Spring 2007 Newsletter
Family Care offers you complete family care services.
Helping you stay healthy.
Well, Spring has sprung. At least that’s what the calendar says. It seems as though this year the months of March and April have reversed, at least in terms of the temperature.
Spring Allergies
The strange temperatures don’t seem to have had an effect on the pollen counts. Spring allergies are off to a big start this year. Lack of rainfall actually seems to have increased some pollen types such as trees and grasses. As you begin your spring rituals of mowing and yard work, you may lessen the impact of these pollens by wearing a lightweight mask to filter out pollens. Exposure to these pollens can, however, end up causing nasal congestion. If you have high blood pressure, avoid over-the-counter medications for nasal congestion, which can interfere with the effectiveness of your blood pressure medication. Any medication which contains pseudoephedrine may elevate your blood pressure. In addition avoid nasal sprays such as Afrin which contain oxymetazoline. Not only can these elevate your blood pressure, but prolonged use, even for as little as 5 or 6 days, can cause dependency. Your body learns to depend on the spray, and you have congestion that won’t respond to just about any medication. The only way to break the dependency is to go off the spray “cold turkey.” There are prescription nasal sprays and oral medications that can control your nasal congestion without affecting your blood pressure and without causing dependency.
Yard Safety
Wear work gloves to protect your hands while doing yard work to prevent cuts and scratches as well as to protect your skin from irritation caused by yard chemicals and sprays. Wear eye protection when mowing or weed eating. Clear mowing areas of sticks and rocks to prevent bystander injury as these objects can become projectiles when hit by the mower blade. Keep bystanders at least 100 feet away from your mower as much as possible. Children under 14 should never be allowed to ride a riding lawn mower as a driver or a passenger. And don’t forget your sunscreen (at least SPF 15) as you increase your time outside.
Have a safe and healthy spring!
Eldon S. Beard, M.D.
