Allergy and Asthma Tips to Help You Enjoy the Outdoors
Understanding the Basics
Asthma is a condition in which the airways in your lungs become constricted, making it harder to breathe. However, seasonal allergies occur when the body reacts to triggers such as pollen, causing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. While these conditions are common, they don’t have to keep you indoors. “The most common triggers we see during spring and summer are pollen from trees, grass, and flowers,” Michelle Le, Physician Assistant at Saban Community Clinic, explains. “But poor air quality, humidity, even things like bonfire smoke or bug spray can also make symptoms worse.”
Simple Ways to Stay Safe Outdoors
If you have asthma or allergies, a little preparation can go a long way. Le recommends:
Checking the pollen count before heading outside. Visit weather.com for a 15 day allergy forecast tracker.
Wearing sunglasses or a mask to block pollen and reduce eye irritation.
Bringing your inhaler or allergy medication with you, just in case.
Taking your medication ahead of time even if you feel fine.
Allergy and Asthma Tips to Help You Enjoy the Outdoors
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Healthy Body, Healthy Lungs
Michelle Le, PA, encourages patients to focus on a nutritious diet, adequate hydration, and a balanced intake of vitamins. While these habits can’t replace medication, they work hand-inhand to reduce inflammation and support overall wellness.
Scan the QR code for the top allergy fighting foods!
When to Seek Help
If your asthma or allergies feel out of control, like needing your rescue inhaler multiple times a day or struggling to breathe—it’s time to talk to your provider. “You might need a change in medication or additional treatment like allergy shots,” Michelle notes. Don’t wait until symptoms become serious.
Remember that with proper preparation, support, and a treatment plan, you can enjoy the outdoors safely.
GIVING BACK
Help Bring Care to Our Unhoused Neighbors
At Saban Community Clinic, we are committed to meeting people experiencing homelessness with compassion, dignity, and life-saving care. The services we provide include:
Mobile Clinic
Delivers medical and dental care to several transitional and supportive housing sites.
Street Medicine Team
Provides on-the-spot care for people living in encampments.
Satellite Clinic
Offers full-service care in one of L.A.’s most underserved areas.
Shower Program
Provides free weekday showers, hygiene kits, and donated clothing.
Here’s how you can help
Donate hygiene items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, new socks, underwear, and men’s clothing.
Drop Off Donations
Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Saban’s Beverly or Hollywood Taper locations.
Host a drive or volunteer a skill (e.g. haircuts or hygiene kit assembly.)
To coordinate a donation or learn more, contact Julia Wood at 323-653-1990.
"As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way." -Mary Anne Radmacher
Health, Happiness, and Bingo: Inside the Diamond Club
Launched over a year ago, the Diamond Club supports patients aged 50 and up in navigating health insurance (including Medi-Cal and Medicare), along with education and early detection for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.
In addition to health screenings and insurance assistance, the Diamond Club also holds quarterly resource fairs, where members can meet with health and social service organizations, learn about community resources, and make new friends. “It’s amazing to see people come to an event not knowing anyone, and by the next one, they’re chatting with familiar faces. That sense of belonging is what it’s all about,” says Sonia Medina, Outreach and Enrollment Supervisor and co-founder of the Diamond Club.
But it’s not all paperwork and checkups. “We host fun, engaging events that give people a reason to come together,” Sonia shares. “We’ve had meditation sessions, chair yoga, bingo, painting,
and even paint-and-sip-style classes with snacks. We’re looking into adding more activities like dance nights and senior exercise classes.”
When asked what she hopes people gain from joining, Sonia doesn’t hesitate. “A sense of community. A sense of belonging. We want them to know they’re not alone—and that there’s a place that cares about their health, their wellbeing, and their life.”
Ready to join the Diamond Club?
Scan the QR code, visit: https://bit.ly/sabandiamond or call: 323-653-1990 to enroll.
CLINIC NEWS
The Fight to Save Medicaid
Last month, we joined the National Protect Medicaid Day of Action to speak up for the care our community depends on.
Led by our Chief Strategy Officer, Jackie Provost, patients and staff wrote heartfelt messages about how Medicaid has made a difference in their lives. We then hand-delivered each one to U.S. Representative Laura Friedman’s office—making sure every voice was heard.
Scan the QR code to stay updated on policies that impact you.
AROUND THE CLINIC
Get Braces Without Breaking the Bank
At Saban Community Clinic, everyone deserves a confident smile, regardless of their income. Thanks to our generous donors, we proudly offer Invisalign (nearly invisible braces) at low or no cost.
Both teens and adults can qualify for income-based discounts.
Ready to see if you're eligible? Visit sabanteeth.com and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile today!
We're Hiring!
Looking for a new job? Check out our open positions today! https://bit.ly/sabanjobs
To request an appointment, log in to MyChart:
Additionally, you can call us at 323.653.1990 or chat with us at sabancommunityclinic.org @sabanclinic
AROUND THE CLINIC
Mobile Mammography Summer Schedule
We're bringing breast cancer screening closer to home with on-site mobile mammography events, hosted in partnership with Alinea Medical Imaging.
Join us at Melrose Family Health Center for quick, convenient screenings. Early detection saves lives—don’t wait to take care of your health.
Mobile breast cancer screenings
June 28
August 9
September 20
Melrose Family Health Center 5205 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038
Call (323) 653-1990 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Need Help Signing Up for Medi-Cal? We've got you covered!
Did you know that we offer assistance for Medi-Cal renewals and enrollment? It's free, easy and confidential. Bilingual services available.
Schedule your appointment today: 323-648-4181
Our locations:
Beverly Health Center 8405 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
S. Mark Taper Foundation Health Center 6043 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Wallis Annenberg Children & Family Health Center 5205 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Virgil Family Health Center 137 N. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Satellite Clinic at The Center 6636 Selma Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
