FOR YOUR HEALTH: Dealing with springtime allergies in Maine

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As the winter snow melts and the sun starts to shine, people in the Northeast United States look forward to the arrival of spring. However, for many, springtime also brings along the onset of seasonal allergies. This is especially true in Maine, where the blooming of flowers and trees can cause a range of allergic reactions.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Maine ranks as the 26th most challenging state to live in for people with allergies. Common allergens in Maine during the spring season include pollen from trees like oak, birch, and maple, as well as grass pollen.

The symptoms of spring allergies can vary from person to person but can include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and even skin rashes. These symptoms can be particularly bothersome for people who suffer from asthma, as allergies can exacerbate their breathing difficulties.

Fortunately, there are several remedies and precautions that people can take to minimize the impact of spring allergies. One of the most effective ways to prevent allergies is to avoid exposure to allergens. This can be achieved by staying indoors during peak pollen hours, which are typically in the morning and early evening. It’s also a good idea to keep windows closed and to use an air purifier to filter out pollen and other allergens.

For people who do venture outside during allergy season, wearing a mask can help reduce pollen exposure. Additionally, washing clothes and hair after being outside can also help reduce the amount of pollen that accumulates on the body.

Another effective way to manage allergies is through the use of over-the-counter medications. Antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Decongestants can help reduce nasal congestion, and nasal corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.

In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended by a doctor. These shots contain a small amount of the allergen, which is gradually increased over time, helping the body build up immunity to the allergen.

It’s also important for people with allergies to maintain good overall health, as allergies can weaken the immune system. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.

In summary, spring allergies can be a significant challenge for many people in Maine, but there are several effective ways to manage symptoms and minimize the impact of allergens. These include avoiding exposure to allergens, wearing a mask, using medications, and maintaining good overall health. By taking these steps, people can enjoy the beauty of spring without being bogged down by allergies.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: How To Live A Healthy Life In The Modern Age

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What if you could transform your life today and start feeling better tomorrow? What if it wasn’t that big of a deal to do so? And what if you didn’t need to spend a fortune to get there either? You know what would also be nice? If you could transform not just your physical appearance, but also the way you think about yourself and your life. This can seem like an overwhelming commitment at first, but once you break it down and think about it as a holistic process rather than a giant leap, it seems much more achievable. After all, we’re talking about 5 minutes per day. That’s all it takes!

Exercise daily

Exercise is the ultimate way to increase your metabolic rate and burn fat while improving your health and well-being. Whether you choose to go to the gym, run around the block, or climb a tree, the most important thing is to do something. The best part is that even if you aren’t that great at it, doing something will give you a sense of accomplishment and increase your confidence. There’s really no excuse for not being active. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and about 30 minutes a day. There are so many benefits to being active, including: Better Sex Increased Energy Improved Mood Improved Mental Health Lower Risk of Heart Disease Increased Immunity Greater Sex Drive Stronger Bones Stronger Muscles
Eat healthy

Eating healthy is crucial for boosting your metabolism, building strong bones and teeth, and preventing heart disease and many cancers. It’s also essential for maintaining a healthy weight, and for keeping your energy levels up, too. It can be difficult to know what to eat, especially when you’re throwing yourself a party. This is why it’s important to have a healthy diet that consists of a variety of fresh produce, wholegrains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. You should also limit your intake of sugary drinks, processed foods, saturated fats, salt, and sugary snacks.

Learn something new

If you think about it, we’re all in this thing called life for a reason: to learn, grow, and experience new things. There’s no way you’re going to be able to do that if you’re constantly worried about money and your bills. The best way to learn new things and expand your knowledge is by getting inspired by other people and what they’ve achieved. You can watch documentaries, read blogs, attend seminars, or simply listen to what other people have to say. The more you do this, the more you’ll realize how much you don’t know and how much there is still to learn. This will boost your confidence, give you the ability to understand new concepts, and make you feel more optimistic about the future.

Sleep better

Sleep is essential for regulating hormones and building memory. Not sleeping well can lead to poor diet, fatigue, and a lack of confidence. While it can be difficult to change the number of hours you sleep, it’s much easier to adjust the amount of sleep you get. Try and keep a regular sleep schedule so that your body is conditioned to expect the amount of sleep it needs. Make sure you have a regular time to relax and take care of yourself, like when you’re sick or when you’re just out of the blue feeling down.

Connect with people

The modern world is incredibly isolating, which isn’t great for your mental health or your relationships. You don’t have to put yourself out there in a big way either. Just make sure you’re grabbing coffee with a friend every now and then, sending a quick text message, or saying hi to someone on the street. Doing this will not only boost your social confidence, but it’ll help you get to know the people around you better. It’s always good to have a few people in your life that you can connect with, whether it’s a close friend, family member, or even a stranger.

