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A Discussion With Tracey Thorn, Bedsit Disco Queen and Author
Last week songwriter Tracey Thorn, who's best known for her work in the musical duo Everything But the Girl, released her memoir, Bedsit Disco Queen: How I Grew Up and Tried to Be a Pop Star in the U.S. It's a witty and charming chronicle of a career full of happy accidents and success found in the least likely of places — like clubland, which the formerly acoustic-based duo took by storm in 1995 when legendary house producer Todd Terry remixed their "Missing" and the results yielded a global smash.
It was a long road to electronic reinvention. The following excerpt from Bedsit Disco Queen deals with Everything but the Girl's early experiences in the United States, including the recording of their fifth album, The Language of Life, in Los Angeles. Read it and join us a 1 p.m. ET, when Tracey will take part in a reader Q&A in the discussion section of this post.
How quickly a pop career goes by. Leaves behind its beginnings and transforms into something you never imagined, never planned for, perhaps never wanted. It was only 1989. Only five years since I'd left Hull University, wrapped in glory, the indie darling. Now the overwhelming feeling I had within the UK music scene – no longer being part of an indie band, not part of the rave culture, nor happily existing at mainstream level, above such concerns – was that of isolation.
It was the Summer of Love. All around me young people were heading out to the countryside to take drugs in fields and dance around in cagoules to loud, repetitive beats.
And what did we do? We headed out to the countryside and . . . bought a little cottage.
Did anyone mention the word retreat?
In a time-wasting fury of DIY mania, we ripped up carpets and threw them from the upstairs windows, stripped off wallpaper and painted bare walls chalky-white, disconnected the cooker and replaced it with an oil-burning stove and water heater that never really worked. I decided to take on the garden as my project and spent whole days, until late into the evening, struggling to clear beds choked with sticky goose grass and stinging nettles. It took me back to my childhood spent playing in the fields around the village, finding dandelion clocks and the papery seed pods of honesty. I knew precisely nothing about gardening, and would rip away at bunches of ground elder till they broke off in my hand, not realising they had an underground root system, which would ensure they came back bigger and stronger by the next morning. Having cleared an area of a few square yards, I filled the space with whatever was in flower down at the garden centre, then left the plants to fend for themselves, till within a few weeks they had wilted, or starved, or been smothered by the weeds which, reinvigorated by my turning of the soil and dispersing of their seeds, had now returned with a vengeance.
After we'd finished with the inside of the cottage, and had removed anything that smacked of suburban modern comforts, we sat down in our newly minimal space and looked out of the window. And got up to rearrange something, and sat back down again. And watched as it got dark at three o'clock in the afternoon.
'Jesus,' I said, 'it's very quiet, isn't it?'
Ben was pacing about a bit.
'What time does the pub open?' we wondered.
This clearly wasn't going to work. It took us about half an hour to discover that we weren't cut out for the country life at all. The silence at night spooked us, and we couldn't sleep without the soothing sound of traffic. When a solitary car would amble down the lane late, and its headlights sweep across our bedroom curtains, I would sit bolt upright in bed, waiting for the smash of the downstairs window as the inevitable axe murderer broke in. It seemed to be dark more or less all day long, and if we arrived for a weekend it would take us most of Saturday and Sunday to get the place warmed up. What had we been thinking? We were townies, through and through; we just hadn't realised it.
Pretty soon we'd sold the cottage and come back to London full time.
But still I couldn't decide what to do next, or how to fill the time while I tried to decide.
I took another very un-rock 'n' roll decision and applied to study for an MA in Modern English Literature at Birkbeck College. I went up for an interview, at which they eyed me suspiciously.
'So, you say you're in a pop group?' A little glance off to the side, a suppressed smirk.
'Ye-e-es, that's right. But it doesn't take up all my time, and this is a part-time course . . . '
'And do you ... go off on ... tours?' Barely keeping a straight face now.
'Well, yes, but I can read on the bus.'
By October 1988, I was spending Monday evenings in tutorial sessions, talking about Yeats and Pound, Leavis and Empson, Foucault and feminism.
None of these projects or diversions solved the problem, though, or answered the basic question that was nagging away at us both – how we should make another record. And there was no doubt that we would make another one. The dilemma was fundamentally a musical one, and could only be answered in those terms. We'd lost our place within the UK music scene, partly because it had moved away from what felt instinctive to us, but also because we'd drifted into making careless mistakes. And now we felt rejected, misunderstood and blameless, and extremely sorry for ourselves. And so, like many before us, feeling scorned in Britain we went to America to feel forgiven.
It was different there. As an English band you always felt glamorous anyway. It was only a slight extension of the way in which all English people are made to feel – smart and sophisticated.
When we toured there, I always felt I was regarded as cooler, cleverer, classier than I was at home. And in the late 1980s we were still seen as being part of a pop avant-garde, experimenting with and updating classic elements from jazz and soul and stripped-down songwriting. Having not had any hits in the US also meant that we were not at all mainstream. Given that we now felt we were widely perceived in the UK as being a bit naff, this was enormously appealing.
We decided it was time to return a phone call that had first come in a few years ago. Soul/jazz producer Tommy LiPuma, who had worked with a catalogue of greats from Horace Silver and Miles Davis through to Randy Newman and George Benson, and who had recently contributed production to Aztec Camera's Love album, had said long ago that he had an interest in producing us. At the time it hadn't seemed the right thing to do, but now we took a leap of faith, contacted him and asked him if he wanted to hear some demos.
Tommy, who came from the old school in the strictest sense, said that he wasn't interested in hearing demos, he just wanted us to come out to New York and play him the songs we had. We obediently got on a plane and went to meet him at his Upper East Side apartment, which oozed Manhattan class, with fine art on the walls and a huge wine fridge in the kitchen. From there, we all went to a downtown studio, where he led us into a small recording room containing just a piano and a mic.
'OK,' he said, 'just play me what you got!'
Fuck, this was just like the Brill Building come to life! We were Leiber and Stoller! We were Gerry Goffin and Carole King!
We spent the whole day round the piano, hammering out every song we'd written in the last year, till I had no voice left and no idea whether I was any good or not.
'That's terrific,' said Tommy. 'Now we just pick the ten best and get started.'
So it was as simple as that? Apparently so.
This was a whole new approach for us, a kind of Tin Pan Alley tradition of record-making. We were the 'talent', in the sense that we wrote the songs and sang them, but beyond that we were not expected to come up with much else in the way of making the record. It was decided that we would record in LA, using classic studios like Sunset Sound and Ocean Way. The song arrangements were written for us by Larry Williams and Jerry Hey (both of whom had been instrumental in creating those Quincy Jones–Michael Jackson records), the band was put together for us and consisted of Omar Hakim on drums, John Patitucci on bass and Larry Williams on keyboards, with Ben playing guitar and piano. We simply gave ourselves up to the experience, happy to have been relieved of some of the burden of decision-making.
As for these musicians we were working with in America, they knew little of our background, or the esoteric British scene we'd emerged from, and why on earth should they? They could not have begun to comprehend how convoluted our ideas were about this record we were making, or about records in general. Though fairly diluted by this point, I still carried around a certain amount of attitude that was basically grounded in a punk sensibility. When Larry Williams, for instance, found out that we had recorded at Abbey Road, he was immediately impressed because it fitted us into a Great Tradition of record-making.
'Oh wow, guys,' he'd say, 'Abbey Road. The home of the Beatles!'
'God, I HATE the Beatles,' I replied.
There was a stunned silence.
'You ha-a-ate the Beatles ...?' he faltered. Clearly this wasn't a stance he had ever encountered before, whereas I had grown up around people who thought there was no greater fun to be had than dissing the Rolling Stones, or saying Bob Marley was crap. A certain iconoclasm was in the very air I breathed back home, but here it seemed it just didn't translate.
If we'd thought that we might be about to recreate some classic 1970s grooves, though, we soon found that we were sorely mistaken. These guys were all fully locked into the rhythm and production ideas of mid-1980s US jazz–soul fusion, and thought the 1970s were old hat, while many of the current innovations seemed to them to be a mere flash in the pan. A bit too trashy, too 'pop' even, to appear on a serious record. Hip hop and house beats were for kiddies, while they were going to show us how to make a record for grown-ups.
Starting work on a track in the studio one day, Ben tentatively suggested that he'd always heard it with a kind of swung beat, which he thought would sound great played in real time by a real drummer. They burst out laughing, and began to play the rhythm he'd suggested.
'Shit, man, that's a boogaloo!' they chuckled.
'People gonna say, "That's hysterical! You got Omar Hakim playing a boogaloo!"'
Whatever a boogaloo was, clearly it wasn't cool.
Another time, they started up a cabaret-style version of a current popular beat. Again, they obviously thought it was pathetic.
'New Jack Swing?' they declared. 'Noo Jack Shit!'
And we were on their turf, after all. We had come here specifically to buy some of what they were selling. There didn't seem to be much point in flying all the way out to LA and then demanding we make the same record we could have made back home. So for once, we kept our mouths shut and let ourselves sink into what was actually an extraordinarily easy and enjoyable experience.
We were innocents abroad, in many ways. We decided it would make sense if we stayed at the same hotel as Tommy LiPuma, so we checked into the Four Seasons Beverly Hills and stayed there, in a luxurious corner room with a wrap-around balcony and a view, for eight weeks. Being in a hotel meant that we had to send our clothes off to the hotel laundry service, and at the end of the first week I asked to see a running total of the bill, just to keep a check on things. The laundry bill alone was equivalent to the entire recording budget of my earliest records.
