest supporter, vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in few foods, fortified in few others, and available as a dietary supplement.  Additionally, our bodies can synthesize vitamin D with adequate sun exposure. The process begins with the inactive form of vitamin D in our skin.  When met with sufficient sunlight, the hormone is converted into an active form of vitamin D through a process in our kidneys and liver.  Active vitamin D allows our bodies to better utilize calcium, meanwhile playing an important role in maintaining muscle.  Thus, vitamin D has been credited with the prevention of falls and subsequent fractures in aging populations.

Groups at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency include older adults, people with limited sun exposure (which would include most Americans in the winter months), people with dark skin, obese individuals, and breastfed infants.  So how much do you need?  The jury is still out on this one.  Current recommendations suggest the following daily intake:

- Age 50 and under:  200 International Units (IU) or 5 micrograms (mcg)
- 51-70:  400 IU (10 mcg)
- 71 and older:  600 IU (15 mcg)

That said, research suggests these intakes are too low, with some researchers estimating as high as 1000 IU per day.  In other words, it’s best to think of the current recommendations as minimums. 

Below is a list of food sources of vitamin D.  As you can see, foods that naturally contain vitamin D aren’t common in the American diet, and those that are fortified with vitamin D (most notable being milk) are not very rich sources. So unless you typically consume a tablespoon of cod liver oil daily, or drink upwards of 48 ounces of milk, it’s best to leave it to supplementation. 

Sources of vitamin D:

Source: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp

For more information, check out the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements website. 

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Children certainly need some rest and relaxation, but summer is a great time to work with your child without the pressure of his or her busy, school-year schedule. Often, parents express a lack of confidence when it comes to their own math skills and in turn, are hesitant to work with their child in this area. These simple tips will help you strengthen your child’s math skills now and throughout the school year.

Early Childhood
*Make math fun! Sorting, counting, and categorizing toys are all simple and fun ways to expose your child to math at an early age. When playing with blocks, identify and sort different colors and shapes. When coloring, ask your child to pass you different numbers of crayons. Find math in every day activities and show your young child how much fun math can be!

*Keep a calendar. Exposing your child to time concepts by utilizing a calendar will support him throughout his life. Identify the days of the week and teach your child to label yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Mark a special event on the calendar and count down the days as it drawers near. Specify when events are happening in relation to his daily routine. For example, “We will go to Grandma’s house after lunch.” Keeping a calendar not only exposes your child to time concepts but helps create structure.

Elementary School
*Check out your local teacher supply store. There are many pre-made materials that you can use at home, such as board games, flash cards, and other manipulatives. Playing a game such as Multiplication Bingo once a week will help your child maintain her multiplication facts in a unique way. Most of these materials are categorized by age so you will easily match the materials with your child’s needs. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to have access to materials teachers use, scan the  store for ideas and see if you can make some of these materials at home. Index cards and markers are an inexpensive alternative to store-bought flashcards.

*Give your child an allowance. Managing money is a math skill your child should learn early. He should learn to save money, become familiar with the cost of items, and make decisions about purchases. After making a purchase, he can count the change and make sure he got the correct amount back. Helping your child become comfortable with money is a skill that will last a life time and make a clear impact on his success as an adult.

Middle School
*Leave your child a to-do list. Word problems are a source of weakness for many children so having your child attend to written language will sharpen her attention to detail and order of directions. Make your lists fun, and even a little silly, by giving directions like “Make your bed. Jump up and down three times. Put your shoes in the closet.” As always, bringing humor into learning will make the experience more enjoyable.

*Review tests and quizzes together. Not all teachers have children correct their errors but you can use this opportunity to look at where the errors occurred and help your child learn from his mistakes. Mistakes, as we all know, are invaluable opportunities for learning.

High School
*Host study sessions. Teenagers often crave independence and establishing their own homework routines is one common source of conflict between them and their parents. Inviting your child’s classmates over for a study session creates a fun way to ensure your child is getting her homework done. It also provides an opportunity for students to “tutor” each other: if one child is unsure of how to solve a problem, another student can explain it. Provide healthy snacks and a good work space and check in on the work session periodically.

*Put your teen to work! Encourage him or her to get a part-time job. Many jobs, such as working in a grocery sore, retail store, or movie theater, offer real life experience with math skills such as making change, monitoring inventory, and discounting sale items. Children this age often begin to ask “When am I going to use this skill in real life?” Applying these skills from an early age is motivating and reinforces that classroom work can be beneficial outside of the classroom.

