Peaceful Balance Health & Wellness Services

05/29/2026

Living in central PA we have officially hit the weird weather of 50 degree days that then jump to 90 degrees the next day, only to then be followed with a rainy 62 degrees. With hitting this time of year, it is only fitting that May is also National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month when spring allergies are at their peak. Over 106 million American are living with asthma and/or allergies. There are also 22 million people with food allergies and 28 million with only asthma in the US. 90% of homes have 3 or more allergens present.

It is estimated in 2024 that 22 million Americans have food allergies. Any foods can trigger allergic reactions and should be avoided completely from the diet. The top 9 food allergens are eggs, milk, tree nuts, fish, soy, wheat, sesame, and peanut. The most common allergy for kids is milk, followed by eggs and peanuts. The most common food allergen for adults is shellfish followed by peanut and tree nuts. A food allergy can develop at any age, and new research suggests feeding babies 'high allergen' food early to prevent a food allergy. Gluten is also a common food allergen usually in relation to celiacs disease.

Symptoms of food allergies can change with each reaction with them ranging from mild to severe resulting in anaphylaxis. Symptoms of food allergies can involve 1 or more symptoms of the lungs, skin, eyes, mouth, brain, gut, and heart.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
- lethargy (extreme tiredness/low energy)
- dizziness and/or fainting
- skin rashes, itching, and/ or hives
- stomach pains, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
- swelling and/or itchiness to the lips, throat, or tongue
- the instinctual feeling of danger
- trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and or a whistling/high pitched sound during breaths

The treatment of food allergies means avoiding the cause of the allergy. Those with food allergies should always carry epinephrine all the time since reactions can change each exposure. Epinephrine comes in easy to use options and is safe for children. It is the only treatment to stop anaphylaxis. Teach those around your or your child how to see the signs of an allergic reaction and how to administer epinephrine. You may also consider a medical alert ID to carry or wear in case of emergencies, especially kids.

https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/new-food-allergy-diagnosis/
https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-facts/

05/28/2026

Living in central PA we have officially hit the weird weather of 50 degree days that then jump to 90 degrees the next day, only to then be followed with a rainy 62 degrees. With hitting this time of year, it is only fitting that May is also National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month when spring allergies are at their peak. Over 106 million American are living with asthma and/or allergies. There are also 22 million people with food allergies and 28 million with only asthma in the US. 90% of homes have 3 or more allergens present.

What is an allergy?
An allergy is when the body immune system sees a substance as harmful and reacts in excess. An allergen can range from something that you eat, to something you touch, to something you inhale into the lungs. Reactions cause specific clinical symptoms and can range from mild (coughing, sneezing, hives, rashes, itchy eyes, a runny nose, swelling, and a scratchy throat) to severe (low blood pressure, breathing trouble, asthma attacks, and even death) and needing medical care.

What is an Allergic Disease?
A set of conditions that occur when the immune response is triggered by an allergen (hypersensitivity). Symptoms that are triggered by the immune response can range from mild to severe, with some symptoms causing long-term damage. Many allergic conditions are driven by the same inflammation process.
Allergic conditions include: Allergic asthma, Allergic rhinitis, Allergic conjunctivitis, Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, Allergies (food, medicine, pollen, animal matter, insect stings and bites, mold, latex, and other substances), Anaphylaxis, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Cell-mediated food allergies: eosinophilic esophagitis/ food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome, Chronic hives (urticaria), Chronic sinusitis, Contact dermatitis, Hypereosinophilic syndrome, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Mast cell activation syndrome, Nasal polyps, Occupational asthma or allergy (caused by substances in the workplace), & Systemic mastocytosis

Allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions in the US affecting 1-in-3 people. They are also one of the leading health issue affecting children in the US. It is estimated that 45,000-50,000 ER visits a year are the result of anaphylaxis ( a severe allergic reaction). Anaphylaxis can happen if you are allergic to certain foods, medicines, insect bites and stings, or latex and requires immediate treatment with epinephrine. It is estimated allergy-related deaths in the U.S. are around 200-500 people per year Medicines are the most common death-related allergy and are usually those over 65.

Seasonal allergies were a diagnosis for 82 million people in 2024; that is 1-in-4 people. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is the allergic reaction that occurs due to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. This type of rhinitis occurs mainly when pollen from trees (spring), grasses (summer), and weeds (fall) are in the air. People with certain mold allergies may also have seasonal allergies when mold counts increase during wet seasons. With this reaction the nose become swollen and inflammed. It can also be caused by smoke, irritants, and viruses.
Allergies can also be caused by insects, dust mites, latex, drugs, foods, or be skin allergies.

There is no cure for allergies but there are several treatment options. Epinephrine should be kept with those who have severe allergic reactions (such an anaphylaxis) at all times. Allergens that are known to cause a reaction should be avoided as much as possible. Nasal rinses can cut down on mucus and rinse allergens out of the nose. There are over the counter and prescription treatments such as corticosteroid nasal sprays, creams, & oral medications, decongestants, antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, immune system therapies, or leukotriene blockers.
https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-facts/
https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-treatments/

05/27/2026

Living in central PA we have officially hit the weird weather of 50 degree days that then jump to 90 degrees the next day, only to then be followed with a rainy 62 degrees. With hitting this time of year, it is only fitting that May is also National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month when spring allergies are at their peak. Over 106 million American are living with asthma and/or allergies. There are also 22 million people with food allergies and 28 million with only asthma in the US. 90% of homes have 3 or more allergens present.

