It Happens Every Spring
Allergies: What, Why, and How to Manage them
By Jean Nash Wells
If you or a member of your family suffer every spring, read on. Pollen allergies are a common, allergic reaction that affect millions of people worldwide. Pollen is a fine powder produced by plants during the reproductive process. When inhaled, it can trigger an immune response in some people, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and watery eyes, making life miserable.
Causes of Pollen Allergies:
Pollen allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to pollen. The immune system mistakes pollen for a harmful substance and releases chemicals such as histamine to fight it off. Histamine causes inflammation in the nasal passages, eyes, and throat, leading to the symptoms of pollen allergies.
The timing and severity of pollen allergies depend on the type of pollen and the season. For example, tree pollen allergies are more common in the spring, while grass pollen allergies are more common in the summer.
Managing Pollen Allergies:
- Monitor Pollen Counts: Check the pollen count in your area to plan your outdoor activities. Pollen counts are usually higher in the morning and on windy days. You can use a pollen tracker app or website to check the pollen count in your area.
- Wear Protective Gear: If you need to go outside on high pollen days, wear a face mask or pollen filter mask to reduce pollen exposure. You can also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen.
- Keep Windows Closed: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home. Use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter to clean the indoor air.
- Take Medication: Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can help relieve the symptoms of pollen allergies. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult a doctor if you have any underlying health conditions.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can help reduce the severity of pollen allergies over time. It involves receiving regular injections of small amounts of allergens to desensitize the immune system.
- Cleanliness: Clean your home regularly to remove pollen and other allergens. Dust with a damp cloth and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens.
While there is no cure for pollen allergies, we hope this information will help you reduce exposure to pollen and manage your symptoms so you can enjoy the wonders of mother nature. Remember, everyone’s allergies are different, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your specific symptoms.
Welcome Back to School RCCS!
On August 28, Roseville Community Charter School opened its doors to welcome parents and scholars to visit their new classrooms...
East Orange “Back-to-School Welcome Walk”
Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and staff from various municipal departments participated in the city’s annual...
Berkeley College Announces Opportunity Grant
Qualified New Jersey residents can enroll in a fulltime Associate’s degree program without incurring any loans for tuition and fees...
Roseville Community Charter School Honored
Roseville Community Charter School was honored to welcome as a special guest, Dr. Christopher Irving, NJ Department of Education Assistant...
MSU Chancellor Dr. Marcheta P. Evans: The Merger
Bloomfield College and Montclair State University Become OneCulturemusic By Glenda Cadogan When it came time to navigate and negotiate the...
The U.S. Supreme Court and Affirmative Action
Johnny E. Parham, Jr. began his career as a community organizer with the Urban League of Essex County. Other Urban...
Keeping Our Communities Safe From Fentanyl
Public safety is our administration’s top priority, and keeping New Yorkers safe from the growing...
A Lament for Peace in the Middle East
Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson is Senior Pastor Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY Our...
Why Newark?
It’s the question business owners once asked when they considered relocating to the city of...
Lakeland Bank Partners with Small Business Pro University
Lakeland Bank has announced that it will serve as the Title Sponsor for the 30th...
The U.S. Supreme Court and Affirmative Action
Johnny E. Parham, Jr. began his career as a community organizer with the Urban League...
Saving Our Own Community: About Our Future!
We are one from the very start/We are one deep down in your heart We...
MAAFA…A Healing Journey
Teaching African History to Children St. Paul Community Baptist Church (SPCBC) in Brooklyn geared up in September for the return...
Read More
Black Art Collectors Roger Tucker
By Wanda Croudy For Roger Tucker, a graduate of Arts High School in Newark where he studied commercial design, art...
Read More
Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development 2023
The preeminent industry event for affordable housing and economic development professionals in New Jersey took place Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29. Held at the Waterfront Conference Center at...
Read More
Green Giant
Sonja D. Gracy, author, playwright, and NYC public school teacher is currently working on her next book God and the...
Read More
Newark Keeps Changing and Growing
The Last Word BY R.L. Witter We’ve been doing our annual Newark issue for several years now. And ever year...
Read More
Mt. Zion Baptist: 100th Church Anniversary
Mount Zion Baptist Church of South Hackensack, NJ celebrated its monumental 100th church anniversary on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at...
Read More
Juneteenth Celebration in Irvington
Hundreds of guests and neighbors gathered in Irvington for a celebration of freedom, commemorating Juneteenth. President of the People’s Organization...
Read More
Line Dancing Returns to Newark Symphony Hall’s Terrace Ballroom
Every second Friday hundreds gather at The Terrace Ballroom in Newark Symphony Hall (NSH) for a fun night of soul...
Read More
Bergen County Links, Inc. Celebrate 49 Years of Service
The Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated recently held its sold-out 15th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon at The...
Read More
They are Fit to be First Responders
By Barry Carter In a spirited competition among first responders, Newark and Essex County police...
New Director of Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation Northern Regions named to New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Adrienne Phillips, MD, MPH, begins role at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas...
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
By Leslie Nash The latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine is now available and the...
Grand Opening: Understand Medicare Now
Tuesday, August 29,2023, was a great day in Harlem for Michael Walker. The dream he...
Black Health Matters HARLEM WEEK Health Summit and Expo
Whether in-person or via live stream, participants at the Black Health Matters (BHM) HARLEM WEEK...
RWJBarnabas Health’s The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital Earns National Rankings as a Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024
RWJBarnabas Health children’s hospitals were named among the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals for 2023 –...
