Runners and walkers in Ottawa are gearing up for their first-ever AAIA Triple “A” Run/Walk for allergy and asthma research and education. This annual charity event is getting larger each year: what began as a single run/walk in Whitby, Ontario six years ago is now being held in five locations across Canada. Money raised goes to a great cause: allergy and asthma research through the Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation. There’s a race for every member of the family, with a 5 km and 10 km run or walk, and a 2 km “family scamper.” If you can’t attend, you can still pledge support for a runner.

May 1: Ottawa, Tunney’s Pasture.
May 15: Whitby, Ont., Heydenshore Pavilion.
May 16: Kelowna, B.C., City Park.
May 29: Windsor, Ont., Assumption Park.
May 30: Bedford, N.S., DeWolfe Park.

Samantha Yaffe’s irreverent web column on motherhood with food allergies. This Month: The “Why Me?” Standoff

“Why do I have to wear it?” he’d cry, whine, yell. “I hate it. I hate having allergies.” Sam’s son Lucas had always worn his auto-injector without complaint. Then suddenly, at the age of 7½, he began refusing to wear it to school, no matter what his mom said to remind him of why he had to carry it. Grappling with this first “why me?” moment in the allergy journey, Sam turned to an expert parenting coach. Surprisingly, all it took was a few magic words for Lucas to strap his auto-injector back on without an issue. more

Nose running? Watery eyes and sneezing fits? Feeling congested, tired and rundown? Chances are you’ve got spring pollen allergies. Fortunately, Allergic Living’s got everything you’ll need to know. First stop: our Hay Fever Handbook.