The sweet smell of spring swirls through the air. Embracing the sure cure for cabin fever, you burst outdoors in a tee shirt, while there is still a wee nip to the air. Brimming with glee, for a moment you forget that this anxiously anticipated exodus from winter is also the beginning of allergy season. With the incidence of allergies on the rise in the United States, you probably know someone (if not yourself) who suffers through the annual bout of sneezing and wheezing.
   In her cover story article, “Allergies: Causes & Solutions,” author Sherri J. Tenpenny, DO states, “Allergies are now the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in America, costing U.S. companies more than $250 million every year due to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity.” Fortunately, you have both conventional and holistic options to pursue when searching for relief. Dr. Tenpenny discusses how and why allergies affect your body; she also explains, “Many non-pharmaceutical methods are available that have a track record for being gentle and quite effective.”
   Rachel Pritzker Hunter, the author of another one of our cover story articles, “Food Sensitivities: Common to the Modern Diet,” addresses causes for this type of immune response, which also affects increasing numbers of Americans. She explains, “Some of the most common symptoms of food sensitivities include dark or puffy circles under the eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, ear infections, swollen glands or tonsils, asthma, rashes, headaches, dizziness, muscle or joint soreness, mental “fog,” depression, anxiety, attention problems, insomnia, fatigue and all kinds of digestive problems including bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.” Thankfully, she also discusses treatments for food sensitivities.
   Flavor and variety is not lost for people on restricted diets! In his article in our Recipe department, Chef Jon Grumbles proposes, “Instead of focusing on what cannot be used, be creative with the plethora of great items that can be used in preparing an amazing, allergen-free meal.” In our cover story section, we also included recommended strategies for dining out, along with a list of area restaurants that cater to restricted diets. Our Conscious Cuisine department features one of these, Mustard Seed Café. In addition to serving meals made from natural and organic ingredients, this restaurant specifically strives to cater to every diet – vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, diary-free – as well as those who prefer a sizable steak or a piece of fresh fish.
Adele Eisner also writes about a local establishment that “…caters to people with celiac disease, a gluten intolerance that can lead to a host of mild to severe digestive symptoms; those with lactose intolerance; and those with eczema or asthma, or who are otherwise on food elimination diets to determine specific sensitivities.” Her article, “Delicious Delights for Restricted Diets from the Chocolate Emporium,” explains how a University Heights chocolatier caters to every sort of sweet tooth.
  As always, take an active role in your health. Explore your options and, as Rachel Pritzker Hunter encourages, become your own detective. As the earth renews itself each spring, invigorate your own interest in personal wellness. We hope the articles in this issue will be your springboard.