For the next eight weeks there were dinners every night in fancy restaurants. Anyone who happened to be in the studio was invited along. Tommy would order the wine and we would all drink it. We learned about Californian chardonnays and Caesar salads and grilled swordfish, when these things were unheard of in England. Ben hired a car and drove us through Laurel Canyon every day to the recording studio, and at night would drive it back to be valet-parked at the hotel. On a weekend off we drove up to the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, where Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh had got married, and stayed in a bougainvillea-draped cabin with a wood fire burning. Another weekend, we flew out to the Grand Canyon and stayed in a hotel right by the rim, overwhelmed by the vastness of the landscape outside. I took photos of the view and of cactus flowers that looked like birthday candles on a cake, and in the clear desert air the damp and chill of England seemed a long way away.
In LA, in the hotel pool in my bikini, I was Joni Mitchell in the photo on the back cover of The Hissing of Summer Lawns. The hotel smelled of lilies, and every time we wanted to leave we called down to reception for the car to be brought to the door. It was impossible not to be seduced by the California sun and the luxury lifestyle.
Back in the studio, it seemed Tommy only had to pick up the phone and any musician we wanted would come along to contribute. We needed a sax solo on one song and I said, 'We sort of need someone who plays like Stan Getz.'
'Stan, it's Tommy here,' he said into the phone. 'Listen, I got a song I want you to hear ...'
And I was very much 'just the singer'. I played not a single note on a guitar or piano, and so long hours were spent sitting in the control room while the tracks were recorded. Then, when the record was being mixed, I realised that I couldn't, as I would do in London, pop home for a few hours and come back to hear more finished results. I've never been able to sit in the room while a bass-drum sound is laboured over for six hours, and have always thought that I could offer more by returning with fresh ears and being the one to say, 'But the vocal's too quiet!' or, 'What have you done to the piano? It sounds like a hurdy-gurdy.' Here, in LA, I had to retire to the lounge while Ben sat in on a lot of the mixing. I learned to play Super Mario Bros., and in the evenings Joe Sample would tap on the door and come and sit with me, having had a row at home.
But the whole project was expensive, and who on earth did we think was paying for all this? I certainly never gave the matter any serious consideration. I knew enough to realise that ultimately we ourselves paid the full costs of any recording budget. But I hadn't stopped to think that being away from home meant that all these extra expenses – every hotel room, every breakfast, every car-parking bill, every bottle of wine – became part of the recording budget. When we got back home, we had two things under our arm: a fully realised, immaculately performed and produced modern American soul–pop record, and an enormous bill, which we were going to have to sell a lot of records to pay off.
Our chat with Tracey has concluded. Buy Bedsit Disco Queen (seriously, it's great), and continue the discussion in your own head. Also, Tracey is on Twitter and she's awesome at it.


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Jump behind the wheel and drive yourself wild as you play as Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, King Julien or those crafty penguins! You can power-up and perform zany jumps, outlandish flips, and radical rolls on amazing tracks from the world of Madagascar, including the New York City Zoo, the plane crash site, the volcano, plus many more.
Keep an edge on your wild competitors with cool pickups, such as power boosts, obstacles, and projectiles. DreamWorks' Madagascar Kartz features split-screen head-to-head multiplayer action, allowing up to four players to go bananas and race locally against one another in Championship, Quick Race and Time Trial modes.
Also known as: Mad Karts of Madagascar, Madagascar Karts
Release Region: United States
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Publisher: Activision
Also available on: Nintendo DS, Wii, Xbox 360
Madagascar Kartz at IGN
Madagascar Kartz at GameSpy
Madagascar Kartz at GameStats

subset: commoncrawl


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Bo Duke is a character mentioned on the Rednecks promotional website for Grand Theft Auto 2. Bo Duke is mentioned in the post-script of an e-mail sent by Billy Bob Bean's father. Bo may be related to Davie Duke and/or Luke Duke.
- His name is a reference to Bo Duke of Dukes of Hazzard.


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AUSTIN - On Wednesday afternoon Texas Governor Rick Perry hosted a formal signing ceremony for SB 162, continuing the effort to help ease employment challenges for active duty military members and their spouses. SB 162 was developed by State Representative Dan Flynn (Van), who also is a Commander in the Texas Maritime Regiment of the Texas State Guard, and Senator Leticia Van de Putte (San Antonio), to ease the transition of service members and their families into civilian life by recognizing professional occupational licenses issued by other jurisdictions, including military service, that was not previously recognized.
Senate sponsor, Senator Van de Putte, serves alongside Representative Flynn as Co-Chairs of the Military Task Force of the National Conference of State Legislators, where the issue of licensing military members and their spouses remains a main focus of the committee's work. "We hope this legislation will serve as a model for all states and we look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Defense to find new and better ways to show our appreciation to veterans as they return home." said Representative Flynn.
SB 162 amends current law relating to the occupational licensing eligibility requirements for military members and their spouses and requires state agencies that issue occupational licenses to provide an expedited licensure for military service members, military spouses, and military veterans. Licensing agencies will be required to issue an occupational license to a qualified applicant who holds a current license issued by another jurisdiction, including a branch of the armed forces, as long as that license is substantially equivalent to licensing requirements in Texas. "The unemployment rate among veterans is one of the highest in the United States. If a soldier can dodge IED's in Iraq or Afghanistan while driving a semi they should be able to drive safely on I-35 or I-30 without having to be trained again," stated Flynn. "Considering the sacrifices they made for our country, it is imperative we help their transition to civilian life by giving them credit for the hard work and training they have accomplished in the military," Flynn continued.
This legislation is also known as the 'Chris Kyle' bill because it recognizes the achievements of members of the armed services with special operations training by granting them credit towards the issuance of a basic peace officer's license after they complete a certification test and additional training, as may be determined by the agency. Chris Kyle's widow, Taya Kyle, was on hand to participate in the ceremony and expressed much gratitude for passage of this bill.
"I appreciate the sacrifices these many brave special operators have made and I hope that by incorporating these changes into current Texas law we can honor the legacy of Chris Kyle and the many like him," said Representative Flynn. During the 82nd Legislative Session, Representative Flynn was the author of House Bill 1178 which introduced specific employment protection for members of the state military forces for the very first time.
Contact: Amanda Robertson
Phone: (512) 463-0880
Capitol Address:
District Address:
Room 1N.10
P.O. Box 999


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Friends of the Earth
Of course we all care about the environment. But with so many demands at both work and home, many of us feel it takes too much time and money to help protect the planet. To celebrate Earth Day, we found three families who are committed to fighting global warming, reducing their carbon footprint, and living in harmony with nature. With parents and children working together, they're conserving energy, cutting costs and, best of all, growing closer.
Calculate your carbon footprint at EarthLab.com
Lynne Prouty and Eduardo Quintana: Tucson, Arizona
How do you keep kids from being massive consumers? It helps if your family of five lives in just 1,650 square feet. "There's no place to put extra stuff in this house," says Lynne.
The Quintana residence is not your average home. Lynne, 59, a high school administrator, and Eduardo, 59, an electronics manufacturing technician, were among the first to live in Milagro Cohousing, a 6-year-old "ecovillage" in the foothills of the Tucson mountains. It's a close-knit community of 28 small energy-efficient dwellings, ranging in price from $300,000 to $400,000. Thick adobe walls keep the homes cool in summer and warm in winter, and double-pane windows provide extra insulation. Waste water is treated without chemicals and then used on the land. All residents have front-loading washing machines, which consume less electricity than top-loaders. The homes and community facility, which includes a library room, laundry room, and pool, are clustered in a small portion of the village's 43 acres, so the rest of the area can be dedicated to preserving native vegetation like saguaro cacti and mesquite trees.
The couple's three children—Carolina, 16, Morgan, 14, and Savannah, 13—have all become junior ambassadors for the green movement. "The rest of Tucson isn't like this, so people ask questions, which means the kids are constantly explaining their lifestyle," says Eduardo. "And when they go to their friends' houses, they're shocked by how much stuff they have." Not that the teens don't have their own iPods. But Morgan, for instance, sets a good example by sharing video games with his pals in the neighborhood. The children also recycle glass, plastic, and newspapers, return hangers to the dry cleaners for reuse and write on both sides of their paper before recycling it. Yes, these are small things, given the enormity of global warming and other environmental problems. But as Eduardo says, "Our kids are growing up with a concern for the planet that they'll pass on to future generations through their children. It's a legacy to be proud of."
The Quintanas' Eco-Tips
- Conserve water. Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, and limit showers to five minutes. Install low-flow shower heads and water-saving toilets. "When Carolina's environmental science class learned to read meters and monitor their families' water usage, they discovered that our family was using one-tenth the amount of water that the other families were," says Lynne. "That really drove the lesson home."
- Compost. Lynne and Eduardo use a method called bokashi, which involves throwing kitchen scraps in a plastic bucket along with a blend of wheat bran and aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. It produces fertilizer in as little as 10 to 30 days—traditional composting takes much more time. And because microbes ferment the waste rather than decompose it, there's no smell. Carolina, Morgan, and Savannah help tend the mix and bury it in the soil near plants and trees. (Bokashi kits are available at gaiam.com.)
