Allergy & Asthma Care of New York

Book Appointment Online
T: (212) 964-1295 or (212) 759-8644
2 NYC Locations: Financial District & Gramercy

Menu

FOX News

Myths of Gluten Free Diets

by

Dr. Oz and other health experts have recently discussed many individuals looking toward gluten free diets and foods as part of a weight loss program. In fact, Celiac disease is seen is over 3 million Americans and may represent a hidden epidemic. High risk individuals are often of Irish ancestry. If you suffer with abdominal symptoms particularly after ingesting wheat and other grains you should let your doctor know so a simple blood test can be performed. It is essential to be a label detective and understand prohibited grains include: wheat, rye, barely, malt, among others. It is not uncommon to have gluten hidden in various foods such as: beer, alcoholic beverages, soy sauce, salad dressing, and flavored coffees. Many individuals and prominent celebrities, tennis players, athletes go to gluten free diet restriction in hope of improving stamina and endurance. Bottom line: there is no need to avoid gluten and related grains if you in fact are not truly gluten sensitive or have Celiac disease. There are a variety of digestive and gastrointestinal conditions that can mimic gluten intolerance as well as food allergies. Get evaluated if you are having any of these problems.

In terms of avoiding Gluten as a means of weight loss, over consumption of gluten free foods may add calories that can actually result in weight gain.

Ten Ways to Protect Your Lungs During a Heat Wave

by

Dr Bassett recently appeared on Fox 5 NY to discuss how to protect your lungs on hot, humid days.  Here are some important ways to protect your lungs, especially if you have allergies and asthma and feel worse when the weather is “extreme” like we have seen recently due to record breaking temperatures and high humidity levels.

Dr Bassett recently appeared on Fox 5 NY to discuss how to protect your lungs on hot, humid days.

  1. Consider indoor activities and exercise on hot, high pollen and humid days
  2. Watch out for “ozone alert” days, when your lungs need to work even harder
  3. Keep your prescription asthma rescue inhaler with you at all times
  4. Know the signs of an asthma attack as well as heat related symptoms
  5. Lose weight, more than half of ER visits for asthma are seen in obese individuals in some studies
  6. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during hot weather time periods
  7. Make sure you have an allergist directed asthma action plan in place to prevent “attacks”: www.allergyandasthmarelief.org.
  8. Remember, heat and humidity can make it more difficult to keep your body cool and comfortable, to avoid your body systems from working harder, increasing your need for oxygen.
  9. Change your air conditioner filters frequently during peak summer and allergy season.
  10. Treat your underlying seasonal allergies that will also help fight and prevent asthma, too.

Dr Bassett on Fox NY Discusses Protection from Mosquitoes and Ticks

by

 

MYFOXNY.COM – Before you get your summer festivities going, you’re going to need to protect yourself from those uninvited guests: mosquitoes and ticks.

If you find you’re getting a lot more bug bites than anyone else at the party, experts say mosquitoes really are attracted to some people more than others.

Dr. Clifford Bassett, the medical director at Allergy and Asthma Care of New York, comes to Fox 5 News with some very helpful tips.

Protection from Mosquitoes and Ticks: MyFoxNY.com

This Season is the Perfect Storm for Allergies

by

The Season for Allergies: MyFoxNY.com

MYFOXNY.COM – Allergy season is in full bloom, and the tell-tale signs are there: itchy and watery eyes and a runny nose. Dr. Clifford Bassett, an allergist from Long Island College Hospital, says you don’t have to suffer.

What’s Your Allergy IQ? Take the Quiz.

by

Allergens can be lurking anywhere, but for millions of Americans it is the change of season that gets us. Dr. Bassett was recently invited on Fox Health News to test Dr. Manny Alvarez on his Seasonal Allergy IQ.

You can take the Seasonal Allergy IQ Quiz below and then watch the video to find out the answers:

1) Which kind of greenery does not cause Spring Allergies?

a) Trees

b) Grasses

c) Ragweed

2) If you are prone to allergies, the worst time to jog is…

a. Morning

b. Midday

c. Dusk

3) Which of the following increases allergens in your home?

a. Clutter

b. Wall-to-wall carpeting

c. Your pet

d. All of the above

4) Which of the following foods can amplify Spring Allergies?

a. Fruit & Vegetables

b. Wheat

c. Honey

5) If you use anti-allergy medications, it is ideal to take them…

a. Before allergy season begins

b. After your symptoms develop

c. Year round

6) The best way to cleanse the air in your home is by…

a. Running a window fan

b. Using a cool-air humidifier

c. Turning on the air conditioner

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO ON FOX NEWS

Dr Bassett on Fox NY TV to Review Controversial New Breast Feeding Study

by

MYFOXNY.COM – Researchers in London have raised doubts about guidelines that say babies should only be fed breast milk for the first six months of their lives.

The researchers say this may not necessarily be the best thing for a baby’s health because it could put them at risk for iron deficiency and also allergies.

Dr. Clifford Bassett, an allergist at Long Island College Hospital, has counseled many new mothers on this subject.

Ten Ways to Avoid Christmas Tree and Holiday Allergies

by

Ten Ways to Avoid Christmas Tree and Holiday Allergies by Clifford Bassett
Published December 20, 2010 on FoxNews.com

Rule No.1 – Keep your decorations “off season” in enclosed containers, this will reduce dust and mildew from accumulating – and avoid sniffles when opened.

Rule No.2 – Avoid artificial “snow sprays” that can aggravate your sinuses, eyes and cause annoying respiratory symptom
including cough.

Rule No.3 – Watch out for those lovely faux holiday “poinsettias” if you have skin allergies, especially if you have a sensitivity to rubber, it may cause a itchy rash.

Rule No.4 – Don’t bring in wood for the fireplace until needed, it may bring mildew and molds into your home, especially when not completely dry or damp.

Rule No.5 – Watch out for those pesky mold spores if you have a natural, fresh Christmas tree in your home, especially if you have indoor allergies!

Rule No.6 – If you humidify your home, measure the indoor humidity level with a low cost hygrometer, and keep the level of humidity at 50 percent or less.

Rule No.7 – It may be best to avoid wood burning stoves or direct exposure to poorly ventilated home fireplace, especially if you have asthma
or respiratory problems.

Rule No.8 – Stay away from scented candles and potpourri, incense, room fragrance devices that can irritate your eyes and nose as well as your breathing.

Rule No.9 – Wash all non-porous holiday decorations, with warm soapy water to clean off dust and mildew, before placing on your tree and other areas of the home.

Rule No.10 – A HEPA air cleaner (both a portable room unit and/or central heating/ventilation system can help to reduce indoor allergens and pollutants.)

READ THE FULL STORY ON FOX NEWS

Fox TV News Report: Experts Meet to Discuss Unusual Allergies – Including Cell Phone Allergies

by

Fox TV News reports that doctors say nearly 22 percent of everyone tested for allergies react to chemicals in cosmetics- – mostly the fragrances and preservatives are the culprits. Dr. Clifford Bassett says, ‘skin allergies are on the rise, particularly cosmetics among other things and it’s important to get a simple investigation to find out if it affects you.’

Cell Phone Allergies? Talking endlessly on your cell phone can also cause problems because of the nickel in the phones. Dr. Bassett says, ‘they’re having the cell phone right up against the face and they may come in complaining of a skin rash.’ About 17 percent of women have allergies to nickel and about 3 percent of men.  Doctors suggest you use a blue tooth or a plastic cover on your phone. CLICK FOR FULL REPORT