How do I not adore my allergist when their practice takes managing environmental allergies to a whole new level? Allergy and Asthma Medical Group of the Bay Area, provides a permanent home to a Burkard pollen counter, which is a volumetric pollen counter, on the roof of their Pleasanton, California office. These kind of tools are one of many that help me ensure my family is ready for a great day! Have you even seen one of these machines?
Pollen and Air Quality Management
I love to geek out on stuff like this! But seriously speaking, pollen counts have been an issue across the nation this year with many areas, like my Northern Nevada, experiencing a unusually wet winter. Thus bringing to us new vegetation and environmental allergies that are beastly. Sad, but true, I daily check out AirNow.com to look a the air quality and then the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s (AAAAI) National Allergy Bureau (NAB) webpage to find my local pollen counts.
Right now the pollen counts are good here, but in California, where I visited last week, there were some high weeds pollen counts. Having this knowledge helps us decide if we need to take an antihistamine before we travel or head out on the golf course, etc.
The Impressive Burkard Pollen Counter in Action
The video below (taped in May), shows how this mechanical wonder works.
Reducing Stress in My Health Care
It’s undeniable that my allergists are from a different and wonderful planet as they mix science, medicine, fun and life together. I say this since I also discovered they have a balcony garden at this location and invite staff and families to use this area when a child (or adult) need a little quiet space (think food challenges).
DVD monitors are in patient rooms and the staff maintains a fun Pun-of-the-Day board. As I enjoyed their upbeat personalities, I realized this the seemingly small, yet vastly valuable and important tools, impact our outcomes. The positive staff attitude, helps us through stressful diagnosis, food challenges and appointments. Their energy directly effects my kids and my own anxiety and gently guides me to a better space.
The waiting room was a calm and peaceful environment. My only complaint the missing copy of Allergic Living Magazine, which I promptly shared!
All of these tools, taking pollen counts and encouraging us to review them, working to create a low stress environment and a balcony, which is hopefully bursting with tomatoes and cucumbers, all play an important role in health care.
For me, managing asthma and food allergies includes the reality of keeping a balance of science, medicine and a good life. Is the balcony necessary? Nope? Are TV monitors crucial? No. Do they help occupy children and help keep stress levels low and hence improving the quality of care? Absolutely!
I am grateful for the many allergists out here who work to offer more than diagnosis. Who dedicate extra time to quality of life, education, environment and patient care. These subtle items are priceless!
Disclaimer: I profess my undying love and admiration to the Allergy and Asthma Medical Group of the Bay Area. I was not paid to write lovely or ugly things about them. My family have been patients for 17 years and I just admire how the practice grows in amazing ways.
Summer Fresh: Key Lime and Coconut Rice Crispy Style Treat
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..