Vol IX Sept 2008 | The Village Green Apothecary E-Newsletter

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It’s Allergy Season…

Scratchy throat, runny nose, itchy eyes... Is it a cold or could it be seasonal allergies?

Fall is here, and along with cooler evenings and changing leaf colors come less welcome elements of the season: ragweed, pigweed, plantain, sheep sorrel, sagebrush, and other weeds. In temperate climates like ours, fall weed pollens are most likely to be the culprits behind your hay fever (technically called allergic rhinitis).

If you’re an allergy sufferer, it’s time to take action!

Here's some helpful tips:

• Avoid those autumnal allergens. Keep windows closed (in the car as well as at home) and limit the time you spend outdoors. If you must mow the lawn or rake leaves, consider wearing a face mask.

• Scrub your air. Invest in a high-quality HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) purifier and a HEPA vacuum to help reduce allergens indoors.

• Go green. Keep plants that remove pollutants from air. These types include bamboo palm, Boston fern, dracaena, English ivy, ficus ali, peace lily, rubber plant and spider plant.

• Wash away your allergens! A great way to soothe nasal passages and remove allergens from the body is to use a “neti pot,” a small vessel that helps flush the sinuses with slightly salted warm water. Recommended use is twice daily during allergy season — once in the morning and again after spending time outdoors.

• Boost your immune system. Eat a diet high in antioxidants (think veggies and berries.) Take a top-notch multivitamin and essential fatty acids, and support your allergy resistance with supplements like those listed below.

Did you know ...

Cantaloupe, bananas, watermelon and honeydew contain similar proteins to ragweed? Some people may need to avoid these fruits in order to reduce compounding symptoms.

Meet Brian Riordan

Customer Experience Manager

Bethesda native Brian Riordan grew up just a couple blocks from Village Green Apothecary, and he was the fourth employee on board when he was hired over 30 years ago. Over the years, he has provided one-on-one assistance to thousands of customers with an impressive array of health issues including allergies, asthma, osteoporosis, candidiasis, insomnia, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, cognitive impairment, stress management, dermatitis, cardiovascular disease, colds and flu — and many more.

Whether you’re concerned about side-effects from a medication or looking for exactly the right supplement for your needs, Brian is here to help you.

“When someone is concerned about their symptoms or unsure about which product they need, I’m here to help. And when you end up smiling, that makes me happy, too.”

Clearly Brian is a born problem-solver. He’s truly fascinated with difficult puzzles, and welcomes challenging problems like drug depletion of critical nutrients, drug-nutrient interactions, and the effect of toxins, drugs, the environment, diet and lifestyle on people’s health and wellness.

Brian has insatiable curiosity and an appetite for learning. His passion is figuring out today’s complex health issues by blending research science with the knowledge of human-body chemistry. He recently completed a four-tier course at The Washington Institute of Natural Medicine, and now he’s working on his Certified Nutritional Consultant Certificate (CNC) from The American Association of Nutritional Consultants. When you ask Brian for help, you get the benefit of his blend of education, experience, and insight.

Brian also educates his fellow Village Green staff members as well as customers, family and friends. He believes wholeheartedly that…

“Our health and wellness is the core of who we are, and if it isn’t balanced, then our daily lives are out of balance.”

Helping people achieve this delicate balance gives Brian the motivation and energy to learn more every day. Besides, Brian was born to do this work. In his words:

“The fast pace of the ever-changing landscape in alternative health and nutrition is exciting, and that’s why I find it a lot of fun.”

While Brian is at Village Green Apothecary most every day of the week, don’t be surprised if you also see him at The Music Center at Strathmore. He’s a professional drummer who performs locally with pop band Cairo Fred, and also cuts an occasional CD and coaches young musicians. For even more balance, he’s an avid herb and vegetable gardener who enjoys cooking, fishing, hiking, traveling, sports and carpentry.

Drop by and talk with Brian at Village Green and discover what a well-rounded, personable guy he is. Brian is eager to learn about your needs and help you find the health and wellness that will bring balance to your life.

Recommended Pathway Products

Pathway ALLERGY SUPPORT PLUS

Pathway SYNERGY C

Vitamin C has a longstanding reputation as an essential antioxidant, necessary for healthy respiratory function. Synergy-C® can help reduce circulating histamine levels and inflammation associated with allergic reactions. This formula also contains quercetin and turmeric for added anti-inflammatory benefits.

Pathway QUERCETIN PLUS

Bioflavonoids are antioxidants found in many fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. They work with Vitamin C to enhance its absorption, as well as support the structure of small blood vessels and strengthen connective tissue. Quercetin is a key bioflavonoid that helps inhibit the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. This formula contains a healthful blend of 500 mg of quercetin, plus rutin and grape seed OPCs.

Individualized Nutrition, Pharmacy, and Healthy Living

5415 W. Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
Order online or by phone: myvillagegreen.com | 301-530-0800

The information in this newsletter is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician if you have any question regarding a medical condition.