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We know that spring allergies in DFW can severely degrade your quality of life, and since Texas enjoyed such a mild winter, the allergy season has been longer and more severe than usual this year. Coughing, sneezing, congestion and skin rashes abound as spring progresses. For this reason, we want to offer advice for finding allergy relief at this time of year when allergies and asthma attacks are most prevalent.

What is an allergy?

When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system is trying to provide your body with a defense, even if the substance that sends it into overdrive isn’t actually harmful. Substances such as pollen, mold, grass and pet dander are some of the most common allergens that trigger spring allergies.

Are seasonal allergies and food allergies related?

Most people don’t associate the two, but many people with tree, grass or other spring allergies also have food allergies. Symptoms of food allergies are generally mild, including facial rash, mouth tingling and diarrhea. Small populations of people may experience an asthma attack from food allergies as well.

How can someone with spring allergies find allergy relief?

• Avoid the substances you know you are allergic to
• Take anti-histamines and nasal sprays, which are available over the counter to alleviate symptoms, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) being the most potent of these
• Ask for prescription medication from your doctor if you suffer from asthma or more severe allergies
• Get in the habit of washing your hands frequently and showering daily to remove allergens from your body
• Keep air filters clean by changing them frequently and keep the windows and doors to your home closed
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water
• Remove your clothes after spending time outside and wash them before wearing them again
• Avoid long baths and apply daily moisturizer to help protect your skin

With these tips in mind, you’ll be better able to deal with your spring allergies this season. To learn more about dealing with allergy symptoms – you can visit a CareNow provider or www.CareNow.com.

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Teaching your children about washing hands properly is by far the best way to prevent them from getting sick. Germs that cause every illness from the common cold and influenza to meningitis and hepatitis A can be transferred if children fail to wash their hands regularly.

All it takes is contact with the droplets from a cough or sneeze, touching an infected surface, or coming in contact with a sick person’s fluids. A quick touch of the hands to the eyes, nose, or mouth and your child could become infected.

Here are some tips for washing hands properly that you can teach your children.

When to Wash

• During flu season, frequent hand washing is advised simply to keep the germs at bay.
• As the adult in the household, it’s essential that you wash your hands before and after preparing food. This is especially the case if you are handling raw meat or eggs.
• Before eating is one of the most important times to teach your kids to wash up. Get your children in this habit to help prevent germs from entering their system.
• Wash up again after eating to prevent the spread of germs throughout your home.
• Teach your children about washing hands properly after they use the bathroom.
• Get the habit of washing your hands after touching any contaminated surfaces or equipment such as soiled kitchen utensils, garbage, a dirty diaper, a used tissue, or an animal.
• Remember, children learn by example. This means if you set the example by washing your hands often and at the times you ask your children to wash their hands, they are more likely to follow suit.

How to Wash

• Wash your hands under warm running water with soap.
• Lather the soap in your hands for about 20 seconds, being sure to get areas like between your fingers, the backs of your hands, your wrists, and under your fingernails. To make it more fun for the kids, teach them to sing “Happy Birthday” twice in a row before they rinse the soap off their hands.
• Rinse the soap off well and dry with a clean towel.
• When soap and water isn’t available, use antibacterial hand sanitizer gel or wipes. Rub your hands together until the moisture of the gel or wipe evaporates. There is no need to use water.

Visit a CareNow provider at any of our 23 DFW locations to learn more tips about washing hands properly.

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You know you aren’t getting enough sleep when your attitude begins to suffer, when you feel tired all day, and when any kind of exertion sounds impossible.  You may be suffering from financial worries, relationship problems, an illness, or other situation causing your quality of sleep to suffer.  You can avoid getting a prescription to help you sleep by using these sleep aids instead.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant, so it seems like a nightcap would help you sleep better.  However, alcohol reduces your quality of sleep.  Drinking before bed is likely to wake you up a few hours into the night instead of helping you sleep soundly all night long.

Don’t Eat Just Before Going to Bed

Big meals late at night will not only cause you to gain weight because the calories aren’t burned off, but they also keep your stomach busy digesting, which may keep you awake.  Also avoid spicy or acidic foods at night because these can lead to heartburn and other stomach trouble.

Don’t Sit Up in Bed and Watch TV

Sitting up will keep you awake, so if you insist on watching TV to help you fall asleep, get into a comfortable reclined position to enjoy your show.  When you find yourself nodding off, shut off the program, turn out the lights, and go to sleep with a completely relaxed body and mind.

Maintain a Quiet, Dark, and Comfortable Bedroom

Your room should be separate from active parts of the home so you can sleep despite what other members of the household are doing.  Shut the blinds, close the door, and climb into your comfortable bed with only relaxing thoughts in mind.  You will also find it easier to fall asleep if you go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

OTC Melatonin

Sleeping pills, even over-the-counter varieties, should be used as a last resort.  One option is called melatonin, which is a hormone that the body naturally creates.  The manufactured version of this hormone is most effective for people needing to sleep at odd hours due to work shifts or for those experiencing jet lag.  This supplement should be discussed with a doctor when considered for people under age 20 or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

All of these sleep tips will help you get that good night’s sleep you are after.  If you find that you need additional help in relaxing your body and mind, your local CareNow provider will be happy to assist.