Another great way to incorporate math skills for children of any age is to get in the kitchen and start cooking! Reading a recipe, measuring ingredients, and timing the completion of your creation are all math skills in action. Your child will be so proud of her work she won’t even realize you just taught a math lesson!

The most important factor for helping your child is to get over your own fear of math. Remember that making mistakes is part of learning and showing your child how to work through a problem is also an essential skill. If you are stuck, consult the textbook, your child’s notes, or contact the teacher and ask for help. Teachers will appreciate you asking for help!

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

TOMATOES

Summer dish: Sliced tomato with balsamic vinegar
Nothing says summer like vine ripe tomatoes. Tomatoes naturally lend themselves to health-conscious summer cooking, being sweet, yet low in calories. In fact, tomatoes are one of the most frequently consumed “vegetables” in the United States, whether raw, steamed, fried, stewed, crushed, pureed, or reduced to a sauce. (Though thought of as a vegetable, tomatoes are botanically classified as fruits.) They are also one of our best sources of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.

They also contain beta-carotene and several other carotenoids that may have their own disease-preventing properties, particularly against heart disease and cancer. One carotenoid, lycopene, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Tomatoes also offer a good dose of potassium, which helps to reduce the risk of stroke.

SALMON

Summer dish: Simply grilled on the barbeque
Summer marks the beginning of salmon fishing season and the time of year when fresh salmon is again available in your local markets. Salmon is low in calories and saturated fats and high in protein. Wild salmon is one of the best sources of health-promoting fats known as the omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s promote cardiovascular health, brain health and provide anti-inflammatory protection.

Cardiovascular health: omega-3’s prevent platelets in the blood from clumping together and sticking to the arterial wall in the form of plaque. They also drive down triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Brain health: Omega-3’s interact with the fatty layers that surround brain cells and help protect brain cells from the diseases of aging, like Alzheimer’s.

CORN

Summer Dish: Corn on the cob
Is there anything more satisfying at a summer bar-b-que than an ear of hot corn on the cob? In addition to being sweet and satisfying, there are many health benefits of corn.

One cup of corn provides 18.4 percent of the daily recommendation of fiber. Its high-fiber content is one of the biggest benefits of corn. Fiber has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Fiber is also useful in helping to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Corn is a surprising source of several vitamins, including folic acid, niacin and vitamin C. The folic acid in corn is now known to be an important factor in preventing neural-tube birth defects. It’s just as important in preventing heart disease, according to studies that show folic acid can prevent a buildup of homocysteine, an amino acid in the body.

SUMMER SQUASH

Summer Dish: Sautéed or grilled squash
Summer squash contains vitamin C as well as beta-carotene, folate and fiber. These nutrients make summer squash a tool in preventing cancers, heart disease and diseases caused by inflammation such as arthritis and asthma.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just adopt a healthier eating program, summer squash’s rich fiber content can help you get full faster — and give you many of the nutrients you need.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com

Whether at the park, on the beach or in your own backyard, a family picnic is a great way to spend time together while bonding over delicious food and fun activities. Unfortunately, traditional picnic foods, like dips and mayonnaise-based salads, can wreak havoc on anyone’s health. With a little modification, you can enjoy a picnic without compromising your waistline and while keeping your family happy and healthy!

Colorful Crisp Produce:
Go raw! Get your picnics off to a ‘fruitful’ start by packing your cooler with a wide variety of colorful fruits. The more colorful produce you add to your menu, the healthier the meal. If they are in season, there is nothing quite like a juicy watermelon to finish the meal. Sliced apples, berries and dried fruit like raisins and dried apricots are perfect travel snacks without the mess of fruits you have to peel. Of course, don’t forget to pack your cooler with a burst of color from vegetables, providing your family picnic with antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. Try baby carrots, slices of celery, cucumbers and peppers, cherry tomatoes and broccoli. All of these are perfect for dipping into low-fat or fat-free dressings for a fun and nutritious snack.

Powerful Protein:
Pack slices of lean chicken, turkey, ham or roast beef and top them on a salad or sandwich for a delicious, healthy meal. Nuts can also boost your protein and fiber intake when sprinkled onto salads, but note-to-self: Watch your portions, because although they are high in healthy fat, the calories can quickly add up.

Say cheese! An ounce or two of low-fat cheese adds bold and tasty flavors to any sandwich, cracker or salad. Low-fat or fat-free yogurts make a yummy fruit dip, a savory veggie dip or just a plain old snack. If you’re bringing a grill, store lean chopped turkey, lean steaks and chicken at a safe temperature in a cooler. When grilling, avoid food poisoning or dangerous situations by making sure you follow instructions on how to properly clean, grill, and serve these meats.

