Isn't that romantic? Unfortunately, for people with allergic rhinitis, it's a dream. I know that, unless I take medications first, I would never be able to have my picture taken in a field ripe with pollen such as that. Well, maybe it's possible, but romantic-looking, it won't be.

Allergies aren't just embarrassing, but often all the discomfort and energy-sapping symptoms push romance (and sex) to the farthest recesses of your mind. A new study published recently in the journal Allergy and Asthma Proceeding found that "83% of allergic rhinitis sufferers polled said that their sexual activity was affected at least sometimes. About 17% said that allergies always or almost always had a negative impact on their sex life".

Are your allergies cramping your sex life? Click and read on!

What's the best gift you can give someone with food allergies? A basket of safe goodies, of course! Indulge in holiday cookies, without worries of a reaction. HomeFree, a brand of organic, whole grain, ready-to-eat cookies free of common food allergens including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and eggs, has put together two terrific gifts for the sweet tooth on your list with food allergies this holiday season.

These chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies are made in a dedicated facility and are suitable for those who are allergic to the abovementioned ingredients. Note, however that they are NOT gluten-free and NOT soy-free.

If you would like to purchase a gift basket or a gift box, you may purchase them online from the Home Free website.

Food. Molds. Pets. Dustmites. Those are some the more common culprits for allergies during this time of the year. It's a time for parties and lots of dining out. Trees, boughs and hollies are brought into homes for decoration. Pets spend more time indoors and we get more exposed to dust mites when we travel and spend holidays in hotel rooms.

How to control these holiday allergies? Basically, the rule of thumb is simply to avoid exposure. WebMD has more tips how to dodge these holiday wet blankets.

One other thing: keep stress levels low. Queuing up the cashier's? Haven't planned the dinner menu yet? Lat minute gist shopping? Trouble booking holiday travel arrangements? Breathe in, breathe out. Stress and anxiety bogs down your immune system, making it less able to fend off allergy symptoms.

The Fresh Air Fund is looking for runners and sponsors to join the Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon on March 21, 2009. Grab this chance to participate in NYC's premier summer road race while helping Fresh Air Fund children.

What is the Fresh Air Fund?

Every year, The Fresh Air Fund gives thousands of inner-city children the priceless gift of fun – and opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.Whether its a two-week trip to the country to visit a volunteer host family, or a fun-filled and educational stay at one of our camps, our programs make for unforgettable memories – and open a world of new friendships and fresh possibilities.

Over the last year, public donations and support gave nearly 10,000 inner-city children country experiences that they're still talking about! We all know how much more prone to asthma and respiratory allergies these children are. This holiday season, give them the gift of fresh air. Find out the many ways you can help here.

The Rock Creek Nut Co. of Union is recalling all "Quick Fix" trail mix because it contains undeclared milk and soy in the carob chips.

"Quick Fix" was distributed in Oregon and Washington at retail stores. They are packaged in 8 oz and 2 oz clear plastic bags. They do not contain a lot code.

If you have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk or soy, do not consume the product. For questions, you may call (541) 562-5482.