Take a deep breath and relax

Life is happening really quickly. You have to make decisions quickly and try to find time for everything. It can be really easy to get hurried, anxious, or stressed out. This is never going to get you anywhere so try to put the brakes on it. Take a few deep breaths, try and identify what’s stressing you, and try to work out a way to deal with it. Then, when you’re feeling rushed and short of time, you can use that plan to help you to calm down. This doesn’t mean you have to let everything get to you. It just means that you have to let yourself have a little more control and that you don’t have to be rushed all the time.

Stay positive

Finally, it’s important to remember that you’re not going to get anywhere if you’re not having fun. If you’re feeling down, try and find the funny side of things and try to look at it from a different perspective. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take things seriously and work hard, but try and find a happy medium. It can be really easy to get trapped in a negative spiral where you’re constantly worrying about the things that are stressing you out. You have to find a way to anchor yourself and stop that spiral from continuing. There are many ways you can do this, like writing them down, visualizing them, or talking to a friend or family member. There are many different ways you can anchor yourself and stop the negative spiral from continuing. This will help you to stay positive, optimistic, and relaxed while you’re navigating life’s challenges.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Supplement Your Dental Care Routine

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You can help keep your smile shining, even when your diet isn’t adequate, by taking vitamin and mineral supplements as you need them.

(NAPSI)—Brushing and flossing are the main tricks of the trade for maintaining a healthy smile, but if you want to expand your dental health from the inside out, you may want to consider nutritional supplements. 

“Most people can obtain all the necessary vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet, but for some, supplements can be helpful as nutrition deficiencies can lead to conditions such as inflammation and tooth loss if left untreated for too long,” said Kiran Malhi, DMD, a dental consultant for Delta Dental of Washington. 

Six Suggestions For A Stronger Smile

In tandem with brushing, flossing and consistent trips to the dentist, these six supplements can jump start an even healthier smile:

Calcium: Calcium helps more than just your bones—it can help your teeth too. While calcium is found in dairy products, fish, vegetables and nuts, you can also take calcium as a supplement if you have roadblocks to accessing calcium-rich foods. 

Phosphorus: Phosphorus aids in calcium absorption into the body, helping to strengthen teeth by protecting and rebuilding tooth enamel. Many people get enough phosphorus in their diets through meat, fish, milk and whole grains, but it is available in supplement form for those with dietary restrictions.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps in saliva production, which is beneficial to your overall oral health. Saliva functions in breaking down foods and cleans bacteria between teeth. The vitamin is found in orange-colored fruits and vegetables, fish and eggs. Vitamin A tablets and gummies are widely available and also keep eyes and skin healthy. 

Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps your gums as well as your teeth, keeping connective tissues in the gums strong to hold teeth in place while deficiencies in vitamin C can be the cause of bleeding gums and gum disease. Chewable or liquid forms of vitamin C are erosive, however, and can cause the loss of enamel if taken in excess, though they’re safe at the recommended dosage. Vitamin C is present in many fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D protects against oral health conditions such as gingival inflammation, cavities and gum disease, as it plays a significant role in tooth mineralization. Like calcium, vitamin D can be found in fish or vitamin D-fortified foods like milk and cereal, but for convenience, it is available in supplement form. 

Zinc: Zinc can eliminate cavity-causing bacteria and control demineralization. The vitamin can also help with gum diseases such as gingivitis and other common periodontal problems. A bonus is that zinc helps fight bad breath. 

Learn More

For additional information about how to get and maintain a healthy smile, visit www.deltadentalwa.com/blog.

FOR YOUR HEALTH – One A Day: Small Daily Acts of Self-Care

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(NAPSI)—The winter holidays have ended, and spring is in sight. As the days start to lengthen, it is a good time to tend to your overall health and well-being, including your mental health, by practicing daily acts of self-care.

Mental health and physical health are closely related. Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being affect how we think, feel, and act. Caring for all parts of ourselves helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

Making small healthy choices each day can build habits and make a difference as we move out of winter and into spring. Here are some self-care activities you can fit into your daily routine:

• Take breaks to unwind through yoga, music, gardening, or new hobbies. Try new things and make the ones that make you feel good a regular part of your week.

• Find ways to connect with family and friends, get support, and share your feelings. Staying in touch with friends and family online or with a phone call or chatting with a neighbor outside can help you connect and keep you from feeling isolated.

• Make physical activity part of your daily life. Tending to your health through physical activity doesn’t require a gym membership. Dancing, taking a walk, or even working in your yard or cleaning house can improve your mood and your overall health. 