What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the lungs causing inflammation and airway swelling. It is one of the leading long-term illness in children, however it can also affect adults. Common symptoms of asthma include late night/early morning coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and breathlessness. Asthma is present all the time, while asthma attacks occur when exposed to an irritant and the irritant attacks the airway.
Asthma attacks can also include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and trouble breathing. When the airway is attacked the airways begin to shrink while the lungs swell causing less air in and out of the lungs; mucous the body produces then can clog up the airways. You should call 911 when medicines are not effective, there is hard or shallow breathing, severe shortness of breath, pale color in lips or fingertips/fingernails, or the chest is sucking inward.

Asthma is the reason for nearly 1 million ER visits and 5 million doctor visits each year. Each day in the US 9-11 people die from asthma, nearly all being avoidable.
Asthma has no cure but is entirely treatable and can be managed to live a normal life. Every person's asthma is different therefore requires a unique treatment and there are several types all being very different including:
1. Quick relief medicines work fast to relieve symptoms and are taken at the first sign of symptoms.
2. Controller medications help correct the underlying changes in the airway to control asthma. It can be 1 or a combination of more medications.
3. A combination of quick-relief and controller medications can be used for fast relief and control for a short time.
4. Biologics target a protein or cell to prevent swelling in the airways and are only for those with specific types of persistent asthma. They are given by infusion or injection.

https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/about/index.html
https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/
https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/

05/23/2026

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the AAH (American Heart Association), 80% of strokes are preventable.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can save a life!
B - balance, sudden loss of coordination
E - eyes, changes in vision
F - face, drooping or uneven smile
A - arm, numbness or weakness specifically in one side
S - speech, slurred speech, difficulty understanding or repeating speech
T - time, call 911 as soon as symptoms occur

https://www.stroke.org/en/about-the-american-stroke-association/stroke-awareness-month

05/22/2026

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the AAH (American Heart Association), 80% of strokes are preventable.

Risk factors of a stroke are pretty general and consistent across all types.
- uncontrolled high blood pressure (the leading cause of stroke)
- irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- problems with the structure of the heart
- hardening arteries
- clotting disorder
-smoking
- diabetes
- heart disease
- elevated cholesterol

https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/hemorrhagic-strokes-bleeds
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/cryptogenic-stroke
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/tia-transient-ischemic-attack

05/21/2026

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the AAH (American Heart Association), 80% of strokes are preventable.

What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries nutrients and oxygen to the brain gets blocked by a clot or ruptures (bursts). When the brain cells lack oxygen and blood it begins to die as well as the brain itself.

There are several very different types of Strokes.
- Ischemic Strokes (clots) occur when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked. They are the most common type making up 87% of all strokes. The most common cause is fatty plaque lining the vessel walls. Alteplase and tenecteplase are FDA-approved drug treatments for ischemic strokes that work by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain being blocked. A procedure known as a mechanical thrombectomy can also be done to remove the clot.
- Hemorrhagic Strokes (bleeds) occur when weakened blood vessels rupture. These make up about 13% of strokes. When the rupture happens, it bleeds into the brain around it. After the blood has accumulated, it compresses surrounding brain tissue. There are 2 types of hemorrhagic stroke: subarachnoid hemorrhage which happens between the inner and outer layers of tissue covering the brain OR a intracerebral hemorrhage which happens within the brain. Treatment differs based on the type of hemorrhagic stroke.
- Cryptogenic Stroke (also known as stroke of unknown cause) occur when a reason for a stroke cannot be found. In most instances the stroke is caused by a blood clot blocking the flow of blood to the brain. About 1-in-3 ischemic strokes are cryptogenic strokes. Certain studies believe that the incidence of cryptogenic stroke is 2x more likely in African- Americans and 46% more likely in Hispanics. Treatment depends on the cause of and the type of stroke.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is known as a "warning stroke" and is caused by a temporary blockage of blood to the brain. The clots tend to disappear or dislodge themselves with symptoms lasting 5 minutes or less. Though no permanent damage is done, it is a signal of a possible severe stroke ahead. Treatment usually includes observation, imaging, and medical history.
- Brain Stem Stroke is a stroke occuring in the brain stem. They affect both sides of the body and can leave someone "locked in" or generally unable to move or speak. Treatment includes removing the clot quickly to increase recovery chances.

https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/ischemic-stroke-clots
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/hemorrhagic-strokes-bleeds
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/cryptogenic-stroke
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/tia-transient-ischemic-attack
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/brain-stem-stroke

05/07/2026

One topic we hit on every year and will continue to raise awareness for is drowning prevention and water safety. In fact may has been designated National Water Safety Month and Drowning Prevention Month. Swim season is just around the corner whether it be chillin' in the pool, tubing on the river or down the creek, or taking the boat out on the lake. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children 1-14.

