Ventura, CA - Food allergies, which researchers estimate affect up to 15 million Americans, will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, July 15.

Prashant Verma, M.D., who specializes in allergy and immunology, will conduct the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Community Memorial Hospital’s eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium. CMH is located at 147 N. Brent St., Ventura.

Food Allergy Research & Education reports a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room every three minutes in the U.S. Dr. Verma will discuss food allergy risks, what happens during an allergic reaction and the differences between food allergies and food intolerance.

Dr. Verma received his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School in Chicago and completed his internship and residency at the University of California San Diego Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Verma also is a clinical instructor at the UCLA Department of Medicine and is a member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

Registration is free but reservations are required. Call 1-800/838-3006, or visit cmhshealth.org.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 11 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.