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HEALTHY MAGAZINE
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Summertime
SPORTS Guys! You can’t “tough out” allergies and asthma! But, you can compete this summer without limits!
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s athletes of all ages take the field this summer, the most fearsome opponents for those with asthma and allergies might be triggers that can sideline even the toughest competitors.
tested and on appropriate preventative medication to ensure allergy control. •
ENSURE SAFE SNACKING – Snacks are the highlight of the game for little ones – except for the child who is allergic to peanuts, milk or other common snack food allergens. Before putting together the snack-assignment schedule, poll parents on children’s allergies to find out if any foods should be avoided. Food allergies can be serious, so if you suspect you or your child suffer from them, make an appointment to get tested and develop a plan. There is also treatment available for this in many cases.
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BEWARE OF UNEXPECTED OPPONENTS – Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets hang out on or near sports fields that can pack a powerful punch if they sting. Administer injectable epinephrine and call 911 in the case of a serious reaction, including hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the tongue. If you are allergic to venom, life-saving treatment is available that can desensitize you to the venom! It is >95% protective!
Everyone can play and stay in the game and make sure it’s fun and safe by following these tips: •
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PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SPORT – Sports that involve a lot of running – such as soccer, lacrosse, basketball and field hockey – can be tough for kids and adults with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), commonly referred to as exercise induced asthma. If symptoms are limiting your ability to perform, then call my office to be assessed. We will design a specific treatment plan for you so you can plan your sports without limits. Don’t just live with allergies and asthma, live without them! This is one thing that you can’t just “tough it out.” In fact, that approach will hinder your performance more than anything. I want you playing to your maximum capacity. STOP THE SNEEZING – To help head off a mid-at-bat sneezing fit due to allergies to grass and other pollen-producing plants, make sure you get allergy
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how to use injectable epinephrine in case of a severe allergic reaction. Getting the right treatment for your allergies and asthma levels the playing field. No one should suffer or stop being active. You should be able to feel good and participate in your favorite sports without limits! To find out if asthma or allergies bother you or your child and come up with a plan to defeat them, visit RockyMountainAllergy.com. Call at 801-775-9800.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Douglas H. Jones, MD
Rocky Mountain Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 801-775-9800 rockymountainallergy.com Dr. Jones specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all conditions relating to allergies, asthma and immune system disorders. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He earned his MD from Penn State University and completed his specialty training at Creighton University.ars.
GIVE THE COACH A HEADS UP – Alert the coach to any allergic condition, as well as what to do in an emergency. Provide detailed instructions on where medications are kept on the field and on
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