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Health ideas for wellness It Happens Every Spring

Allergies: What, Why, and How to Manage them

such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and watery eyes, making life miserable.

high pollen days, wear a face mask or pollen filter mask to reduce pollen exposure. You can also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen. Keep Windows Closed: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home. Use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter to clean the indoor air.

Causes of Pollen Allergies:

Pollen allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to pollen. The immune system mistakes pollen for a harmful substance and releases chemicals such as histamine to fight it off. Histamine causes inflammation in the nasal passages, eyes, and throat, leading to the symptoms of pollen allergies.

As men age, the cells in the prostate gland can become cancerous. Every year in the United States, more than 30,000 men die from prostate cancer, second only to skin cancer. About one in eight men in America will develop the condition at some point in their lives, and about one in 40 will die from it. Age is the greatest risk factor for prostate cancer. While only one in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, that number leaps to one in 14 for those ages 60 to 69. About 60 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, and 97 percent occur in men 50 years of age and older.

But there is good news; with early detection, prostate cancer can be treated successfully and thanks to billionaire businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, the lives of more Black men in New York City can be saved.

The Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit, a state-of-the-art mobile facility equipped with advanced scanning and trained staff, enables early detection of prostate cancer for at-risk Black men. The mobile

The timing and severity of pollen allergies depend on the type of pollen and the season. For example, tree pollen allergies are more common in the spring, while grass pollen allergies are more common in the summer.

4. Take Medication: Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can help relieve the symptoms of pollen allergies. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult a doctor if you have any underlying health conditions.

5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can help reduce the severity of pollen allergies over time. It involves receiving regular injections of small amounts of allergens to desensitize the immune system.

Managing Pollen Allergies:

All of these facts are reasons for concern, but Black men must be particularly vigilant. Black men have a 70 percent higher rate of developing high-risk prostate cancer, and are more than twice as likely to die from it. Prostate cancer usually has no noticeable symptoms. The first sign of disease is often found during a routine screening exam. This is why screening is important

1. Monitor Pollen Counts: Check the pollen count in your area to plan your outdoor activities. Pollen counts are usually higher in the morning and on windy days. You can use a pollen tracker app or website to check the pollen count in your area.

2. Wear Protective Gear: If you need to go outside on

Black men have a 70 percent higher rate of developing high-risk prostate cancer, and are more than twice as likely to die from it.

6. Cleanliness: Clean your home regularly to remove pollen and other allergens. Dust with a damp cloth and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens.

While there is no cure for pollen allergies, we hope this information will help you reduce exposure to pollen and manage your symptoms so you can enjoy the wonders of mother nature. Remember, everyone's allergies are different, so it's important to talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your specific symptoms.