According to Linda Washburn, staff writer for NorthJersey.com, “May is the cruelest month this year for allergy sufferers.” I was the lucky one in my family to be allergy-free (knock on wood), but being around my sniffley brother and itchy-eyed fiancé are enough to make me sympathize for all those who suffer from allergies.

In Linda’s article, “Allergy Season Bursts on the Scene”, she quoted Dr. Theodore Falk, Holy Name Medical Center’s allergy director, “This is a strange season. There’s so much pollen that has to be released, and it has to be released in a progressive manner. [The trees] held on and held on,” and then — boom. “A tremendous amount of pollen has been released in a short period of time.” Falk also says to treat your bedroom like an allergy sanctuary. When kids or pets come inside from playing outdoors, make sure the kids change clothes and the pets stay out of the bedrooms. This will help to keep the pollen out of the place you lay your allergic head to rest!

If taking these precautions doesn’t seem to help, call to make an appointment with your primary care provider. (Preferably a Northwest Health Services Provider! They can prescribe antihistamines and steroids to reduce the inflammation in irritated airways, along with eyedrops containing steroids.

Remember, we are dedicated to quality healthcare, and available to ALL!

Anna G.

This just in: grass pollen season beginning at the end of May and peaking in June. Yay!