- Buy clothes secondhand. Since they're sold twice, used clothes benefit the economy twice—without requiring additional resources. And you don't have to sacrifice style: Carolina, for example, loves to shop at Buffalo Exchange in Tucson, which sells recycled fashions geared to teens and college students.
Wendy and Jim Abrams: Highland Park, Illinois
In 2001, long before the environment was featured in the news on a daily basis, Wendy read an article about global warming that changed her life. "It was about the possibility of temperatures going up by more than 10 degrees within the next 100 years," recalls Wendy, now 43, who had put her advertising career on hold to be at home full time with her four kids. "Maybe it was my maternal instinct, but it really struck a nerve. I felt angry, sad, and helpless to protect the world for my kids. Then I realized I had no one to blame but myself because I was doing nothing. I needed to be part of the solution."
That same week Wendy volunteered as a lobbyist for the local chapter of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). By the end of the month she flew to New York for a meeting of the group's scientists and publicists. "As I was leaving one woman thanked me and said, 'We need more environmentalists like you,'" Wendy recalls. "I turned around and looked over my shoulder, thinking she was talking to somebody else. I said, 'Me? I'm just someone who cares. I thought you had to be protesting on a raft in the Pacific to be a real environmentalist!'"
But Wendy was a pro. She was soon organizing EDF events in Chicago and going to Washington every month to meet with congressional staffers. Still, she yearned to do more. In 2006 Wendy came up with Cool Globes, a local public art project to raise awareness about climate change. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, who's pledged to make his city the greenest in America, endorsed the idea. Wendy headed a committee that solicited proposals from 1,200 artists and selected the finalists. She also helped raise $2 million in corporate sponsorships to pay for art materials and installation.
Last summer 125 colorful and whimsical 5-foot spheres went on display along the Chicago lakefront, each illustrating a single eco-message. One was covered with a giant blue turtleneck sweater, urging people to turn down the thermostat and put on an extra layer of clothing. Another had dozens of tiny automobiles spelling out the word "carpool."
Wendy's children got in on the action too. David, now 15, and Emily, 13, e-mailed family and friends asking kids to send in drawings with their solutions; recipients then forwarded the request around the globe. Emily received pictures from countries as far-flung as France, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan. She and David, along with twin siblings Katie and Jake, now 8, pasted the drawings on their own globe to form continents and covered the oceans with banana paper made by school kids in Costa Rica. "It was really cool to get so many letters from so many places," says Emily. "For kids, it's obvious that we really can fight global warming. But everyone has to help."
Since then, the whole family has become more eco-conscious. They no longer use paper towels or drink bottled water. David takes the bus to school and sometimes carpools to basketball games with his dad, Jim, 46, a medical-supply-firm executive. "Whenever a Hummer drives by, Katie and Jake give it a thumbs-down," Jim says. "They know a gas guzzler when they see one."
These days Wendy is feeling a lot more optimistic than she did seven years ago. "My hope is that my kids will stay passionate about fighting global warming," she says. "And the outpouring of support for Cool Globes gives me faith that if we offer solutions, people everywhere will embrace them."
The Abrams' Eco-Tips
- Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs. They cost more than standard ones, but last 10 times as long and use one-quarter of the energy. If every household installed one, the combined reduction in carbon emissions would be equal to taking 800,000 cars off the road.
- Curb your clothes dryer. It consumes more energy than any other household appliance, except for your refrigerator. Take advantage of the moisture-sensor setting, which shuts the machine off as soon as the job is done.
- Write to your representative in Congress. When a bill on fuel standards or clean air and water comes up, show your support in a handwritten note instead of a form letter or an e-mail. "It carries a lot more weight," says Wendy. "And politicians do respond to constituents, especially soccer moms, if they hear from enough of them."
Margie and Rick Flood: Cedarburg, Wisconsin
You could say that the Floods made a clean start when they came to Cedarburg nine years ago. Rick had worked at an educational environmental center in Ohio, where he helped teach elementary school kids all about living in harmony with the Earth. But it wasn't until the family moved to Wisconsin for his new job as director of the state's largest ecology institute that he realized it was time to practice what he was preaching. "Margie and I didn't want to do anything extreme," he explains. "A greener life is like a New Year's resolution—take on too much, and you won't be able to maintain it. So we decided to start small and let things grow like a snowball rolling down a hill."
One of their first changes was to urge Sam and Ariana to turn out the lights when they left the room. It wasn't easy—until Rick and Margie announced they would deduct 50 cents from the kids' allowances each time they forgot. The habit has since become second nature for Sam, now 19, Ariana, 17, and Clara, 12. "I automatically switch off the lights when I leave a room," says Clara, "even when somebody else is still there!"
Not since those days have Rick, 46, who started his own eco-consulting firm last year, and Margie, 45, a violin teacher and freelance musician, had to resort to penalties. When the Floods insulated the attic seven years ago with recycled newspapers, Sam was eager to pitch in. "It was fun and messy," he says. "But it also dawned on me that this is important. I thought, 'Here's something I can do.'"
Other family activities include using a push lawn mower and shoveling snow off the driveway to cut down on gasoline fuel use. Rick, Margie, and the kids have landscaped the front and back yards with native wildflowers, including prairie sage, purple cone, and black-eyed Susans. "Generally speaking, native plants need less water to grow because they have adapted to the habitat," explains Rick. "Because of that, they also require no herbicides or pesticides." Sam, Ariana, and Clara each tend a plot of melons, tomatoes, herbs, peppers, and squash. And no fuel is needed to transport their harvest (store-bought produce travels an average of 1,500 miles).
Now every household decision, big or small, is made with a green conscience. The couple installed a dual-flush toilet, which alternates between the standard 1.6 gallons of water per flush and just half that at the push of a button. They've put in nondyed, toxin-free carpet and painted most of their house with Safecoat, which contains no volatile organic compounds. "We're not big consumers," says Margie. "We rent movies from the library and go to Goodwill for our clothes and furniture. Any family, no matter how busy, can do all these things and more. It just takes awareness."
The Floods' Eco-Tips
- Reduce junk mail. Americans receive 4 million tons of unsolicited mail each year. Write the Direct Marketing Association and ask to be removed from mass-market lists, or go to catalogchoice.org.
- Carry reusable bags. Shunning both paper and plastic, the Floods never leave home without a couple of lightweight, nylon bags. Their favorites are ChicoBags (see chicobag.com), which can be crushed to fit into a pocket-size pouch.
- Use green energy. Through their local utility, Rick and Margie buy electricity from small providers who generate wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. "It's only $12 extra a month," says Rick. "less than the cost of a large pizza—and a small price to pay to save the planet."
Copyright © 2008. Used with permission from the April 17, 2008, issue of Family Circle magazine.


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Table of Contents
> Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Also listed as:
Rhinitis, Perennial allergic rhinitis, Seasonal allergic rhinitis, Hay fever
Related Terms
Author information
Integrative therapies
Non-allergic types of rhinitis
Nonallergic types of rhinitis
Integrative Therapy Quick Links:
Whey protein
Galphimia glauca
Nasal irrigation
Applied kinesiology
Black seed
Cat's claw
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
Eucalyptus oil
Green tea
Hypnotherapy, hypnosis
Lactobacillus GG (LGG)
Luffa (Luffa operculata)
Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid
Ozone therapy
Shea butter
Stinging nettle
Thymus extract
Vitamin E
Whey protein
Grape seed
Related Terms
Acute rhinitis, airborne allergens, allergen, allergen immunotherapy, allergic reaction, allergic response, allergies, allergy, antihistamine, atrophic rhinitis, butterbur, choline, chronic rhinitis, corticosteroid sprays, cromolyn sodium, decongestant, ephedra, hay fever, histamine, Ig, IgE, immune, immune defense system, immune reaction, immune response, immune system, immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin E, immunotherapy, nasal allergies, nasal congestion, nasal irrigation, nasal sprays, nonallergic rhinitis, perennial rhinitis, pollen, pollinosis, postnasal drip, radioallergosorbent test (RAST®), seasonal allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies, sinusitis, snuffles, stinging nettle, vasomotor rhinitis, vitamin E.
Rhinitis is the medical term for inflammation of the nose. Viruses, bacteria, allergens, and irritants can cause inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, which results in rhinitis. Once inflamed, the nose produces excessive mucus, which causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip (when mucus drips from the sinuses, down the throat).
Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common allergies. This type of rhinitis occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to allergen (a substance that can cause an allergic reaction), in this case, an airborne substance that is normally harmless, such as mold, pollen, animal dander, or dust mites. Once the allergen is inhaled through the nose, white blood cells of an allergic individual produce an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This immunoglobulin attaches to the allergen, which triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause allergic rhinitis symptoms, such as runny nose and nasal congestion.
Allergic rhinitis may occur as either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute rhinitis is short-term and classified as the common cold, while chronic rhinitis is recurrent, with periods of remission in between. Chronic rhinitis lasts three months or longer.
There are two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also called pollinosis, hay fever, or nasal allergies, is characterized by several symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes. Symptoms occur after airborne allergens like dust, dander, or pollen are inhaled. When pollens cause the allergic symptoms, the allergic rhinitis is commonly referred to as "hay fever." According to the American Lung Association, an estimated 26.1 million Americans have hay fever symptoms each year, and 14.6 million Americans have asthma, which often accompanies hay fever.