Hearty Whole-Grains:
Refined breads, rolls and starchy pasta salads can pile on lots of calories and little fiber. Choose whole-grain products like whole-wheat rolls or whole-wheat pita bread, for an added boost of fiber and nutritional value without sacrificing taste. Bring along whole-wheat tortillas—kids love the fun shape of a rolled up sandwich. Turkey and veggies, lean ham and low-fat cheese, and peanut butter and jelly are all great options for fillings. Another kid tip: Use a potato chip bag clip to seal your wrap and keep the healthy contents from going to waste!

Delectable Desserts:
Berries, cherries and apples — oh my!  Instead of baking them in a cobbler, which can be over 400 calories a slice, arrange a colorful fruit platter or fruit salad, which is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Top your fruit with single-serving, low-fat puddings which are easy to store and mess-free, or add a dollop of fat-free whipped cream to tantalize your taste buds. If you can’t help but indulge in cakes or cookies, opt for ones that are low-fat and high in fiber, like World of Grain cookies. Pack along high-fiber cereals to add to yogurt with berries for a delicious parfait. 

Best Beverages:
It’s so easy to become dehydrated without even knowing it, especially when you are outdoors playing in the sun, hiking or tanning. Kids are especially prone to losing fluids, and often don’t want to interrupt their fun to drink. Beat the heat with plenty of ice water, sparkling water, unsweetened iced tea and an assortment of low-calorie beverages. You can freeze water bottles the night before and use as cold packs to keep food and drinks cold.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Many parents across the country are looking to support their child’s educational experience in any way they can. Often times, this means hiring a tutor to work one-on-one with your child. There are many reasons for seeking educational support outside the regular school day. Your child may be having a difficult time in one subject area or he could be struggling in all subject areas across the board. Your child may learn best from a specialized means of instruction, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. Many parents hire tutors to maintain their child’s academic skills over the summer, or to have a leg up on the upcoming school year. These tips can be used to choose a tutor for a child with any academic or social needs.

Click here to watch a video on ABA therapy.

• Ask your child’s principal to recommend someone on staff. This ensures that the person has a valid state teaching certification and classroom experience. The principal also has a good feel for his or her staff’s personalities and may recommend someone who he or she thinks is a good match for your child.
• Check the potential tutor’s credentials. Ask for a resume, even if you know he/she is a classroom teacher. You should look to see if he/she has spent a long time at one school, which signifies he/she has developed good working relationships with staff and students.
• Ask for references. Anyone who is confident in his/her skills and has had positive relationships with other families will be more than happy to have you speak with past clients.
• Set up an interview, even if you only have one candidate. You want someone who is articulate and communicates well. He or she will be helping your child with a subject that is challenging — so you want him or her to communicate effectively. There are many bright people with great credentials who have difficulty explaining their area of expertise.
• Once you’ve chosen someone, have them work in a common space in your home. Listen to how he or she works with your child. Listen to his/her tone — see if he or she gets frustrated when your child has a difficult time. Staying close-by gives you an opportunity to observe without being intrusive.

Tutors can be expensive. Check with local colleges to see if they offer free or low-cost tutoring given by students in the education program. Many education programs require students to practice the instructional strategies taught in class. This type of tutoring is beneficial because education students are typically very eager to apply these strategies correctly and gain hands-on experience. Professors may observe the tutoring sessions and give the education student feedback on how to improve their work with your child. It’s like having two tutors for the price of one!

Before your child begins working with his new tutor, ask his classroom teacher for specific topics the tutor should cover. Teachers are often grateful to have support reviewing topics at home because of the time constraints in school.

Once the tutoring has begun, check in with the tutor after each session. Ask specific questions, like “What did she have the most trouble with?” or “Is there something I can review with her during the week?” This gives the tutor an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and feel like a part of her educational team.

Give the tutor and your child time to establish a relationship. Keep in mind, this person may be new to your child and it may take time for him to feel comfortable. By the third or fourth session, they should be settling into a routine and working well together. Also remember, this person is working on subjects that are challenging for your child. Your child may not jump for joy when it’s tutoring time, but he should sit down willingly.

Finding someone to work with your child at home may feel challenging, but using these tips will speed up the process and ensure you find a good match for your child’s needs.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Everyone can remember their first day at a new school; the nerves that undoubtedly built as you entered a strange building, stared at a sea of unfamiliar faces, and struggled to establish new friendships. Your child will surely face these same fears as she enters her new school, but fortunately there are things you can do to ease her stress and facilitate a smooth transition.

