Updated Domain Name

Soo...it seems that some search engines were blocking Sweet Alexis because our domain name was too similar to an adult film star with a similar domain. Can't have that! So, we've updated our domain name to www.sweetalexisbakery.com. Not to worry, if you type in the original domain you will be redirected to the new domain. All is well and we are back to baking!!!

New cookie to be launched soon!!!

Exercise and Asthma

After moving to the Central Coast nearly 5 years ago, I was introduced to running by a neighbor and personal trainer, Liz Wilson of Fun and Fit Personal Training. Without any prior experience, I suddenly found myself training for 5ks, 10ks, a half-marathon and triathlon. However, it took me a long time to realize that I have “exercised induced asthma” which not only affect my performance but confidence as well. Since learning this (and opening the shop), my focus has been taken from running for a bit but the New Year has me inspired and there is no better time to get back on track and discuss exercise and Asthma.

What are the symptoms of Exercise Induced Asthma?
According to http://www.kidshealth.org/, symptoms of exercise induced asthma include wheezing, tightness of chest, coughing and shortness of breath. Some symptoms are more noticeable than others making it tough to diagnose. If you suspect any of these symptoms contact your physician and ask to be tested.

One very important symptom to watch out for, those with Exercise Induced Asthma can experience symptoms within the first 5 to 10 minutes of beginning exercise and take longer than an hour to subside.

What are the best exercises for people with Asthma?
According to WebMD, look for activities that have short intermittent periods of activity such as walking, jogging, hiking, golf, gymnastics, wrestling and baseball.

Swimming is also a good option because although it is a strong endurance sport, it is performed in a warm, moist air environment that most folks with asthma can tolerate. Not to mention, swimming is an excellent activity for maintaining fitness.

Other beneficial activities include biking and indoor activities such as aerobics, running on the treadmill and interactive home videos.

What exercises should you avoid with Asthma?
Activities and involve long periods of exertion such as soccer, long distance running and field hockey. Also avoid cold weather sports such as ice hockey and ice skating, or wear a scarf or mask to avoid cold air inhalation with can trigger an asthmatic attack and please check with your physician.

Tips to take if you have Exercised Induced Asthma:
If you suspect that you do have asthma, it is always recommended to consult with a physician. However, there are some recommended tips that one can do prior to exercise:
1. Warm up before exercising
2. Breathe through the nose or wear a scarf or mask especially on cold and poor air quality days.
3. Rest periodically – Exercise at a level that is appropriate for you.
4. Cool down properly after exercising.
5. Consult your doctor regarding recommended medications to help control asthma and emergency rescue inhalers.

Now of course, there is a difference between someone with Asthma and one who is out of shape, the out of shape person can catch their breath within a few minutes whereas Asthmatics can not. However, with a help of a physician and proper care there is no reason why folks with Asthma should not partake in normal physical activities.

Hopefully this has inspired you and you are on your way to a Healthy and Happy 2010!

Sweet Alexis Lands on Peanut Free Planet!

Did you hear the news?

Peanut Free Planet Proudly Presents Individually Wrapped Fresh Baked Cookies Peanut Free, Tree Nut Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free from Sweet Alexis!!!

Use Coupon Code Sweet1Coupon for $1 offup to 10 cookie packs, combos or variety packs!Coupon code good through 12-14-2009
Sweet Alexis Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sweet Alexis Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
Can't decide on one or the other? We understand.The Sweet Alexis Cookie Combo Packs are just what you need!
The Sweet Alexis Variety Pack has both the wonderful Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Cookies along with Chocolate Cake Zucchini Bread Applesauce Raisin Loaf Blueberry Loaf Banana Bread and Pumpkin Raisin Bread!
Peanut Free Planet 15252 Stony Creek WaySuite 103 Noblesville, IN 46060-4930

Phone: 317-910-2335 Email: info@peanutfreeplanet.com

Dave Congalton KVEC talks Food Allergies

Tune in tomorrow to 920 KVEC AM or www.920kvec.com between 4:15 and 5pm. Michele Fellows, owner of Sweet Alexis Dairy, Egg, Tree nut and Peanut free bakery will be the in studio guest along with fill-in host, Robyn O'Leary. Dave won't be there but he is a huge Sweet Alexis fan and supporter and I'll be sure to leave him basket of goodies. Robyn and I have lot's to discuss including our new store hours, distribution on Peanut Free Planet (www.peanutfreeplanet.com), Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Networks (www.foodallergy.org) new membership only e-discount page, march on Congress with the Food Allergy Initiative (www.fai-usa.org), and 4-year-old Cooper's peanut sniffing dog through Angel Service Dogs (www.angelserivedogs.com). If you would like to call in, please do so at 805) 543-8830.

Allergy Friendly Samples Sent to Texas School Nurses

Samples of Sweet Alexis dairy, egg, tree nut and peanut free products were sent to Texas! The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (http://www.foodallergy.org/) will be making a presentation introducing FAAN ’s food allergy programming to the 54 Lead Nurse Administrators for the Texas Education Agency’s Region 4. According to FAAN, these Lead Nurse Administrators are from 54 school districts representing over 1,000,000 students, 1,400 campuses, and more than 83,000 professional educators – roughly 25% of the public school population in the State of Texas . Sweet Alexis samples will be included in a gift basket that will be presented to each nurse. As food allergies can be life-threatening, it falls under the disabilities act and school districts must learn to accommodate these children. Thanks to FAAN, schools are learning how to do just that including sampling safe food options such as Sweet Alexis. Hopefully soon, food safe products will be in the schools so the 4% of children with food allergies (according to the L.A. Times) can have a safe and delicious treats like everyone else.

No Flu Shot for Children Allergic to Egg, Now What?

Due to Alexis and Ryan's allergy to egg, they are not able to get flu shots, mists, etc. because the vaccine is cured in egg. Initially, I'll admit, I was very concerned since there are so many cases of H1N1 across the country, how can I keep them from being exposed. Alexis especially is at high risk with her compromised immune system and chronic asthma. At first I did contemplate keeping her home from school, but for how long. Months?

Now I believe my food allergic children must live within the world as it exists. There is no possible human way to eliminate all of their allergens from any given situation because there are so many; dairy, egg, tree nut, peanut, coconut, shellfish, mustard and cherries. As tough as it seems, they must learn to identify each of the allergens so they can not only keep themselves safe and to gain independence. As the flu virus spread, the realization came over me that there is no way to keep them from being exposed to this as well.

How do we keep them safe? Well, one thing that we have done is find "safe" vitamins that help boost their immune system. We found a great product at http://www.naturesplus.com/, that not only is gluten free, but hypo-allergenic and vegetarian. Not to mention free from yeast, wheat, soy and milk. Please check ingredients and with your doctor before using, but so far my kids are extremely healthy and I know they have been exposed to the flu.

In addition, my allergist also recommended we take vitamin D3. Again, please check with your doctor or log onto http://www.webmd.com/ before using, but I have felt flu symptoms coming on and once I took D3 it was gone. However, I do not give this particular vitamin to the kids as it does contain lactose.

Sweet Alexis Now Available at Peanut Free Planet!

Sweet Alexis Gift Pack featuring all eight of our delicious Dairy, Egg, Tree nut and Peanut free goodies, not available at Peanut Free Planet, log onto www.peanutfreeplanet.com. Shop now for the holidays!