Perennial allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to allergens that is not seasonal. Instead, symptoms are persistent and generally less severe than seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Some individuals, especially children, may outgrow allergic rhinitis as the immune system becomes less sensitive to certain allergens. Minimizing exposure to known allergens may help prevent or reduce allergy symptoms. Treatment for allergic rhinitis depends on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. Patients may benefit from allergy medications like antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, decongestants, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and nasal corticosteroid sprays.
Author information
This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Al Suleimani YM, Walker, MJ. Allergic rhinitis and its pharmacology. Pharmacol Ther. 2007 Feb 28; [Epub ahead of print.] .
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. .
American Lung Association. .
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. .
Children's Hospital and Medical Center. .
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. .
Pawankar R, Takizawa R. Revisiting the link between allergic rhinitis and asthma. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2007 May;7(2):77-8. .
Airborne substances known as allergens cause allergic rhinitis. These allergens are usually harmless and only cause allergic symptoms in some people.
Typically, an allergic response is not triggered the first time the body encounters the allergen. The first time or several times after the body is exposed to an allergen, the immune system becomes sensitized. During this process, the body's white blood cells develop immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to the allergen. Once sensitized, the antibodies quickly detect and bind to the allergens in the body. These antibodies also trigger the release of chemicals (like histamine) that cause allergic symptoms, such as runny nose and sneezing.
Common outdoor allergens, such as pollen, grass, and trees, can cause seasonal allergic rhinitis. When pollen causes allergic rhinitis, the condition is often referred to as hay fever.
Common indoor allergens, such as animal dander, mold, and dust, can cause perennial allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis vary greatly among individuals. Common symptoms include cough, headache, itchy nose, itchy mouth, itchy throat, itchy skin, nosebleeds, impaired smell, watery eyes, sore throat, wheezing, fever, cross-reactivity allergy to some fruits, allergic pinkeye, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, runny nose, and swelling of the nasal tissues (which can cause headaches). Some patients, especially those suffering from vasomotor rhinitis, sneeze when transitioning from a cold room to a warmer one.
: Healthcare providers should take a careful medical history to determine whether the patient's symptoms vary depending on the time of day or season. A skin test or allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test may be performed to pinpoint specific allergens that are causing the symptoms.
Skin test
: A skin test is used to determine whether a patient is allergic to certain substances, such as mold, dust mites, or animal dander. During the test, the skin is exposed to different allergens (allergy-causing substances) and then observed for an allergic reaction. Some tests, such as the percutaneous (puncture, prick or scratch) test, detect immediate allergic reactions that develop within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Other tests, such as the epicutaneous (patch) test, detect delayed allergic reactions that develop over the course of several days. If an allergen triggers an allergic reaction to a test, the patient will develop reddening, swelling, or a raised, itchy red wheal (bump) that looks similar to a mosquito bite. The healthcare provider will measure the size of the wheal and record the results. The larger the wheal, the more severe the allergy.
Allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test
: An allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test, commonly often referred to as radioallergosorbent test (RAST®), is a type of blood test that can help determine if a patient who experiences allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes, and hives, is allergic to particular substances called allergens.
in vitro
test (performed outside of the body in a laboratory setting) exposes a blood sample to suspected allergens (like dust mites, pollen or animal dander) to determine whether the patient has developed allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that recognize and bind to specific antigens.
During the procedure, a sample of blood is taken from the patient. The blood is then sent to a laboratory that performs specific IgE blood tests. An allergen-antigen complex is bound to a paper disc called an allergosorbent, and the patient's blood is added. If the blood contains antibodies to the specific antigen, it will bind to the "tagged" immunoglobulins.
RAST® is less accurate than a skin test. However, if the patient has a severe skin disease (such as eczema or psoriasis) that is present on large areas of skin on the arms or back, a skin test may not be possible. This is because the skin test may only be performed on the arms and back, and there may not be enough unaffected skin to perform a conclusive test. For these patients, an allergen-specific IgE test is the preferred diagnostic method. RAST® is also the preferred method of allergen-specific IgE testing for patients that have experienced an anaphylactic (life-threatening) reaction in the past.
: Treatment for allergic rhinitis depends on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. Patients may benefit from allergy medications like antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, decongestants, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and nasal corticosteroid sprays. Minimizing exposure to known allergens may also help prevent or reduce allergy symptoms.
Allergen immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is often used to treat patients who suffer from severe allergies or for those who experience allergy symptoms more than three months per year. Allergen immunotherapy involves injecting increasing amounts of an allergen into a patient over several months. Immunotherapy does not cure allergies, but it may help reduce the body's sensitivity to certain substances. During therapy, some patients may not experience any allergy symptoms.
Short-acting antihistamines
: Short-acting antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), have been used to relieve mild-to-moderate allergy symptoms. Most short-acting antihistamines are available over-the-counter. These medications typically take about 15-30 minutes to take effect, and more than one dose may be taken in a single day. Most short-acting antihistamines are taken every 4-6 hours, depending on symptoms. Patients should carefully read the packaging labels and follow the directions of their healthcare providers and pharmacists.
Short-acting antihistamine medications often cause drowsiness. Many short-acting antihistamines have been shown to impair cognition (slow learning) in children, even in the absence of drowsiness. Therefore, these drugs are generally not recommended in children, unless taken under the strict supervision of their healthcare providers. Loratadine (Claritin®), which is now available over-the-counter, does not cause drowsiness or affect learning in children.
Longer-acting antihistamines
: Longer-acting antihistamines, such as fexofenadine (Allegra®) or cetirizine (Zyrtec®), are available by prescription for mild-to-moderate allergy symptoms. These medications are generally taken once daily to relieve long-term allergies to allergens like pet dander.
These medications cause less drowsiness than short-acting antihistamines, and they are equally effective. While these drugs usually do not interfere with learning, they should only be used in children under the strict supervision of their healthcare providers. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, sore throat, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Decongestant pills or sprays
: Decongestants can be used to relieve nasal congestion (stuffy nose) when the patient is not responding to other allergy medications like antihistamines or cromolyn sodium. Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for long periods of time. Nasal spray decongestants like oxymetazoline (Afrin®) should not be used more than twice daily for three consecutive days, because rebound congestion may occur. This means that symptoms of nasal congestion will return.
Ipratropium (Atrovent®
): Ipratropium is a nasal spray that has been used to relieve a runny nose. Patients who are allergic to peanuts should not use Atrovent® because some formulations are manufactured with peanut products.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists
: Leukotriene receptor antagonists block the action of leukotrienes, which are also important mediators of the allergic response. New leukotriene receptor antagonists, such as montelukast (Singulair®) and zafirlukast (Accolate®), can effectively treat rhinitis without some of the common side effects like drowsiness. These long-acting medications are taken once daily.
Mast cell stabilizers
: Mast cell stabilizers like cromolyn sodium have been used to treat symptoms of hay fever. Cromolyn sodium is available over-the-counter as a nasal spray (NasalCrom®) to treat hay fever. Eye drop versions of cromolyn sodium are also available for itchy, bloodshot eyes. Cromolyn sodium does not cause rebound congestion.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays
Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the strongest medications that treat allergic rhinitis. Corticosteroid sprays reduce and control the effects of the mediators that cause inflammation of the nose. These medications have been shown to improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Commonly prescribed nasal corticosteroids include fluticasone (Flonase®), mometasone (Nasonex®), and triamcinolone (Nasacort®). Symptoms will not start to improve for at least 12 hours after the medication is taken. Nasal corticosteroid sprays do not cause rebound congestion.
Integrative therapies
Strong scientific evidence
Whey protein
: Hydrolyzed whey protein formula may be effective in preventing certain allergies. However, additional research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be made.
Use cautiously in patients using any medications because drugs may bind to human milk whey proteins. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be changed in the blood. Since whey protein may lower blood sugar levels, caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia. Caution is advised in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar, increase the risk of bleeding, lower blood pressure, or affect the immune system. Whey protein may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs, herbs, or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these agents may change in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Avoid use of excessive doses for long periods of time, because it may cause kidney damage or bone loss. Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to milk or milk products. Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Good scientific evidence
: Bromelain may be a useful addition to other therapies used for sinusitis (such as antibiotics) due to its ability to reduce inflammation and swelling. Studies report mixed results, although overall, bromelain appears to be beneficial for reducing swelling and improving breathing. Better studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
Avoid if allergic to bromelain, pineapple, honeybee, venom, latex, birch pollen, carrots, celery, fennel, cypress pollen, grass pollen, papain, rye flour, wheat flour, or members of the Bromeliaceae
family. Use cautiously in those with history of bleeding disorder, stomach ulcers, heart disease, liver or kidney disease. Use caution before dental or surgical procedures or while driving or operating machinery. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Good scientific evidence suggests that butterbur may be effective for allergic rhinitis prevention in susceptible individuals. Comparisons of butterbur to prescription drugs, such as fexofenadine (Allegra®) and cetirizine (Zyrtec®), have reported similar efficacy. Additional studies are warranted before a firm conclusion can be made.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to
Petasites hybridus
or other plants from the Asteraceae or Compositae family (such as ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and chrysanthemums). Raw, unprocessed butterbur plant should not be eaten due to the risk of liver or kidney damage or cancer. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Galphimia glauca
: Research indicates that
Galphimia glauca
, alone or in combination with other agents, has been effective in the treatment of allergies due to its reduction of nasal and ocular symptoms. Additional studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
Galphimia glauca
cautiously in patients with psychiatric disorders, as feelings of confusion and lack of concentration may occur. Use Zicam® Allergy Relief Nasal Pump (a
Galphimia glauca
combination product) cautiously in patients who have ear, nose, and throat sensitivity or who are susceptible to nosebleeds. Use cautiously in patients taking CNS depressants. As
Galphimia glauca
may increase the risk of bleeding, use cautiously in patients with blood disorders or those using anticoagulants or antiplatelets. Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to
Galphimia glauca
, its constituents, or to members of the Malpighiaceae family.
