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Healia Offers Tips and Expert Advice for Seasonal Allergy Sufferers

Posted on: Tuesday, 20 May 2008, 15:00 CDT

With pollen counts climbing, the more than 35 million people in the United States affected by seasonal allergies can look forward to symptoms such as itchy, red eyes, sneezing and a runny nose in the next few months. To help those affected by seasonal allergies, the health experts at Healia (www.healia.com), a free online health search engine and community, are offering tips and expert advice on how to enjoy the season without letting allergies get in the way. As part of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and Healia's ongoing commitment to help people make better health decisions, Dr. Stephen Tilles, a board certified allergist, will be available this month to answer questions about allergies. Dr. Tilles is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington, the Executive Director of the Asthma Inc. Clinical Research Center, and a partner of the Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center.

"Commonly referred to as hay fever, nasal allergies in the spring months are typically due to tree and grass pollen which affects about 25% of the general population with symptoms that can be very debilitating. However, there are several ways those affected can avoid symptoms," said Dr. Tilles.

Healia has developed an extensive health guide featuring tips and advice on allergies as well as a community where members can share their experiences and favorite resources. The health guide includes information on how to prevent allergies, triggers, symptoms, treatments, what to ask your doctor and recent research and developments in allergies. In addition to support from fellow community members, people can obtain answers to their allergy questions from an experienced panel of health professionals, including Dr. Tilles, in a timely manner -- typically within 48 hours.

Dr. Tom Eng, Healia president and founder, added, "There is a common misconception about the triggers for allergies and many people do not know that you can develop them at any age. Healia provides free and comprehensive resources to help people better understand allergies and other health issues so that people are better prepared for the allergy season and beyond."

A few tips from Healia's allergy health guide and allergist:

 --  When cold-like symptoms last longer than one or two weeks, you may     want to consult your doctor to discuss being tested for allergies --  Stay indoors when the pollen count is high, especially in the morning --  Take a quick shower or bath when coming indoors to rinse off pollen or     other allergens --  Abstain from hanging clothes outside to dry --  Keep your windows closed when there is a high pollen count --  Use the air conditioner when riding in the car --  Vacation where pollen isn't prevalent such as the beach. --  Consult your physician about medical treatments, such as medications     and immunotherapy      

For expert advice, more information on allergies, and to join the Healia Allergy Community, please visit www.healia.com.

About Healia

Based in Bellevue, Wash., Healia is a patent-pending health-optimized search engine and online health community that guides people to trusted health information, personal support and the understanding they need to make the best health decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Healia is a division of Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP) (www.meredith.com), one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies with businesses centering on magazine and book publishing, television broadcasting, integrated marketing, and interactive media. For more information please visit www.healia.com.

 Media Contacts: Cecilia Lago Albright/Danielle Zarrella Richmond Public Relations Phone: (206) 682-6979 Email Contact/ Email Contact

SOURCE: Healia

Source: MARKET WIRE

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