Allergies and this week on “Exhale”

whitley

This week on Exhale we talk with the hilarious Kym Whitley. We chat about how she got her start in comedy, her reality show and of course, her gorgeous son. Having adopted him without knowing his family medical history, she discovered that he has a lot of food allergies. And since babies can’t tell you what they can and can’t eat, she was nervous to leave him with sitters, daycare. So she came up with this t-shirt parents can put on their kids when they’re staying with new people just to remind them about food allergies. You write in your kid’s name with a Sharpie up top and then check the boxes of the things he/she is allergic to. And there are write-in boxes below for items not listed.

Isn’t that a FANTASTIC idea? As a person with severe allergies to a whole host of things, I can really appreciate this. She said that she’s even received messages from parents of autistic children who are unable to articulate their issues to caregivers saying “You’re saving my child’s life.” So powerful. You can order these shirts in English and Spanish at dontfeedme.org.

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I had a severe allergy attack that landed me in the ER just yesterday. For the past month, I’ve been having these persitent reactions (hives, eye and lip swelling, throat swelling). Thought it was a new food allergy and have been journaling to try and narrow it down. But after yesterday I know for sure, my allergy is to aspirin.

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I posted the status above on Facebook about a week ago. I was making a joke. Because I’m a comedian who currently has no medical insurance. But allergies are no joke. THANK GOD I had just gotten my epipen Rx filled. Without it, I’d never have made it to the hospital. Those two aspirin almost took me out, and I’m a grown woman. To think of what kids go through when they have severe allergy attacks — now more than ever I wanna buy these shirts for every parent I know just in case. Thanks so much Kym for what you’re doing!

Below is the trailer for this week’s show. We also talk with Keisha Knight Pulliam, Jeffrey Osborne, and Kevin Rodney Sullivan. SO much fun! I hope you’ll tune in. Wednesdays at 8pm. Only on ASPiRE.

Neti my love, Neti my love, Neti my lo-ove…

I have struggled with allergies and sinus problems my whole life. I get at least one really bad sinus infection every year. It’s why I HATE spring.

So one of my girlfriends turned me on to the Neti Pot.

P.S. Just in case, the Tide has nothing to do with this process. I proabably should have moved it.

P.S. Just in case you're wonderin', the Tide has nothing to do with this process.

OMG where has this thing been all my life? The concept is kinda gross — mix up a saline solution in this little pot, then pour it into one of your nostrils and let it travel through your sinuses until it comes out the other nostril.

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I said I know it’s gross. But it works.

The first time I did it, I felt like I was drowning. I’m not yet used to the feeling but man if I didn’t feel better immediately afterwards. Cleans all the pollen and what-not from your sinuses. It’s not sexy, but neither is wearing a face full of Vicks VapoRub when you go to the movies to see the Soloist — or at least that’s what I’ve heard.

Thanks D for the recommend. I’m breathin’ easy(er).

E

I’m allergic to everything and my friends are ridiculous

This is an e-mail exchange I just had with my friend Ryan after asking if I could crash at his place in NYC this weekend. You’ll probably need to read from the bottom up to get it. This proves how ridiculously hilarious my friends are. 

You’re welcome. And Ryan, you make me LOL.

From: Ryan Conner
Date: 2008/04/28 Mon PM 01:54:07 CDT
To: Erin Jackson
Subject: Re: Re: saturday

No pets. Are you allergic, or do you really like to pet things?

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On Mon, Apr 28, 2008 at 2:44 PM, Erin Jackson wrote:
Awesome! Thanks Ryan. I’ll be on my best behavior ;) oh wait, do u guys have any pets? i always forget to ask that.

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From: Ryan Conner
Date: 2008/04/28 Mon AM 10:12:02 CDT
To: Erin Jackson
Subject: Re: saturday

You can definitely stay with me.