Nasal irrigation
: There is good evidence from clinical studies to recommend the use of nasal irrigation in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. One study demonstrated that reflexology massage may be equally effective. However, the advantages of irrigation (i.e. inexpensive, performed at home, minimal adverse side effects) make the technique beneficial. Methodological and statistical reporting are lacking in some of these trials. A well-conducted randomized controlled trial, fully reporting data, would make the case for allergic rhinitis stronger.
Early research suggests that nasal irrigation may help treat chronic sinusitis, with improvements in sinus-related quality of life, decreases in symptoms, and reductions in medication use. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be made.
Nasal irrigation is generally well tolerated. Use cautiously in those with a history of frequent nosebleeds. If the irrigation liquid is hot, the nose may become irritated.
: Use of probiotic
Enterococcus faecalis
bacteria in hypertrophic sinusitis (sinus inflammation) may reduce the frequency of relapses and the need for antibiotic therapy. Further research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be made.
Probiotics are generally considered safe and well tolerated. Use cautiously if lactose intolerant. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to probiotics.
Unclear or conflicting scientific evidence
: Although it has not been well studied in humans, some research has suggested that lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as
L. acidophilus
, may reduce allergic responses of the immune system. There is some evidence that milk fermented with
L. acidophilus
strain L-92 may relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis; however, immune parameters were not affected in studies examining
L. acidophilus
alone as a therapy for allergic rhinitis. Further studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.
L. acidophilus
is generally well tolerated, with very few side effects. Lactose-sensitive people may develop abdominal discomfort or other side effects from
L. acidophilus
-containing products, due to small amounts of lactose left over from the manufacturing process. Avoid in patients with weakened immune systems or milk allergies. Avoid in those with a history of injury or illness of the intestinal wall or heart valve surgery. Use cautiously in those with heart murmurs. Avoid use with immunosuppressive prescription drugs, such as corticosteroids, due to an increased risk of infection. Antibiotics or alcohol may destroy
Therefore, it is recommended that
be taken three hours after taking antibiotics or drinking alcohol. Some individuals may use antacids, such as famotidine (Pepcid®) and esomeprazole (Nexium®), to decrease the amount of acid in the stomach one hour before taking
: Although some studies suggest that acupuncture may offer possible benefits to those with nonallergic rhinitis, there is currently insufficient available evidence on which to base recommendations. Additionally, further well-designed studies are needed to determine whether or not acupuncture offers benefit for sinusitis.
Acupuncture should be avoided in patients with heart disease, pulmonary disease, infections, bleeding disorders, medical conditions of unknown origin, or neurological disorders. Pregnant women, the elderly, diabetics, people with a history of seizures, those receiving radiation therapy, and those taking drugs that increase the risk of bleeding should also avoid acupuncture.
Applied kinesiology
: Applied kinesiology (AK) has been used to diagnose a variety of allergies, including food intolerances, but currently there is a scarcity of strong evidence to support this application.
AK techniques in themselves are considered to be harmless. However, medical conditions should not be treated with AK alone, and using AK should not delay appropriate medical treatment. There is not enough evidence available to suggest that AK is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
: Despite its widespread use in over-the-counter agents and vapors, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend use of eucalyptus oil as a decongestant-expectorant (by mouth or inhaled form).
Essential oils should be administered in a carrier oil to avoid toxicity. Avoid in those with a history of allergic dermatitis. Use cautiously if driving or operating heavy machinery. Avoid consuming essential oils. Avoid direct contact of undiluted oils with mucous membranes. Use cautiously if pregnant.
: According to one study, astragalus, as part of a combination formulation, decreased runny nose in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Additional well-designed trials are needed to confirm this finding.
Avoid with aspirin or aspirin-containing products or herbs or supplements with similar effects. Avoid in those with inflammation or fever, stroke, transplants, or autoimmune diseases (like HIV/AIDS). Stop use two weeks before surgery or dental or diagnostic procedures with a risk of bleeding, and avoid use immediately after these procedures. Use cautiously in those with bleeding disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, or kidney disorders. Use cautiously with blood thinners, blood sugar drugs, or diuretics, or herbs and supplements with similar effects. Avoid if allergic to astragalus, peas, or any related plants, and in those with a history of
bark-induced asthma. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Black seed
: Studies in patients with allergies found that black seed decreased subjective measures of severity of allergies. The effect of black seed for allergies is still not clear, and further research is required before a conclusion can be made.
Avoid with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to black seed, its constituents, black seed oil, or members of the Ranunculaceae family. Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported after topical use of black seed or the oil from the seed.
Cat's claw
: It has been suggested that cat's claw may help treat allergies and related respiratory diseases. However, there is currently limited scientific evidence to support this claim. More well-designed trials are needed to determine whether cat's claw is a beneficial treatment.
Avoid if allergic to cat's claw or
plants or plants in the Rubiaceae family, such as gardenia, coffee, or quinine. Avoid in those with history of conditions affecting the immune system (such as AIDS, HIV, some types of cancer, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus). Use cautiously in those with bleeding disorders or with a history of stroke, or in those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Stop use two weeks before surgery or dental or diagnostic procedures with a bleeding risk, and do not use immediately after these procedures. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. Cat's claw may be contaminated with other
species. Reports exist of the potentially toxic Texan-grown plant
Acacia gregii
being substituted for cat's claw.
: Limited evidence suggests that capsaicin nasal spray may help reduce nasal congestion in patients with chronic rhinitis. However, additional research is needed before conclusions can be made.
Cayenne is considered safe for most healthy people in amounts commonly found in foods. Avoid in patients with known allergy or hypersensitivity to plants in the genus
and the Solanaceae family, bell peppers, dihydrocapsaicin, tropical fruits (banana, kiwi), latex, paprika, and tree pollens. Use cautiously in patients under the following circumstances: those with acute anal fissures (or in those having just had surgery for anal fissures), addictive personalities, bleeding disorders (or in those taking agents that may increase the risk of bleeding), diabetes (or in those using blood sugar-lowering agents), gastrointestinal disorders (including ulcers), or heart disease (or in those using medications for cardiovascular (heart) disorders); or in those taking angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (blood pressure-lowering drugs), aspirin products, or theophylline. Avoid in pregnant or lactating women.
: Oral tricholine citrate (TRI) effectively relieved allergic rhinitis symptoms in limited available research. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
Choline is generally regarded as safe and appears to be well tolerated. Avoid if allergic to choline, lecithin, or phosphatidylcholine.
: Preliminary evidence suggests that cinnamon may have antiallergic properties. In human research, a combination product containing
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Malpighia glabra
, and
Bidens pilosa
reduced allergic nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. More well-designed trials are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Use cautiously in those prone to atopic reactions and in those taking cytochrome P450 metabolized agents, anticoagulants (blood thinners), insulin or blood sugar-altering medications, antibiotics, or cardiovascular agents. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to cinnamon, its constituents, members of the Lauraceae family, or balsam of Peru. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
: Limited research suggests that CLA may reduce sneezing due to birch pollen allergy. Further research is needed.
Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, those at risk of diabetes, and those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect cholesterol, lower blood pressure, or increase the risk of bleeding. Use cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, immune disorders, or skin disorders, and in those at risk for inflammatory disorders. Use cautiously in children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Avoid in patients with liver disorders.
: Elder may offer benefits for bacterial sinusitis, such as reducing excessive mucus secretion. Herbal preparations containing elder may result in less swelling of mucus membranes, better drainage, milder headache, and decreased nasal congestion.
Cyanide toxicity is possible. Avoid if allergic to elder or to plants related to honeysuckle. Some reports exist of allergies from contact with fresh elder stems. Use caution in those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or urinary problems, or with drugs used for any of these conditions. Use caution with anti-inflammatories, diuretics ("water pills" for high blood pressure), or laxatives. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Preliminary research suggests that ephedrine nasal spray may help treat allergic rhinitis. Additional research is needed.
Ephedra taken by mouth may cause serious side effects, including heart attack, seizure, and stroke. Therefore, ephedrine nasal sprays should only be used in the nose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has collected thousands of reports of serious toxicity linked to ephedra (including over 100 deaths). Ephedra products are banned from dietary supplements because of serious health risks, including heart attack, heart damage, breathing difficulties, and fluid retention in the lungs. Avoid in those with history of high blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, heart attack, stroke, seizure, eating disorders, anxiety, prostate disease, mental illness, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, heart disease, eye disease, depression, diabetes, thyroid disease, or sleep problems. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Eucalyptus oil
: There is currently insufficient available evidence to evaluate use of eucalyptus oil as a decongestant-expectorant. Avoid if allergic to eucalyptus oil or with a history of seizure, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, intestinal disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, or the blood condition known as acute intermittent porphyria. Use caution if driving or operating machinery. A strain of bacteria found on eucalyptus may cause infection. Toxicity has been reported with oral and inhaled use.