• Treat yourself to healthy foods. Splurge when you can on fresh fruits and vegetables. Finding a vegetable that you’ve never had before at a farmer’s market or a grocery that carries foods from another culture and learning how to prepare it can be a fun way to include more fresh food in your diet.

• Make sure you are up to date on vaccines, especially COVID-19 vaccines. Updated COVID vaccines can restore protection that may have waned over time and keep you healthy to participate in activities you enjoy.  

“Staying current on COVID vaccines is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can give people extra peace of mind about their health,” said Dr. Jaime Fergie, director of infectious diseases at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. “Getting vaccinated provides added protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID, and helps reduce the risk of getting long COVID too.”  

Move into spring, a time of renewal, with a renewed commitment to healthy habits and actions.

For more information about COVID vaccines and to find a vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Allergy avoidance

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Allergy season doesn’t have to mean misery if you heed a few hints for your home.

(NAPSI) — Ah, Spring: Flowers in bloom, birds on the wing, fun in the sun—and itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing, coughing, hives, wheezing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing for the more than 60 million Americans the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America say suffer from asthma or allergies.

But there can be a solution.

The Problem

Even the cleanest home can harbor all sorts of indoor allergens. Unseen contaminants and air pollutants include dirt, dust, pet dander, cigarette smoke, mold, mildew, and chemicals. They get pulled into your home’s HVAC system and recirculated throughout the house several times a day.

An Answer

A few simple steps can reduce and remove allergens.

  • Pet dander: Regularly steam clean your furniture, carpets, and window coverings. De-cluttering gives dander fewer places to hide. And regularly bathing your dog or cat sends excess dander down the drain.
  • Mold and mildew: Use mold inhibitors in your paints, clean your bathroom and kitchen with mold-busting products and use a dehumidifier or air purifier.
  • Air system filtration: Change air filters monthly. Consider HEPA filters, designed to catch the tiniest particles of pollutants.
  • Schedule a professional air duct cleaning: A good way to be sure you’ll get the job done right is to hire a National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) member through the online directory at http://nadca.com/en/prosearch/all. NADCA members have technicians on staff with advanced training and certification in HVAC system cleaning.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Have More Healthy Moments: Get Tested and Follow Your Kidney Health

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(NAPSI)—Kidney disease is often referred to as a “silent disease” because there are usually no symptoms during its early stages. In fact, as many as 90% of Americans who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) don’t know they have the disease until it is advanced.

CKD is estimated to affect more than 1 in 7 adults in the United States. The good news is the earlier you find out you have kidney disease, the sooner you can take steps to protect your kidneys from further damage. By getting tested for CKD and following your kidney health, you may help keep your kidneys healthier for longer and give yourself more healthy moments.

Know Your Risk

Even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms, ask your doctor about getting tested for kidney disease. If you are over 60 or have any risk factors for kidney disease—such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a history of acute kidney injury or a family history of CKD—you may be at increased risk.

Early diagnosis gives you and your health care team time to develop a plan to slow kidney disease progression. The plan can also reduce your risk for other health problems, such as heart attack and stroke. Damage from kidney disease usually cannot be reversed, but treatment can help prevent further kidney damage and allow you to live a full life.

Schedule Your Test

Testing for CKD involves two quick tests. A blood test checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. A urine test checks for protein in your urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. Contact your doctor’s office—or a community health center if you don’t have a regular doctor—to schedule your kidney tests and find out how your kidneys are doing. You may be nervous about getting your kidneys tested but finding and treating kidney disease early gives you the best chance of staying healthier longer.

Follow Your Kidney Health 

Keep your appointments even if you feel well. Your doctor may repeat testing each year, or more often if needed, and use the changes in your results to plan the next steps for your care. If your kidney function is stable, your care team may recommend you continue doing what you’re doing. If your kidney function seems to be getting worse, the team may suggest lifestyle or medicine changes.

Be proactive! Keep your kidneys healthy by following a kidney-healthy lifestyle.

• Manage your blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) or naproxen (e.g., Aleve).

• Be active for at least 30 minutes each day.

• Aim for 7 to 8 hours or more of sleep each night.

• Quit smoking.

• Consult a registered dietitian to build a meal plan you can stick to.

If financial or resource challenges make it hard for you to follow your care plan—including getting to medical appointments, paying for medicines, or buying healthy food—ask your care team for help.

“For people with kidney disease, working with a health care team is key to an early diagnosis and to staying on top of their kidney health,” said National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Director Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers. “As we continue to research new ways to prevent and treat kidney disease, there are steps people can take today to improve and maintain the health of their kidneys—and enjoy more healthy moments.”

