Friday, May 20, 2011

Health Tips for May 20

Health Tip: Traveling Despite Asthma and Allergies

Traveling can expose you to new triggers for allergies and asthma, but planning ahead can help you breathe a bit easier while you're away.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology offers these travel suggestions:

  • Pack your asthma and allergy meds in carry-on bags, and keep them in their original containers.
  • Continue to take your medications on schedule as directed by your doctor.
  • Prepare for potential problems, such as food allergies.
  • Keep contact information for your allergist and an emergency contact handy.
  • If possible, find an allergist at your travel destination.

Health Tip: Stay Inside When Spring Allergens Are at a Peak

Seasonal allergies can cause itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion and sneezing.

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests these lifestyle changes to ease seasonal allergy symptoms from outdoor allergens:

  • Start your allergy medications a week or two before the season starts.
  • Don't take a camping trip or go on a hike when pollen counts are high.
  • Stay away from barns and hay, and try not to mow the grass or rake leaves.
  • Wear sunglasses to keep pollen out of the eyes.
  • After spending time outside, take a shower and wash hair, change clothes and rinse out the nasal passages with a salt water rinse.
  • Close windows and doors during allergy season.

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