Green tea
: Limited research suggests that
green tea may reduce allergic reaction to the Japanese cedar tree. Additional studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to green tea, its constituents, caffeine, tannins, or members of the Theaceae family. Use cautiously in those with diabetes or liver disease. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding
: Currently, there is insufficient human evidence to recommend honey for the treatment of rhinoconjunctivitis.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to honey, pollen, celery or bees. Honey is generally considered safe in recommended doses. Avoid honey from the genus
because it may cause a toxic reaction. Avoid in infants younger than 12 months of age. Use cautiously with antibiotics. Potentially harmful contaminants (like
C. botulinum
or grayanotoxins) can be found in some types of honey and should be used cautiously in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
: Several studies suggest that some horseradish constituents may offer antibiotic activity and may help treat sinusitis. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to horseradish (
Armoracia rusticana
), its constituents, or members of the Brassicaceae family. Large oral doses may provoke allergic reactions. Use cautiously in those with clotting disorders, hypotension (low blood pressure), thyroid disorders, kidney disorders and inflammation, gastrointestinal conditions, and ulcers. Use cautiously if taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets (blood-thinning agents), antihypertensives (blood pressure-lowering agents), anti-inflammatory agents, or thyroid hormones. Use cautiously if undergoing treatment for cancer. Avoid medicinal amounts of horseradish if pregnant or breastfeeding; based on herbal textbooks and folkloric precedent, horseradish has been used to induce abortion.
Hypnotherapy, hypnosis
: It has been suggested that hypnotherapy may be effective for allergies and may help treat hay fever. However, further research is necessary.
Use cautiously in those with mental illnesses such as psychosis, schizophrenia, manic depression, multiple personality disorder, or dissociative disorders. Use cautiously with seizure disorders.
: Conclusive data on kiwi's therapeutic benefits for preventing lung conditions and other respiratory problems are currently lacking. Kiwi and other fruits high in vitamin C may provide benefit for lung conditions in children, especially wheezing. More research is warranted before a conclusion can be made.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to kiwi, latex, birch pollen, banana, chestnut, fig, flour, melon, poppy seeds, rye grain, sesame seeds, and related substances. Kiwi is generally considered safe when taken in amounts naturally found in foods. Use cautiously with antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin, cilostazol, and clopidogrel. Use cautiously with hormone therapies or serotonergic drugs. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding, because clinical trials testing safety in supplemental doses are currently lacking. The amount found in foods appears to be safe in most people.
Lactobacillus GG (LGG)
: Preliminary research suggests that consumption of a fermented milk product containing
GG (LGG) may decrease nasal congestion in patients with allergy to Japanese cedar pollen. Further research on the effect of LGG alone is required before conclusions can be made.
Avoid with known allergy or sensitivity to dairy products, if LGG is taken as part of a dairy product. LGG is possibly safe when used during pregnancy, six months before delivery, and during breastfeeding for up to six months. Use caution in pregnant mothers and infants at risk of development of atopic dermatitis, due to the risk of the children developing wheezing bronchitis. Avoid in patients with injury to the lining of the intestine and those with below-normal immune function.
Luffa (Luffa operculata)
: Research has shown that a combination of herbs containing
Luffa operculata
may reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. However, well-designed clinical trials in support of
Luffa operculata
for any use are lacking, and the effects of
Luffa operculata
alone have not been determined. Further research is warranted before firm conclusions can be made.
Use cautiously in patients who suffer from nosebleeds, nasal irritation, or necrosis of the nasal pyramids, as
Luffa operculata
may cause nose bleeds. Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to
Luffa operculata
or other members of the Cucurbitaceae family. Avoid in patients taking other medications or herbs via inhalation, as
Luffa operculata
may produce changes in the lining of the nose and sinuses, thereby changing the effect of the agents in the nasal spray.
: According to preliminary clinical research, MSM reduces symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to MSM. The long-term effects of supplementation with MSM have not been examined. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid
: Population research suggests that consumption of fish once weekly or more was associated with reduced risk of child eczema. Maternal supplementation also decreased the risk of food allergy and IgE-associated eczema in the first year. Further research is required to determine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on other symptoms of allergy.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to fish, omega-3 fatty acid products that come from fish, nuts, or linolenic acid or omega-3 fatty acid products that come from nuts. Use cautiously with high blood sugar levels, bleeding disorders, diabetes, low blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol, tachycardia, or arrhythmia (altered heart rhythm). Use cautiously if at risk for hormone imbalance or if undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Use cautiously in patients with asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, or liver disease; in patients at risk for colon cancer; or in those using drugs or herbs or supplements that treat any such conditions. Fish oil taken for many months may cause a deficiency of vitamin E and may increase the risk of vitamin A or D toxicity. Use large amounts cautiously. Use cautiously if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Research has shown that topical application of an alcoholic onion extract significantly reduced responses to allergies. Although this is intriguing, more research is needed in this area to establish the efficacy and dosing of topical onion extracts.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to onion (
Allium cepa
), its constituents, or members of the Liliaceae family. Use cautiously in those with hematologic (blood) disorders, diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or hypotension (low blood pressure). Use cautiously if taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets (blood thinners). Avoid medicinal doses if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ozone therapy
: According to limited research, irrigation of the paranasal sinuses with an ozone-oxygen mixture may help promote recovery from sinusitis. More well-designed trials are needed before a conclusion can be made.
The safety of various types of ozone therapy has not been systematically studied. Because ozone is a toxic gas, the safety of ozone therapy has been questioned. Serious side effects may occur from the introduction of ozone into the body, including shortness of breath, blood vessel swelling, poor circulation, heart problems, or stroke. A case of death has been reported due to gas embolism. Ozone therapy may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications, herbs, or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Use cautiously in patients with respiratory disorders such as asthma. Ozone therapy is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence.
: Preliminary evidence suggests some benefit of perilla extract for seasonal allergies. Further clinical trials are required before conclusions can be made.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to perilla or members of the Lamiaceae or Labiatae family. Use cautiously in those with cancer, low HDL cholesterol, or immune disorders. Use cautiously if taking NSAIDs or barbiturates. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Only a few types and combinations of probiotics have been studied for allergies. They have been studied mostly in children, teenagers, and young adults. Further research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be made.
Probiotics are generally considered safe and well tolerated. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to probiotics. Use cautiously if lactose intolerant.
: Reflexology involves the application of manual pressure to specific points or areas of the feet called "reflex points" that are believed to correspond to other parts of the body. Results from early studies are not conclusive regarding the use of reflexology for chronic sinusitis.
Avoid in those with recent or healing foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout flares affecting the foot. Use cautiously and seek prior medical consultation before using in those with osteoarthritis affecting the foot or ankle or those with severe vascular disease of the legs or feet. Use cautiously in those with diabetes, heart disease, unstable blood pressure, cancer, active infections, past episodes of syncope (fainting), mental illness, gallstones, kidney stones, or a pacemaker. Use cautiously if pregnant or breastfeeding. Reflexology should not delay diagnosis or treatment with more proven techniques or therapies.
Shea butter
: Shea butter is derived from the nut of the shea tree (
Vitellaria paradoxa
), which grows in West Africa. In human research, shea butter has been shown to produce relief from nasal congestion. Additional research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be made.
Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to shea butter or its constituents. Use cautiously in those with allergies to latex. Use cautiously in those taking anticoagulants. There is currently insufficient available safety evidence for use of shea butter during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
: Research suggests that an herbal combination preparation containing sorrel, Sinupret®, may have beneficial effects in improving symptoms of sinusitis when used with antibiotics. It is not clear if these same effects would be seen with sorrel alone or what dose may be safe and effective. For allergic rhinitis, there is not enough evidence to make a conclusion at this time. More research of sorrel alone is needed.
Avoid sorrel in those with a known allergy to sorrel or any of its constituents. Avoid large doses of sorrel, because there have been reports of toxicity and death. Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and should be avoided when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sorrel formulations may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with the prescription drugs metronidazole (Flagyl®) or disulfiram (Antabuse®). Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Soy formulas are commonly used in infants with sensitivities to milk-based formulas. There is currently little evidence to support the use of soy formulas for preventing food allergies. Further research is needed in this field.
Avoid if allergic to soy. Soy, as a part of the regular diet, is traditionally considered to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but there are limited scientific data. The effects of high doses of soy or soy isoflavones in humans are not clear, and therefore high doses are not recommended. People who experience colitis (intestinal irritation) from cow's milk may experience intestinal damage or diarrhea from soy. It is not known if soy or soy isoflavones share the same side effects as estrogens, like increased risk of blood clots. The use of soy is often discouraged in patients with hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer. Patients taking blood-thinning drugs like warfarin should check with a doctor and pharmacist before taking soy supplementation.
: The anti-inflammatory properties of spirulina may help improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to spirulina or blue-green algae. Use cautiously in those with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder of a liver enzyme that disrupts normal body functions), autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Use cautiously with products containing the blue-green algae species
spp., and
spp.; in underweight patients or in those taking antiobesity agents or appetite suppressants; of in those consuming a high-protein diet. Avoid in children or if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Stinging nettle
: For many years, a freeze-dried preparation of
Urtica dioica
has been prescribed by physicians and sold over-the-counter for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Clinical trials demonstrating statistical significance over placebo and/or equivalence with other available treatments are needed to support the use of nettle in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to nettle, members of the Urticaceae family, or any ingredient of nettle products. Use cautiously in those with diabetes, bleeding disorders, or low sodium levels in the blood. Use cautiously with diuretics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The elderly should also use nettle cautiously. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Limited evidence suggests that a homeopathic nasal spray containing
Luffa operculata
Galphimia glauca
, histamine, and sulfur may have an effect on allergic rhinitis. Further research is needed to examine the effects of sulfur alone.
