THE ?BER? months have arrived and this means cooler temperatures and longer nights. During this time, your body begins to adjust to the changes. With every season, there?s a host of health challenges.

Allergies

Allergies come in many forms and symptoms and the causes are many such as MSG, food-coloring preservatives, eggs, chicken, seafood, peanuts, alcohol, chocolate, environmental chemicals, pollution, dust, mold and spores, pets and animal hairs. Not only people get allergies. Even animals do, would you believe? Your pet could be allergic to something if it keeps sneezing.

If you have an allergy, it is best to see your doctor. Ask about a blood test that will provide you with an accurate reading of your sensitivity to certain substances. The ImmunoCAP machine from Sweden can detect allergies and auto-immune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis within the day. It is available at Makati Medical Center, Asian Center, Medical Center and UP PGH. (For more info, call Trianon at 815-3239.)

A surefire preventive measure is to maintain a clean environment. Studies have shown that the greatest cause of allergies is unclean surroundings. Do you know that every day, your body is bombarded by fungus and microbes? Your best defense is to keep your immune system in good condition. Remove all the irritants inside your home.

One of the best ways to rid your residence of pests is the latest, state-of-the-art air and room cleaning system called Hyla NST, a portable heavy-duty cleaning machine. It is a 4-in-1 equipment ? air purifier, vacuum cleaner, floor polisher and more importantly a bed, carpet, curtain and upholstery cleaner. It literally sucks out the dirt and dust mites. (Dust mites are one of the main causes of asthma, rhinitis and respiratory ailments.)

Air is drawn into the cleaner with a rotating separator that turns an amazing 25,000 rpm/second or 416 times a second. It successfully removes dust particles from the air and binds them to water inside the machine. The end result is pure cleanliness.

Annie Santos, a 54-year-old housewife, had been suffering from severe asthma for 10 years. Each time she?d have an attack, she would have to be rushed to the emergency room. Upon discovering the Hyla cleaning system, her bed has been cleansed of dust mites and she has since banned her pet dog from sleeping in her bedroom. Her trips to the emergency room have stopped. (Call Rotarian Gerry Gamez of Gammonco Trading Co. for a free demo, 092-28903367.)

According to Dr. Earth Mindell?s ?Vitamin Bible for the 21st century,? a nutritional defense versus allergies includes vitamin B complex, 50 mg, twice a day; pantothenic acid, 500 mg, twice a day, Vitamin C, 1000 mg, once daily.

According to Japanese and Chinese traditions, reishi, shiitake, maitake, agaricus and cordyceps are also effective. This is surprisingly found in a 5-in-1 supplement called Multi Five. (Call World of Wellness, 332-3864/723-3878.)

Anti-allergy regimen
1. Wake up in the morning with happy thoughts and a smile on your face.

2. Drink one cup of lukewarm water with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and 1/2 tsp honey.

3. Drink 2 full glasses lukewarm water. Drink water every 1 1/2 hours until bedtime.

4. Increase hydration through juicing (fresh is best).

5. Eat healthy.

Affirm today: ?I am healthy and happy.?

Love and light!