The Eisenhower Indian Wells Healthy Living Resource Center is hosting free allergy testing on Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower, according to a news release from the hospital.
Participants must be between the ages of four and 35, and must not be taking beta blockers.Screenings will be performed by David J. Waldman, MD, Board Certified Allergist/Immunologist, and Section Chief of Allergy at Eisenhower Medical Center. Call 760-423-4855 for information and to register.
Since allergies are a chronic condition, some people begin to think it is normal to have symptoms, and simply live with the problem. “The fact is these conditions can be controlled and should not negatively affect any adult’s or child’s quality of life,” Dr. Waldman said a prepared statement. “We can find ways to treat the disease without having to rely forever on medications. The first step is to identify the root cause of the problem.”
“Parents are encouraged to bring their children age four and older as studies show nearly 20 percent of school-age children have allergies,” Dr. Waldman added in the news release. “Not only is a child’s school attendance affected, but the child may also become affected socially, athletically and academically.”
Screenings will include skin testing of 14 common pollens in the Coachella Valley following the completion of a brief questionnaire about previous medical and allergy history, symptoms and current medications. During the 20-minute wait for results, Dr. Waldman will discuss seasonal allergies and provide informative literature for parents. In addition to identifying people who might be at risk for allergies, the screening program provides an opportunity for those who already know they have allergies to speak with Dr. Waldman about their condition and how best control it.