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sulfur or sulfonamides. Use cautiously in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Use cautiously in patients with kidney disease, sensitive skin, or gastrointestinal sensitivities. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Thymus extract
: Thymus extract may reduce symptoms of allergies due to its potential immune-stimulating effects. Nonetheless, more clinical trials are required before conclusions can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to thymus extracts. Use bovine thymus extract supplements cautiously, due to a potential for exposure to the virus that causes "mad cow disease." Avoid use in those with an organ transplant or other forms of allografts or xenografts. Avoid in those receiving immunosuppressive or hormonal therapy, and in those with thymic tumors, myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disorder), or untreated hypothyroidism. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding, as thymic extract increases human sperm motility and progression.
Vitamin E
: Although thought to aid in reducing the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis, vitamin E intake may not be effective. Current evidence is limited, however, and more studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to vitamin E. For short periods of time, vitamin E supplementation is generally considered safe at doses up to 1,000 milligrams daily. Avoid doses higher than 1,000 milligrams daily. Avoid with retinitis pigmentosa (loss of peripheral vision). Use cautiously with bleeding disorders. The recommended dose of vitamin E for pregnant women of any age is 15 milligrams; for breastfeeding women of any age, the recommended dose is 19 milligrams. Use beyond this level in pregnant women is not recommended.
Whey protein
: According to a limited body of evidence, whey protein may have positive benefits in the treatment of patients with atopic asthma or atopic dermatitis. Further research is required before conclusions can be made.
Use cautiously in patients using any medications, because drugs may bind to human milk whey proteins. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be changed in the blood. Since whey protein may lower blood sugar levels, caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia. Caution is advised in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar, increase the risk of bleeding, lower blood pressure, or affect the immune system. Whey protein may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs, herbs, or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these agents may change in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions.
Avoid long-term excessive intake, because it may cause kidney damage or bone loss. Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to milk or milk products. Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Fair negative scientific evidence
Grape seed
: Grape seed has been used to treat immune system disorders due to its antioxidant effects. However, a well-designed human study of allergic rhinitis sufferers showed no improvement in allergy symptoms with administration of grape seed extract ingredients.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to grapes or other grape compounds. Use cautiously if taking blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs, or antiplatelet agents. Use cautiously in those with bleeding disorders or in those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Use cautiously with drugs processed through the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Use cautiously with blood pressure disorders or if taking ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Zestril®) and ramipril (Altace®). Avoid in those with disorders that increase the risk of bleeding or with active bleeding disorders (stomach ulcers, bleeding into the brain, etc.). Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid exposure to known allergens. If allergic to pollen, remain indoors in the morning and evening, when outdoor pollen levels are highest.
Individuals who cannot avoid exposure to known allergens may benefit from preventive allergy medications, such as antihistamines.
Keep windows closed and, if possible, use the air conditioner in the house and/or car.
Do not dry clothes outside.
Avoid unnecessary exposure to environmental irritants, such as insect sprays, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and fresh tar or paint.
Regularly wash the hands and face to remove pollen.
A humidifier may help remove some of the allergens from the air.
There is evidence that infants who are exposed to airborne allergens, such as dust mites and animal dander, may be less likely to develop related allergies.
Consider installing central air conditioning with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter attachment. The HEPA filter can trap airborne allergens (such as mold spores, dust mites, and pollen) from outdoor air, preventing them from circulating in the air inside.
Consider using a vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter.
Non-allergic types of rhinitis
Atrophic rhinitis
: Atrophic rhinitis is a chronic inflammation of nose. It causes the nasal mucosa, including the glands, turbinate bones, and nerves in the nose, to atrophy (shrink). It may also cause a foul-smelling nasal discharge. Patients may experience nosebleeds and may lose their sense of smell. This condition may be the result of a sinus surgery or prolonged bacterial infection of the nose.
: Patients born with syphilis (a sexually transmitted disease) may experience rhinitis. When syphilis is the cause of the symptoms, the condition is called snuffles.
Vasomotor rhinitis
: Vasomotor rhinitis, also known as non-allergenic rhinitis, is thought to be the result of nerve disorders. Vasomotor rhinitis, unlike allergic rhinitis, does not involve the immune system. Instead, this form is caused by oversensitive or excessive blood vessels in the nasal membrane. The body overreacts to stimuli such as changes in weather, temperature, barometric pressure, chemical irritants, aerosol sprays, psychological stress, or certain types of medication. The exact cause of vasomotor rhinitis is not well understood. It is possible for patients to suffer from vasomotor rhinitis and allergic rhinitis at the same time.
: A secondary bacterial infection may occur in tissues like the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, sinuses, or the ear. Common secondary infections related to hay fever include ear infections and sinus infections. In children, hay fever is often a contributing factor to middle ear infections.
Prolonged sinus congestion caused by hay fever may increase an individual's susceptibility to developing a sinus infection.
Allergic conditions
: Patients who have hay fever have an increased risk of developing more serious allergic conditions like asthma. It is common for hay fever and asthma to occur at the same time. Patients suffering from hay fever may also have eczema, a skin disorder that causes red, dry, flaky skin.
: Additional complications of allergic rhinitis include nosebleeds, decreased lung function, and enlarged lymph nodes in the nose and throat.
Nonallergic types of rhinitis
Atrophic rhinitis
: Atrophic rhinitis is chronic inflammation of the nose. It causes the nasal mucosa, including the glands, turbinate bones, and nerves in the nose, to atrophy (shrink). It may also cause a foul-smelling nasal discharge. Patients may experience nosebleeds and may lose their sense of smell. This condition may be the result of a sinus surgery or prolonged bacterial infection of the nose.
: Patients born with syphilis (a sexually transmitted disease) may experience rhinitis. When syphilis is the cause of the symptoms, the condition is called snuffles.
Vasomotor rhinitis
: Vasomotor rhinitis, also known as nonallergenic rhinitis, is thought to be the result of nerve disorders. Vasomotor rhinitis, unlike allergic rhinitis, does not involve the immune system. Instead, this form is caused by oversensitive or excessive blood vessels in the nasal membrane. The body overreacts to stimuli such as changes in weather, temperature, barometric pressure, chemical irritants, aerosol sprays, psychological stress, or certain types of medication. The exact cause of vasomotor rhinitis is not well understood. It is possible for patients to suffer from vasomotor rhinitis and allergic rhinitis at the same time.
Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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text:
Diabetes, Diet and Peritoneal Dialysis
Diabetes, Diet and Peritoneal Dialysis
Download FREE resource
- Type: PDF
- Size: 570 KB
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Part of the renal pack, a simple leaflet guiding people on diabetes, diet and peritoneal dialysis.
Free to download in 12pt Calibri font.
Classification: DT (Dietitian)
Advice is complex, condition specific and requires a Dietitian with knowledge, skills and experience in the condition.
To enable clients and their carers:
- To meet their individual needs.
- To optimise their dietary intake.
- The Target Group will understand the nutritional impact on the biochemistry and symptoms of their disease state.
- The Target Group will know the risks associated with poor dietary compliance.
- The Target Group will understand the need for and ways to manage their diet regarding energy, protein, salt, potassium, phosphate, fluid and diabetes in relation to conservative management and dialysis (if/as appropriate).
Evidence based on EDTNA Guidelines 2003.


text:
Miranda Lambert Stops Show to Warn Rowdy Fans to 'Get Over It'
Will someone please talk some sense into the fools that upset Miranda Lambert during her concert in Hartford, Ct. on Saturday night (Aug. 3)? In this clip, watch as the singer pushes pause on the rowdy Locked and Reloaded Tour to admonish someone -- or two someones -- who are apparently fighting over a boy.
"I don't really wanna have to kick anybody's a-- tonight, so will you please get over it?" Lambert asks the fans in question. Those are not words you want to hear from this tough Texan.
At least one concert reviewer loved the take-no-bull approach to her music. The Republican said, "Lambert stands the Tammy Wynette 'Stand By Your Man' motif on its head."
This incident happened midway through the show, so the fans should have known by that point who they were standing in front of. "It's over a boy, that's so stupid," Lambert told the crowd.
RaeLynn, Kix Brooks and Dierks Bentley opened the show. This video was captured by radio station Country 92.5.


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Oklahoma Education, Family, and Social Services Resources
- 1 Oklahoma Education
- 1.1 Oklahoma Department of Education
- 1.2 Oklahoma Higher Education
- 1.3 Alphabetical Database of Public Colleges and Universities
- 1.4 School and Training Provider Search
- 1.5 Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Training
- 1.6 School District Database
- 1.7 School District Report Cards
- 1.8 No Child Left Behind Act
- 2 Families and Kids
- 3 Social Services
- 3.1 EBT Participating Mechants
- 3.2 OKDHS County Profiles
- 3.3 Find the OKDHS office nearest you
- 3.4 Oklahoma Joint Interagency Network
- 3.5 Find a CPA/PA
- 3.6 Oklahoma Board of Architects Firm Search
- 3.7 Oklahoma Board of Architects Licensee Search
- 3.8 Community Information Database
- 3.9 Oklahoma Funeral Board
- 3.10 Oklahoma Health Care Authority
- 4 GODORT: Oklahoma Home
Oklahoma Education
Oklahoma Department of Education
A great resource for those who are wanting to work for the Oklahoma Department of Education and for those who have children in the primary and seccondary grades.