For more information on getting tested for CKD and following your kidney health, visit the NIDDK website at www.niddk.nih.gov.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Eye Disease Can Affect More Than Your Sight

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It’s smart to see your way clear to getting regular eye exams.

Regular vision checks can help you see your way clear to a better social life and healthier living.

(NAPSI)—Eye disease affects more than your ability to see the world clearly. People with impaired vision face an increased risk of falls, fractures, injuries, depression, anxiety, cognitive deficits and social isolation. One of the best ways to protect yourself against vision loss from eye disease is to get regular eye exams.

Ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care—have more tools than ever before to diagnose eye diseases earlier, and to treat them better. But these advances cannot help people whose disease is undiagnosed, or who are unaware of the seriousness of their disease.

That’s why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults receive a comprehensive eye exam by age 40, and every year or two after age 65.

Here’s how low vision can affect nearly every aspect of your life:

1. Depression and social isolation. Being unable to drive, read, enjoy hobbies or see loved ones’ faces is frightening and can lead some people to withdraw from life, leaving them feeling helpless or lonely. One study found that after being diagnosed with a vision-threatening eye disease, a person’s chance of experiencing depression triples.

2. Dementia. Several studies suggest a connection between eye disease and dementia. While the cause is unclear, it’s possible some eye diseases interfere with the brain’s sensory pathways. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to prevent vision loss.

3. Injuries from falls. People with decreased vision are more likely to misstep and fall. Every year, about 3 million older Americans are treated for injuries from falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these falls are caused by low vision. Luckily there are some changes around the house people can make, such as grouping furniture together and increasing lighting. Seeing an ophthalmologist regularly and making sure your glasses are updated with your latest prescription are important safety precautions as well.

Can’t Afford an Eye Exam? EyeCare America® Can Help.

For individuals age 65 or older who are concerned about their risk of eye disease and/or the cost of an eye exam, you may be eligible for a medical eye exam, often at no out-of-pocket cost, through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America® program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need of eye care across the United States. To see if you or a loved one qualifies, visit www.aao.org/eyecare-america to determine your eligibility.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Should you get tested for seasonal allergies?

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You might think that seasonal allergies are just a spring thing. Not true. Autumn brings pollen from the ragweed plant to many parts of the U.S. And if you’re allergic to it, you may find yourself dealing with watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose and an itchy throat.

Ragweed pollen levels typically peak in mid-September. But depending on where you live, they can hang around until November, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and treatment of ragweed allergies — and when you should see your doctor.

What causes seasonal allergies?

“Seasonal allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, such as pollen,” explains Morris Nejat, MD. Dr. Nejat is the chief medical officer at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers in New York City.

Many times throughout the year, certain plants release pollen. Tree pollen causes problems in the spring, and grass pollen is common in the summer. When fall comes, ragweed pollen takes over.

Seasonal allergies affect as many as 60 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Learn why the allergy season is getting longer.)

As pollen travels through the air, it can make its way into your eyes, nose and lungs. Your body may act as if it’s under attack and release a chemical called histamine into your blood. This causes symptoms such as:

  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Itchy eyes, nose, throat and skin
  • Sneezing, coughing and wheezing
  • Sinus pressure
  • Tiredness

When do you need to get tested for seasonal allergies?

If you think you have seasonal allergies, talk to your primary care doctor. Finding out the cause of your symptoms helps your doctor decide which medications to give you. They will discuss your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also refer you to an allergist for testing, if necessary.

“You should get tested for seasonal allergies if you have symptoms that last more than 3 months or if you have chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing,” says Dr. Nejat.

A skin prick or scratch test can confirm your allergy, says the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The doctor will place a drop of an allergen (such as ragweed) onto your skin, usually on the forearm. Then they will lightly prick or scratch your skin. You probably won’t find the test painful, but you may have a little discomfort. If your skin gets a red, raised bump, it means you’ve had an allergic reaction.

How to relieve symptoms

Taking an over-the-counter medicine can help relieve your symptoms. Your doctor might recommend:

  • Corticosteroid nasal spray. These medications reduce nasal inflammation. Examples include budesonide (Rhinocort®) and fluticasone propionate (Flonase®).
  • Antihistamines. These medications block the release of histamines, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. Some examples are Loratadine (Claritin®) and cetirizine (Zyrtec®). (Here’s the difference between Claritin and Zyrtec.)
  • Decongestants. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) relieve sinus congestion. Oxymetazoline (Afrin®) is a decongestant nasal spray.

