
Those who battle with food allergies know too well the struggle of having to check, double check and then TRIPLE CHECK every little ingredient on restaurant menus. But imagine if you were able to outgrow your food allergies. The future is here, and scientists are on a mission to turn us all into superhumans who don’t have to deal with allergies anymore at all.
Viaskin Peanut Patch is a new little skin patch that works by administering super small doses of peanut protein through the skin. Little by little, your body is supposed to develop an immunity through the patch. But there’s a catch: It’s only being tested on children and young adults (up to age 25). Every morning, participants in the study placed either a high-dosage, low dosage or placebo peanut patch on their arm or shoulder.
After a year of testing, subjects came back to the lab and researchers tested to see if their peanut tolerance had changed. For about half of the participants on the low dosage or high dosage patch, their immune system was better able to deal with the presence of peanuts in their body. Participants between age four and 11 responded especially well to the treatment, basically proving that the immune system is easier to adapt when it’s younger.
The study is going to continue for another 18 months, but if all goes well, the treatment should be commercially available in the very near future.
How do you deal with allergies? Let us know @BritandCo!
(h/t Gizmodo; photo via Getty)
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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