There are many reasons for a change in schools. Some parents are unhappy with their child’s placement and seek a new experience more in sync with his needs. Some simply graduate and move on to the next school in their district. With job losses still climbing in the U.S., some families are relocating to a new city for job opportunities and a fresh start.

While it’s best to transfer schools at the start of a new academic year, when everyone else is learning the new routines as well, some moves cannot be avoided and must take place mid-year. If the change is scheduled for the fall, you can still start preparing your child now. These tips will help you whenever the move is scheduled.

• Be clear about why your child is changing schools. Ensure her that she did nothing wrong and that the move is meant to bring her more positive experiences. Give her warning about when the change will take place. Marking it on the calendar gives a clear visual for the timeline of the transition.
• Fill out all necessary paperwork in a timely fashion. Being called down to the office is an embarrassing moment for a child and keeping these distractions to a minimum will help him focus on his work. Completing health forms are especially important because many schools mandate all medical forms be complete in order to participate in any physical activity. Your child could be isolated and unable to participate in gym class, causing more stress.
• Contact the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Become an active member and use this opportunity to network with other parents. This gives you a chance to get to know the families you will be spending time with and will lessen your apprehension when your child asks for a playdate at a new friend’s house. It also shows you are excited to join the school’s community.
• Visit the school while it is in session and also at least once in the summer. Your child will have the chance to meet teachers, students, and other staff when they are present. Visiting in the summer gives your child time to “wander” around and learn her way without the stress of a crowd.
• Write a story together. Make your child the main character and have him generate ideas for the plot. Pose the question: “What type of things do you think might happen on the first day at your new school?” You can discuss situations that may cause anxiety and the appropriate way to handle them. This type of role-playing prepares your child for new interactions and gives him a script to fall back on. Always end the story on a positive note, for example, “James was so happy to meet children who like basketball, just like him!”
• Make sure your child has closure at her old school. Have a going-away party with her friends to celebrate the big move. Give her an address book so she can write down her friends’ contact information and have the option of keeping in touch once the move has happened.

As always, keep an open line of communication between you and your child as the transition begins. Ask questions like “Tell me your favorite thing about your new school” or “What is one thing you miss about your old school?” Talking about the change helps your child make it through the transition successfully.

Also, check with the school social worker and see if they have a “buddy” system for new students. Having a buddy show them around the first few days helps your child feel comfortable and she won’t have to worry about having someone to sit with at lunch.

If you see your child is still having a hard time adjusting four to six weeks into the new school experience, touch base with the school guidance counselor. Establishing a connection with an adult in school gives your child a place to share his anxieties or concerns during the day. The guidance counselor may be able to facilitate some productive interactions between peers in your child’s class, as well as work with the staff in the school to support your child

Stay positive! Show your child that you are making an effort to adjust to the new school routine as well and help her see this is an exciting journey for the whole family!

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

There may be two months left before school lets out, but now is the time to start planning your child’s summer activities. Many people long for the days when a parent opened the front door in the morning, wished their child a good day, and got a happy (often slightly dirty) child in return at the end of a long, hot summer day.

There are a number of reasons this occurs less often these days, including a heightened awareness or rise in crime, children’s need for structure, and parents taking a more active role in educating their children. Summer is now seen as a time for cognitive as well as physical growth and offers two solid months to prepare your child for the upcoming school year.  Whatever your reason for sending your child to summer camp, there are a few things you should consider before sending in your payment.

• Decide what you are looking for in a camp. Does your child need academic reinforcement or opportunities for social exchange? Is your child ready for sleep-away camp or is a day camp more appropriate? Identify your child’s needs first, then look for the camp that fits your criteria. The number of available camps can be overwhelming, so choose the one or two of the most important criteria, and then match your needs to what the camps offer. For example, if your child has special needs, finding staff that is trained in supporting those needs will be the most important criteria. If your child is struggling with reading, finding a camp that matches your school’s approach to reading should be high on your list of criteria. Sending your child to a camp just because his friends are attending does not guarantee a positive experience.
• Once you’ve identified what you are looking for in a camp, ask other parents for references.  As specific questions about the camp such as the price, length of day, and staff-to-camper ratio. Also ask questions like “If you could change one thing about this camp, what would it be?” or “Why do you feel comfortable sending your child here?” Ask the camper about her experience as well. Ask who is her favorite staffer and why, what is her favorite activity, and if she would change camps and why or why not. Getting others’ opinions does not ensure your child’s experience will be flawless but it will give you information about the camp not found in the brochure.
• Once you have narrowed down your search, visit the camps that have made your final list. Pay attention to how the counselors interact with the campers and how the children respond. Spend a significant amount of time at the camp (at least 2 hours) so you can observe different types of activities, transitions between activities, and see all of the facilities. Ask to see the cafeteria, the bunks, the nurse’s station, the pool, and any other spaces your child will be using. Ask about important protocols, such as how a child reports an injury and gets treated, the camp’s emergency response plan (for a camp-wide crisis such as fires or responding to an intruder), and how and when your child can contact you. These questions will help you feel more confident in sending your child to someone else’s care and gives you time to discuss the procedures with your child.
• If you choose an academic camp, speak with your child’s current teacher as well as the teacher he will have in the fall. Some camps have forms they will ask you or your child’s teacher to fill out regarding current academic progress and areas that need support. Make sure your child is staying on target by asking for weekly reports from camp and work samples. Ask for activities you can do with your child at home to strengthen the camp-school connection. 

