From the Editor: Got Food Allergies?

“Product may contain traces of wheat, milk, and soy.” That is the language with which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food companies to disclose the most common allergy-causing ingredients in their products.

Chances are, there are at least two children in every school classroom with food allergies. Some area schools are now “nut-free,” providing a safe haven for children with severe nut allergies. This may seem to be much ado about nothing to those not affected by food allergies. In fact, some experts think the number of allergy cases is stable. Stable or not, there’s no doubt that public awareness of food allergies is increasing. This issue will provide some general guidelines for those needing to take action, and will examine the difference between food allergies and food intolerance.

In “Women’s Health”, we highlight premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Sarah Holda, a nurse practitioner at Chelsea’s Women’s Health Center, provides some insight into diagnosis, symptoms, and treatments. Finally, in “Emerging Issues”, our neuro-rehab therapists talk about improving reading comprehension with an exciting new computer-based training tool.