North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Inc.
Plainview and Syosset Hospitals
888 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803
MICHAEL DOWLING
President and CEO,
North Shore-LIJ
Health System
WINIFRED MACK, RN
Regional Executive
Director
MICHAEL FENER
Executive Director
Plainview and Syosset
Hospitals
TERRY LYNAM
VP, Public Relations
North Shore-LIJ
ALEXANDRA ZENDRIAN
Editor
Focus on Health is published by the Public Relations Department of
Plainview and Syosset Hospitals (516-465-2600). The information
within this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects
pertinent to their health and is not meant to be a substitute for
consultation with a personal physician. Produced by True North
Custom, Chattanooga, TN. © 2015. Printed in USA.
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Please contact Alan Heyman
at 631-656-9900 or
alan.heyman@patientpoint.com
Itchy eyes? Sneezing? Runny nose? Hives? These
symptoms indicate you may be sensitive to common fall
allergens: ragweed, mold and dust mites.
TACKLING
Allergies Allergies
RAGWEED BLOOMS BETWEEN August and November.
During that time, each plant releases around 1 billion
grains of pollen, with pollen release peaking in the middle
of September. Pollen levels are usually highest on warm,
windy days between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
You can help prevent exposure to ragweed pollen and
allergic reactions by staying indoors during peak times
and keeping doors and windows closed. Frequent hand
washing, wearing a dust mask when you are outdoors, and
leaving pollen-covered clothes and shoes outside can help
limit ragweed pollen exposure.
Sweet Relief
An allergist can diagnose exactly what's triggering
your response and develop a plan to address symptoms.
A thorough evaluation may include skin and blood tests.
Some mild cases may be handled by taking over-the-
counter allergy medications. For more severe symptoms,
allergists could recommend stronger medications or a
series of allergy shots administered over several months to
help the body develop a natural
tolerance to allergen triggers.
Keep Your Home Allergen-Free
Removing dust, pollen and other substances from your
home can help keep your family symptom-free, at least
while they are indoors.
Dust mites, the most common indoor allergy trigger,
thrive in soft surfaces like carpet, couches, drapes and
bedding. To banish dust mites and pet dander, vacuum
often and regularly wash bedding and pet beds.
Minimize dust-gathering clutter and clean at least
weekly with a damp cloth. Keeping your home tidy
and moisture free may help prevent mold and allergen
build-up. Choose mild, natural cleansers, because harsh
chemicals can also trigger allergic reactions.
If allergy symptoms persist, the professionals at North
Shore-LIJ can help. To find a physician, visit find-a-doctor.
NorthShoreLIJ.com.