Drowning is often known as a silent death and tend to happen quietly, here is what to look for:
- person upright in the water but not using legs, climbing a ladder that is not there
- head is tilted back with the mouth open or head is low in the water
- glassy, empty, or closed eyes
- hair covering the eyes and/or forehead
- breathing shallow and quickly
- coughing or gasping

Delayed symptoms can appear 1-24 hours after a water struggle and could be signs of delayed/secondary drowning or what is now commonly known as dry drowning. These symptom can include:
- pale/bluish skin
- diarrhea or vomiting
- tightness or chest pain
- behavioral changes (confusion, irritability, etc.)
- sluggishness, sleepiness, or unusual fatigue
- wheezing or persistent cough
- shortness of breath
- fast and shallow breathing

If you or a child has experienced a near-drowning incident (struggled to keep their head above water, swallowed water, or stopped breathing for a moment), it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor.

https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/family/how-to-recognize-drowning-signs #:~:text=Silent%20%E2%80%94%20the%20person%20is%20quiet,particular%20direction%20without%20making%20progress.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/drowning

05/06/2026

One topic we hit on every year and will continue to raise awareness for is drowning prevention and water safety. In fact may has been designated National Water Safety Month and Drowning Prevention Month. Swim season is just around the corner whether it be chillin' in the pool, tubing on the river or down the creek, or taking the boat out on the lake. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children 1-14.

Here are some drowning statistics:
- boys are 2x more likely to drown than girls
- 2/3 drownings that are fatal for most age groups occur between May and August
- there are on average over 4,000 drowning fatalities in the US yearly (thats 11 a day)
- pools are typically the most common place for children to drown whereas natural bodies of water are more dangerous for the elderly
- for every 1 fatal drowning there are over 8,000 nonfatal injuries that may lead to lifelong severe complications (that's 22 a day)
- African American children ages 5-14 are 3x more likely to drown than white children
- American Indian/Alaskan Native people under 30 have a drowning rate 2x higher than white people
- while children 1-4 are the highest risk group it is closely by adults over 65
- drowning is the leading cause of death in people with Autism and is 160x more likely than the rest of the general pediatric population
- children under 1 are most likely to drown in the bathtub
- 69% of children who are submerged or have drowned in swimming pools were not expected to be near or in the pool
ALWAYS CHECK THE WATER FIRST!

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html
https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/data-research/index.html #:~:text=Drowning%20Deaths%20by%20State,Unreliable

05/05/2026

One topic we hit on every year and will continue to raise awareness for is drowning prevention and water safety. In fact may has been designated National Water Safety Month and Drowning Prevention Month. Swim season is just around the corner whether it be chillin' in the pool, tubing on the river or down the creek, or taking the boat out on the lake. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children 1-14.

One of the biggest things that can make a difference in how fast you see a child struggling is their bathing suit. Neons such as pink, orange, green, and yellow with no pattern are easiest to see. Small patterns typically do not affect visibility where as larger prints can decrease visibility. Lighter colors can appear as reflections in the water. Red is also a great contrast color and easily visible.

Swim suits in dark colors like black or grey, white, or blue are easily hidden in all bodies of water and can increase the time of a potential drowning being spotted. Having children stay near the surface can also help with visibility.

You may find yourself confused on why it can look so bright on land and disappear in the water; light is absorbed unevenly by water, with longer wavelengths (red,orange,etc.) fade first whereas shorter wavelengths (blue,green,etc.) pe*****te deeper which unfortunately makes them fade and blend into the water. Neons resist absorption and their fluorescent dyes emit the UV light back to the viewer in an aggressive way, that is why they 'glow'. If the sun is bright, ripples in the water, and chlorine can all scatter light which can make white and pastel colors look like reflections on the surface.

https://alive-solutions.com/water-safety/f/swimsuit-color-and-pattern-testing-results
https://poolguardusa.com/best-swimsuit-colors-for-safety/?srsltid=AfmBOopQguI4XIBz81xeWAGGcSgULqaPDuz1uxy0d6XC9YG8p9WiduwF

04/24/2026

For this week in April we are shining the spotlight on a very important job that is often nknown and unappreciated; April is Occupational Therapy Awareness Month.
Occupational Therapy Month was established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in 1980.

Fun historical fact!

Occupational can be traced all the way back to 100 B.C. to Greek physicians using techniques such as bath, music, conversation, travel, exercises, and massages to treat emotional and mental disorders.

In the 1800s William Rush Dunton Jr., strongly advocated these therapeutic approaches, helping to establish the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy – now known as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This recognition of the practice’s benefits set the stage for a significant milestone in the 1900s when occupational therapy became a formally recognized profession.

Pioneering the field, Eleanor Clarke Slagle opened the first school for occupational therapists in Chicago, further advancing the profession’s reach and impact.

Celebrate National Occupational Therapy Month! Learn how OT helps children build essential life skills, independence, and confidence.