“Oftentimes, the same medication comes in both over-the-counter and prescription versions,” says Dr. Nejat. The allergist will be able to decide which medicines are best for you.

You can also try a saline nasal rinse to reduce congestion. Eye drops can calm itchy, red and watery eyes.

No matter what regimen you’re on, always follow the medication’s instructions. For example, decongestant nasal sprays shouldn’t be used for more than 3 days in a row (unless your doctor says otherwise).

Other tips that can help you manage fall allergies

Don’t let allergies keep you from having fun this fall. Making small changes to your daily routine can help you get ahead of ragweed pollen.

  • Track the pollen count. You can check pollen counts in your area using the map provided by the National Allergy Bureau.
  • Avoid outdoor chores. When the pollen count is really high, steer clear of yard work such as gardening or mowing the lawn. If you do outdoor chores, wear a face mask, says the Mayo Clinic.
  • Close the windows. That goes for the doors in your house, too.
  • Remove pollen. Change your clothes when you come into your house from the outdoors. Take a shower, and toss the clothing in the laundry to wash away the pollen.
  • Breathe clean air. Use air conditioners in your house and car. Consider buying high-efficiency filters. And use dehumidifiers to keep the air dry and breathable.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Better Indoor Air Quality

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You and your family can breathe easier this season if your air ducts are professionally cleaned.

(NAPSI)—If your family is like most, you spend more time inside when it’s cold and dark outside. On the one hand, that can make this a great time for enjoying baking, reading, board games, movies, and so on together. On the other hand, you’re also all breathing in what could be poor-quality indoor air. 

According to the EPA, that can aggravate asthma and increase the risk of respiratory problems, cancer and heart disease. 

You can know it’s time to get your ducts cleaned when you’re dusting more often, the return air grills get covered in film or there are odd odors in the house.

What To Do

Fortunately, five simple steps can improve your indoor air:

1. Change air filters monthly. They trap pollutants such as pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. 

2. Dust with a damp microfiber cloth and vacuum regularly.

3. Increase ventilation. Weather permitting, open a window to let fresh air in and stale air out. 

4. Get a humidifier. Winter air can be very dry and that can be uncomfortable. Humidifiers increase moisture in the air and reduce static electricity. 

5. Schedule air duct cleaning. Contaminants get pulled into the HVAC system where they can be a problem for people with respiratory conditions, auto-immune disorders, asthma or allergies. In addition, those contaminants cause the system to work harder, which shortens the life of your furnace and air conditioner and raises your electric bills. When you’re ready to tackle those air ducts, choose a qualified contractor to ensure the job is done right.  

How To Get Help

To make that easier, you can learn more and find a National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)-certified air duct cleaning professional at www.BreathingClean.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Many in primary care want patients to share mental health concerns

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Michele Long, CNP, reviews the results of the GeneSight test with her patient

(NAPSI)—Nurse practitioner Michele Long has been Beth’s primary care provider for years. So, when Beth started experiencing symptoms of depression, she scheduled an appointment with Michele. 

It was the right decision. According to Beth, “Michele made me feel very comfortable talking to her about my mental health.”

Talking about mental health with primary care providers is something doctors and nurse practitioners want more people to do. According to the GeneSight Mental Health Monitor national survey from Myriad Genetics, more than 83 percent of primary care providers (PCPs) wish more of their patients would tell them about their mental health concerns. 

Yet, more than half of surveyed clinicians don’t think patients are aware that PCPs and nurse practitioners are fully trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. 

“It would be great if patients knew that they could bring up their mental health concerns to me,” said Long. “But it is also my responsibility to complete depression and anxiety screening with them.” 

Regular mental health screenings at primary care appointments are a good first step in addressing patients’ mental health, bridging the communication gap, and accurately diagnosing those suffering with mental health conditions. However, diagnosis is just the beginning of what is often an uphill battle to find the appropriate medication and dosage to alleviate patients’ symptoms. 

One tool that may help providers is the GeneSight test, which is a genetic test that determines how your genes may affect medication outcomes. Providers get a report about which medications to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions may require dose adjustments, be less likely to work, or have an increased risk of side effects based on a patient’s DNA. 

Long uses the GeneSight test to help reduce the medication trial-and-error process. After seeing that a prior depression medication didn’t work for Beth, Long ordered the GeneSight test and used the information to decide how to change Beth’s prescription. Today, Beth says she “feels so much better” and more like herself.

“Finding effective treatment can be a very frustrating process for patients. They often feel defeated when a medication doesn’t help them,” Long said. “GeneSight is a valuable tool that helps me find solutions for patients who have entrusted me with caring for their mental health.”

For more information about genetic testing and mental health, ask your clinician or visit genesight.com.