Food allergies, which researchers estimate affect up to 15 million Americans and can cause life-threatening reactions, will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Cristina Porch-Curren, M.D., who specializes in allergy and immunology, will conduct the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard, located at 600 E. Esplanade Drive.

Dr. Porch-Curren will discuss the diagnosis of food allergies, common food allergies and food allergy vs. food tolerance. Attendees also will learn about exposure to allergy-causing food, managing dietary needs and a creating a normal life with food allergies.

Dr. Porch-Curren received her medical degree from the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and completed an internal medicine residency at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach and Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance. She is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. Dr. Porch-Curren is a member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

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

Future scheduled Speaker Series events include: Ethics in Healthcare: Should Your Doctor Be Your Friend? on Nov. 12 at the Museum of Ventura County; TEDMED 2015 on Nov. 19 at the Museum of Ventura County; and Celiac Disease on Dec. 1 at Community Memorial Hospital.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 12 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.