Oklahoma Higher Education
Check out the many colleges and universities that Oklahoma has to offer.
Alphabetical Database of Public Colleges and Universities
Alphabetical listing of colleges and universities in Oklahoma, complete with geographical locations and links.
School and Training Provider Search
Provides for searching of educational insitutions of all types. Searching available by training type, school name, school type, location, zip code, program name contains, CIP Code, local area, and services provided.
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Training
Not everyone wants a four year degree but vocational and technical training can offer an education in other areas.
School District Database
The database contains all the Oklahoma Public and Nonpublic School Districts (Superintendents) and Sites (Principals) mailing list info and additional fields for October 2006 enrollment and number of staff at each site.
School District Report Cards
This database contains the latest school district "Report Cards" for each school district in Oklahoma. Searchable by district or county names. Information provided by the Education Oversight Board Office of Accountability.
No Child Left Behind Act
A searchable database for the progress of the No Child Left Behind Act. Click "state status" and then choose Oklahoma. Also provides a 50-state map and the ability to compare the status of states.
Families and Kids
OKids Index
Provides access to various resources for parents and their children. These resources include GetNetWise, Kids Connection, Oklahoma Kids Count Factbook, state and national web resources related to children-at-risk, and How Oklahoma Libraries are Good for Kids.
Oklahoma Child Care Locator
Search by facility name, facility location, type of care, star level, ages accepted, facility type, transportation, and whether subsidies are accepted.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OKHCA, is the State's primary entity in charge of SoonerCare, or Oklahoma Medicaid. This searchable database provides information not only to individuals enrolled in the program but also to its providers. See also Social Services and Department of Health.
Social Services
EBT Participating Mechants
Search by zip code to find stores or markets that accept the EBT Food Benefits card
OKDHS County Profiles
Monthly profiles available from July 2005 to March 007.
Find the OKDHS office nearest you
Enter a town's name to find the correct county. Links will then be provided from that county to the local offices.
Oklahoma Joint Interagency Network
This database allows for multiple search methods. The category search is a multi-step process. In the first step, one decides whether one is searching all areas or a specific city or county. In the second step on chooses a topic. One can choose from abuse, access service, addiction, basic needs, children, community service, counseling, crime, crisis/emergency, disabilities, education, employment, ethnicity, family, financial assistance, food, health care, housing, legal, men, mental health, rehabilitation, safety, seniors, support, transportation, and women. One then chooses from a list of keywords specific to the topic.
One can also search by keyword, selecting first an area, then from a list of services, or one can search alphabetically to find a specific organization. Finally, there are advanced search options, such as keyword word searching, taxonomy word searching, taxonomy code searching, agency record searching, and program record searching. Geographic filters can be used for keyword word searching and program record searching. Program searching also allows for additional filters, such as documents in Spanish.
Find a CPA/PA
Allows searching by either firm names or individuals, by first or last name or by zip code. This search is limited to Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Board of Architects Firm Search
Allows searching of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design for all states.
Oklahoma Board of Architects Licensee Search
Allows searching of licenses for architects, landscape architects and interior design for all states.
Community Information Database
"The Pioneer Library System Community Information Service is an active online database that connects people in need to local service organizations that serve Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie Counties."
Oklahoma Funeral Board
Allows one to search the licenses in Oklahoma for all their funeral needs. Apprentice, Funeral Director or Embalmer,Funeral Establishmet/Commercial Embalming/Crematory, or Burial Association. One can also download and view the neccessary forms for granting of these licenses.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OKHCA, is the State's primary entity in charge of SoonerCare, or Oklahoma Medicaid. This searchable database provides information not only to individuals enrolled in the program but also to its providers. See also Families and Kids and Department of Health.


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Collin Provost is Pro! Although, who didn't see this coming. This kid has been on a tear for the past few years and it's only getting better. The good folks over at Toy Machine decided today was the day to create the next big step in Collin's life. All the homeys showed up at Cherry Park in Long Beach around noon to surprise him. Daniel Lutheran was able to keep Collin occupied at their house while everyone was still arriving. Collin rolled up to the park expecting a normal day at Cherry when he was greeted by Ed Templeton holding two fresh Provost Pro boards. Collin couldn't have been happier. All his friends and family were there to welcome him into pro life. Be expecting much more from this newly professional ripper. Here's some photos from the day.
Words & photos by Aaron Smith


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Were the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, which aired live Sunday night from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the whitest VMAs in history -- or the blackest? The youngest or the oldest? The most exciting or the most embarrassing?
Sure, you bet -- all of the above.
The 30th edition of an annual production now (like MTV itself) only nominally about music videos, the VMAs this year kept rocketing between extremes, pushing buttons seemingly designed to stoke social-media buzz then retreating into the safety of assured showbiz professionalism.
The show opened with Lady Gaga, who sang her new single "Applause" while quickly cycling through a succession of outfits and hairstyles, beginning with one get-up that suggested a cross between the Flying Nun and SpongeBob SquarePants and concluding with a seashell thong bikini and what looked like long blond extensions. (Perhaps she felt compelled to go racy as a means of offsetting the use of "Applause" in a goofy Kia commercial that aired at least twice during the show's broadcast.)
But Lady Gaga was just one of several pop superstars on hand Sunday.
A little more than two hours after the show began, Katy Perry wrapped up the proceedings with a vivid performance of her just-released "Roar" -- which pundits have pitted against "Applause" in a kind of heavyweight diva duel -- from inside a boxing ring stationed beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
Taylor Swift and One Direction were present, too, picking up awards and providing the kind of unmediated reaction shots that bloggers use to create instant-classic GIFs. (Worth seeking out is Swift's apparently explicit brush-off of One Direction's Harry Styles, with whom she's been romantically connected.)
And there was, of course, Justin Timberlake, who won the so-called Video Vanguard award as well as the prize for video of the year, for his song "Mirrors," which he described as a tribute to his grandparents.
Those honors came with a perk: 20 minutes or so of the show's run time to do with as Timberlake pleased. Providing what may have been a preview of his upcoming arena tour, the singer touched on practically all of his solo hits -- "Cry Me a River," "Like I Love You," "SexyBack," "Suit & Tie" -- and reunited (for about 15 seconds) with his old mates in the boy band 'N Sync.
In a backstage shot of the group after its appearance, you could practically see the gratitude radiating off every guy not named Justin.
As always with Timberlake, the mini-concert was slickly impressive. ("I still run this bitch!" he crowed at one point.) Yet it also felt interminable and a bit musty, especially as compared with Bruno Mars' rendition later in the show of his song "Gorilla," which found Mars exercising some of the same old-school razzle-dazzle but with far more intensity and sexual energy.
Still, even Mars looked like a wallflower relative to to Miley Cyrus, who scandalized the audience at the Barclays Center with an aggressively lewd, thrillingly garish performance that found her cavorting first with a number of giant bears and then, perhaps even more bizarrely, with Robin Thicke in his smash hit "Blurred Lines." (The evening's funniest viral image reportedly depicted the reaction of Will Smith and his family to Cyrus' performance, though some Internet fact-checkers claimed that the Smiths' horrified expressions were actually captured during Lady Gaga's appearance. Either way, they're priceless.)
Twerking just as hard as a former Disney star can, Cyrus wasn't the only white artist to borrow from other cultures on the VMAs.
As the night's appointed R&B stars, Timberlake and Thicke pulled off soul-man moves inherited from Al Green and Marvin Gaye.
And the Seattle-based hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis won awards including the one for hip-hop video, a category in which they inexplicably beat out Drake, Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Rocky. Introducing their corny if well-intentioned performance of the gay-rights anthem "Same Love" (for which Macklemore & Ryan Lewis were joined Sunday by Jennifer Hudson), ASAP Rocky said, with what seemed like a touch of regret, "White boy can spit."
True or not, Macklemore's rapping paled in comparison to that of Kanye West, who tore through his song "Blood on the Leaves" in front of a stark image of a tree he said later on his website was "used for lynching." And Drake, not unlike Perry, was calmly ferocious in "Started from the Bottom," summoning a low-key swagger that the VMAs, for all their digital-age bluster, seemed weirdly short on.
Clowns to the left of him, jokers (and oldsters) to the right, Drake found a spot in the middle, and he made it his own.


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Tinie Tempah Bounces Around + Performs 'Pass Out' on 'X Factor'
Tinie Tempah's performed his new single 'Pass Out' tonight on 'X Factor,' and if the rapper went backstage and passed the hell out after his performance, we would not be shocked, because he was a ball of energy throughout the entire song.
Tempah's single 'Written in the Stars' was all over the TBS Network this fall, as it was used by Major League Baseball during their playoffs. So it was a little surprising that the British rap superstar didn't perform that song, but everybody still seemed to have fun.
Dressed in all black, Tempah was bouncing around the stage like he was jumping on a trampoline. Did he down, perhaps, six cans of Red Bull before he hit the stage? It sure felt like it. There was no containing him.
The only thing we didn't love about Tinie Tempah's firecracker performance was the fact that it was a bit hard to discern his lyrics, thanks to his thick British accent and the less-than-stellar sound coming from the TV. Other than that, he delivered a performance that should make him even more fans in the U.S. and beyond.
Watch Tinie Tempah Perform 'Pass Out' on 'X Factor'