Remember to prepare your child for the camp they will be attending. Be clear about the activities they will be participating in and be sensitive to their concerns. Most children will be apprehensive about doing academic work during the summer, so remember to schedule some fun family activities and play dates as well.

Cost can be another factor in choosing a camp. Some camps or community organizations offer scholarships. Don’t be embarrassed to ask the camp director about the possibility of financial assistance.

Choosing the right camp for your child can create a lot of pressure for you and your spouse. Allow your child’s needs to guide you as you search for the right summer experience for her. Remember, camp is supposed to be an enjoyable and memorable time so don’t forget to pack bug spray, plenty of clothes, and a camera as you send her on her way this summer!

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

If you believe your summer and fall allergies are actually getting worse, you are probably correct.  For a quick explanation, good old global warming and overproduction of greenhouse gases may be the cause. More than 40 million allergy sufferers in the U.S. have seasonal and year-round allergies. Studies show that plant pollen production such as ragweed (season starts mid-August) and spring tree pollens go way up as a result of exposure to carbon dioxide, a major contributor in greenhouse gases.

Plant ecologist Lewis Ziska with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture is a pioneer in studying allergies and climate change.  The warmer temperatures are also having an effect even in Alaska, leading to a possible increase in pollen and mold allergies as well as stinging insects.  An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (a leading authority on effects of global warming) as well as the U.S. EPA cites an increase in allergic reactions.

Data from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology show that one ragweed plant can produce 1 billion pesky pollen grains that wreak misery to those sufferers.  So if you magnify this number by two to four times you have a “mega-pollen burst”!  Pollens grains may also travel up to 400 miles leaving almost no location untouched. 

Be prepared and develop a sound survival plan:

• Pre-treat with your prescribed allergy medications before exposure
• Keep windows closed – this will reduce indoor pollen levels
• Use the air conditioner unit – place on “do not recirculate”
• Avoid certain foods that may aggravate those (about one-third of sufferers) with ragweed allergy such as bananas, melons, cucumbers, zucchini, chamomile tea, sunflower seeds and even echinacea
• Shower nightly to remove excess pollen that accumulates in your hair, skin and eyelids
• Take your summer vacation to an area where pollen levels are typically lower, such as a beach or lake
• Consider moving outdoor activities or exercise indoors during high pollen times of the day, generally between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (even more so on “windy” days)
• Check out your local pollen count at www.aaaai.org/nab

Global warming and greenhouse gases are here to stay, so sufferers let’s make ourselves better prepared in living successfully with our less allergy friendly environment. 

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Dr. Bassett

 

As we are going through our summer rainy season in many areas of the country I thought it would be an appropriate time to discuss a little know asthma phenomenon.  After a rainstorm pollen grains can be washed away lowering pollen counts and giving some allergy sufferers temporary relief.  However, a number of pollen grains, in particular grass pollen levels, may actually increase as much as 50 fold! It is thought that in some cases, these higher amounts of allergy causing particles, when inhaled, may bring on an asthma attack.  This has been categorized as “thunderstorm associated asthma” and it is indeed a paradox. 

A recent study published in the journal Thorax looked at millions of ER visits during a decade in Atlanta.  The study found that following a thunderstorm there were many more individuals seeking ER care for worsening asthma.

Other theories have looked at air quality and pollution that may be affected by rain and thunderstorms.  The relationship between thunderstorms and an increase in the number of emergency room visits for asthma has been identified in many studies throughout the world; however most doctors and patients may not be aware of this phenomenon. 

So for the 20 million Americans with asthma according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the next time there is a thunderstorm, make it an opportunity to pay close attention to your symptoms and stay one step ahead for proper and timely asthma treatment.   This underscores the importance of having an “asthma action plan” for optimal asthma prevention and management.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.