Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about summer outdoor dangers such as snakes, bugs and pollen. Grass pollen and cedar elm can reach high levels in summertime, and ozone that forms from pollution and sunlight only makes matters worse for allergy sufferers.
Dr. David Khan, an allergy and asthma expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, offers some tips for fighting summer allergies. Mid-morning to mid-day is peak time for allergen exposure, so stay indoors during that time. Keeping windows closed and using your air conditioner can lower allergen levels in your home. If you spend time outdoors, take a shower and wash your hair before you go to bed so you don’t transfer pollen from your hair to your pillow. Wear a mask if you’re mowing the lawn or doing yard work.
Next: Medications for summer allergies.
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July 2007
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