Living with a Latex Allergy
by: Grant Segall
The interesting thing about latex is that it is a huge part of our society, often without being noticed.
For example, carpet backing, pencil erasers, baby pacifiers, wheelchair tires, toys, balloons, and even elastic in clothing is latex.
However, most people relate latex to adhesive tape used in hospitals, which is yet another example.
Because so many people have latex allergy and the number of things made from latex is growing, symptoms are on the rise.
Take the healthcare industry for example ? this particular area is surrounded by latex in the form of tape, surgical gloves, disposable syringes, and blood pressure cuffs.
Because doctor?s offices, clinics, and hospitals use so much latex, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have released results of a study that show a minimum of 12% of all healthcare workers eventually deal with some level of latex allergy.
Even so, the biggest concern regarding latex allergy relates to children with disability since their small, sick bodies are highly sensitive and susceptible, putting them at greater risk.
Keep in mind that when it comes to latex allergy, there are many different forms of reaction, some minor and some major.
For instance, a Type 1 latex allergy is considered as hypersensitive, which produces symptoms ranging from minor such as watery eyes and a runny nose to more severe problems that would include nausea and vomiting, hives, and shortness of breath.
With Type 1, the problem is that latex particles become airborne and then inhaled.
For Type 4 latex allergy, the reaction is limited to any exposed area.
This would include someone having surgery and the bandages being held on by latex tape.
The result is a skin rash and irritation, swelling, and redness that typically lasts anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.
Obviously, this type of latex allergy is not nearly as serious although it is quite frustrating.
Keep in mind that latex is actually a natural product that comes from a rubber tree?s sap.
Because it is so flexible, strong, and costs very little to manufacture, it takes first place over many similar manmade products.
If you suspect that you have a latex allergy, you can see your doctor for a thorough examination and blood work.
This test involves looking at a certain antibody called IgE immunoassays, which is performed through skin testing.
This particular test is currently being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and while it is highly accurate for proving latex allergy, it is not designed to determine the severity of the allergy.
Therefore, in addition to the testing, if you have reaction to latex, you should avoid using it, turning instead to vinyl or plastic.
About The Author
Grant Segall RPh is a pharmacist and webmaster of the allergy related website http://www.allergy-allergy.com.
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Living with a Latex Allergy
Living with a Latex Allergy
by: Grant Segall
The interesting thing about latex is that it is a huge part of our society, often without being noticed.
For example, carpet backing, pencil erasers, baby pacifiers, wheelchair tires, toys, balloons, and even elastic in clothing is latex.
However, most people relate latex to adhesive tape used in hospitals, which is yet another example.
Because so many people have latex allergy and the number of things made from latex is growing, symptoms are on the rise.
Take the healthcare industry for example ? this particular area is surrounded by latex in the form of tape, surgical gloves, disposable syringes, and blood pressure cuffs.
Because doctor?s offices, clinics, and hospitals use so much latex, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have released results of a study that show a minimum of 12% of all healthcare workers eventually deal with some level...
Atv tires > Living with a Latex Allergy
Hawaii Vacations: 10 Great Adventures
Hawaii Vacations: 10 Great Adventures
by: Donna Monday
Here?s some Hawaiian vacation activities that are sure to create great memories for a life time.
What: Hawaii Snorkeling
Where: Ohahu ? Waikiki Beach
Who: Paradise Cruises
Description: If you?d love to get up close and personal with beautiful tropical fish, then a snorkeling cruise is something you can?t miss. You?ll climb onboard The Starlet and head out to the Kewalo Reef, with the famous Diamond Head as your backdrop. The fish have been hand fed, so they?re plenty friendly. This is a very nice excursion if you are a snorkeling novice. Other activities include windsurfing, kayaking, a floating trampoline, and a water slide. Relax on deck while sunbathing. A BBQ lunch is included.
What: Hawaii Luau
Where: Ohahu
Who: Germaines Luau
Description: Imagine being a guest at a grand Hawaiian luau. As you sit comfortably amongst new friends...
Atv tires > Hawaii Vacations: 10 Great Adventures
Go Cart Racing?Sprints and Long Distance
Go Cart Racing?Sprints and Long Distance
by: Mitch Johnson
Auto racing has become a popular sport among both the drivers and the spectators and the appeal of the sport continues to attract more people as the diversity within grows as well. The span of vehicles types drivers race ranges from all terrain vehicles to Nascar and Indy racecars and everything in between. Among the large selection of automobiles being raced are go-carts, which have diversity within themselves. Go cart racing may be done on a homemade, makeshift track or races are taken to the ?street? on professionally established, asphalt tracks.
Like any of the vehicles popularly driven in auto races, go carts are driven in different styles of races, depending on the type of cart you are driving. Go carts with small, compact, aerodynamic and low to the ground characteristics are the type you will see competing in short distance sprint races, sometimes referred to as ?Fast...
Go Cart Racing?Sprints and Long Distance
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Tips On Tires
Tips On Tires
by: Ali Moazami
Tire safety is very important. Here are some regular checks that you can perform on your tires to insure your safety:
Lumps or swelling. Any lumps or swelling that appears on the sidewall are signs of tire weakness. If not attended to, it can lead to tire blow out.
Irregular tread wear must be checked out immediately. One of the best ways to check your tread depth is to do a "Penny Test". Stick a penny into a tire groove by turning it upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to get new tires. You might want to check several tire grooves to determine whether one part of the tire is wearing faster than another. Inspect the sidewalls for any bulges, that indicate internal problems. Also, if you see any wires anywhere, it's not safe to drive, as the tire might explode at any moment.
Sidewall fractures.
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles.
Balance your tires regularly.
Buy...
Tips On Tires
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