Central California Alliance for Health | Living Healthy | March 2019

HEALTHY A newsletter for the members of Central California Alliance for Health Volume 25, Issue 1 MARCH 2019 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Merced, CA Permit No. 1186 Central California Alliance for Health 1600 Green Hills Road, Suite 101 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 Clear your head of allergy symptoms Do you sneeze and sniffle whether or not you feel sick? That could mean you’re one of the 50 million Americans with allergies. Allergies can affect your eyes, nose, mouth, throat and skin. They are a sign that your immune system is overreacting to an allergen. Plant pollen is one of the most common allergens. Others include mold, dust mites and pet dander. Allergies might come and go with the seasons, or they may be severe and yearlong. They can cause ear and sinus infections or asthma flare-ups. Your provider can help You may find relief with over-the- counter remedies. Saline nasal sprays, for instance, can help moisten your nasal passages. Other options include decongestants and antihistamines. Talk with your health care provider first. Some of these medications have side effects, such as drowsiness, or should be used only for a limited time. And some shouldn’t be used at all by people with high blood pressure or heart disease. What you can do You can take steps on your own to feel better, such as: ●  ● Yard work can send pollen and mold into the air and up your nose. Ask someone else to mow the grass or rake up leaves. ●  ● Keep an eye on pollen and mold levels. ●  ● Stay indoors and keep windows closed when counts are high. Go to morehealth.org/allergies for daily pollen and mold counts. Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; U.S. Food and Drug Administration Important notice Member Services will not be available at the following date and time due to a company meeting: ● June 13, 2019 from 12:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

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