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The following are recommendations for individuals sensitive to fur and feathers:

* If you have pets, try to keep them outside at all times. If you do not have pets at this time, do not get them. Pets can contaminate areas with their dander. If you are moving to a new home, find out if the previous residents owned pets, because specialized cleaning may be required.

* Feathers are another source of sensitivity in the home. Dacron, plastic foam, or synthetic pillows are recommended instead of feathers. Avoid down comforters or feather beds. Pets with feathers should be kept outside. Avoid contact with fowl (chicken coops etc.).

* Horse dander can be carried on clothes. Avoid objects and persons directly connected with the handling of horses. Clothes should be thoroughly cleaned after exposure to horses and kept isolated from other clothes. Products that may contain horse hair include hats, wigs, hair brushes, mattresses, sofa cushions, fishing lines, furniture padding, car seats, gloves, clothes, ropes, furs, and toothbrushes.
* Cow and hog hair can be found in mattresses, automobile cushions, ropes, fur toy animals, insulation, and mixed into mortar or plaster walls. Chenille carpet is made of cow hair. When choosing a pad or mat for under rugs or carpeting be sure to use foam matting instead of cow hair.

* Rabbit hair is used in the manufacture of gloves, house slippers, fur collars, and angora.

* Goat hair is used in many sweaters, and the lining of coats, collars, and gloves. Highly refined wool is not an offender except in highly sensitive individuals. Rayon, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics are recommended instead of wool products.

* Kapok is a plant related to cotton and is found in sofa cushions, mattresses, sleeping bags, life preservers, and stuffed toys. Kapok is frequently used as a substitute for feathers or as a padding in furniture. Kapok crumbles to dust in a few years and should be avoided by allergic individuals.

Ginger (JIN-ger) is a product that is made from the plant Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Products made from plants are often called botanicals or herbals.

Ginger has been used by many people for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. It has also been used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery. While some people have found it beneficial, studies supporting this use are not good enough to prove that it is effective. No serious side/adverse effects have been reported.

Although ginger has been used in folk medicine to treat a number of other conditions, there have not been any studies to support these uses and they cannot be recommended by USP advisory panels.

Ginger has a long history of use, but only a few studies on ginger have been done in humans. Little is known about its specific effects and its interactions with medicines. Because of this lack of information, use of ginger to treat problems in children and pregnant or breast-feeding women is not recommended.

If you have a serious medical condition, you should check with your health care professional. Some conditions should not be treated with botanical or herbal products.

Shiitake mushrooms (also called golden oak, Chinese black, or forest) were popularized by their usage in Asian cuisine. Shiitakes range in color from tan to dark brown and are characterized by broad, umbrella-shaped caps, with tan grills under the cap. With a rich and woodsy flavor, shiitakes develop a meaty texture when cooked.

Fluted and graceful, oyster mushrooms are named for their soft brown or gray color and unique oyster shell shape. They impart a delicate, mild mushroom flavor when cooked, and have a texture that is equally delicate and velvety.

Long favored by European cooks, the crimini mushroom has a naturally dark cap, which ranges in color from light tan to rich brown. Its flavor is deeper, denser, and earthier than fresh white button mushrooms. The large version of crimini is the portobello mushroom, which is terrific for grilling.

Storage: Always refrigerate mushrooms and use within 2 days. A hint is to add a paper towel to the package to absorb any extra moisture. Never wash mushrooms until immediately before use.

Technically, there is no such thing as a sulfite allergy. Experts are not sure why sulfur-based preservatives act like true allergens. The response in sensitive people can range from a mild tingling sensation to a life-threatening bronchial constriction that blocks air flow to the lungs. People with asthma who are dependent on corticosteroids are especially prone to sulfite sensitivity and are most at risk for severe reactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 1 in 100 people are sulfite sensitive and that 5 percent of people with asthma are also at risk for adverse reaction to sulfites.

Sulfites have been used for centuries to inhibit browning of light-colored fruits and vegetables, to prevent “black spot” on shrimp and lobster, to limit bacterial growth in wine as it ferments and to maintain the stability of some medications.

Sulfite-containing ingredients include sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, sodium metabilsulfite and potassium metabisulfite.

The FDA requires that sulfites be listed on labels of processed foods and prohibits the use of sulfites on fresh produce intended to be sold or served raw. (Note: Fresh or frozen processed potato products may contain sulfites.) Check the ingredient portion of the label for sulfite-containing preservatives.

hen buying food at the deli, supermarket or at a restaurant, the FDA recommends that consumers who are concerned about sulfites:

-Choose plain, fresh-food selections.

– Ask the manager to check the ingredient label on the product’s original bulk container (avoid all potatoes except baked).

– Avoid foods you know have sulfites.

– Bring an inhaler or self-administering injectable epinephrine when you eat out, if you have asthma.