Health Briefs TV Relays the Pros and Cons of Regular Exercise

Everyone knows that regular exercise results in healthier bodies and minds. On the other hand, it is a good idea to know what the pros and cons are before starting a new routine.

Health Briefs TV notes the pros:

Most doctors recommend adding physical activity to daily activities. It is one of the most effective ways to stave off heart problems, and prevent an early death. Exercise also boosts endorphin, which send off happy-feel-good signals in the brain. Exercise spurs creativity. It helps people feel more in control of their bodies and minds. It helps us live longer and fuller lives.

The Cons:

There is another side to regular physical activity. It’s the downside to getting regular workouts or exercise. For instance, people who are out of shape and have not exercised in a long time should take their time getting started. Ask trusted medical professionals the best way to get started. This could be to take a short spirited walk in the neighborhood. A faster heart rate or a suddenly racing heart rate should be warning signs to slow down. Shortness of breath that cannot be attributed to anything other health condition is your body telling you to give it a break. Chest pain, without a doubt, signals heart problems.

Physical activity is good for everybody. Start off slowly if new to it and build up to a more intensive level. Always cut your body some slack if it is telling you to. There are pros and cons to everything.

Health Briefs TV Reviews Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

Homes are filled with a variety of ways older people can slip and fall and be injured. Throw rugs, loose carpeting, frail bones and weak joints, poor eyesight and weakness can send a senior to the floor and into the hospital with fractures and related injuries. Health Briefs TV takes time to review fall prevention tips for seniors.

Thirty percent of older adults report falling down once in the past year, according to a survey taken by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  That figure jumps higher when factoring in poor vision.  Below are a few suggestions to prevent such accidents:

• Remove throw rugs in the home.
• Clear all clutter away from hallways and add night lights so older family members can see their way to the bathroom or other rooms in the home.
• Be sure older folks get regular eye exams. These are often neglected.
• Encourage the older people in your life to engage in low impact balance and strength exercises. These can be recommended by a doctor or physical therapist.  Many communities have senior centers where exercise classes are given for free or at a very low cost.

Falls are a leading cause of injury for senior citizens. More than 700,000 older people fall each year and are sent to the hospital. Head trauma, hip fractures, and other injuries occur when someone falls. Trips, slips and falls are preventable. Health Briefs TV suggests families of older folks with impaired vision or a high risk of falling to find and remove any obstacles than could prevent injury.

We know that the older people in our lives still want to keep their independence. We can help them with this by kindly pointing out what can cause an accident and injury around them. Disability, short or long-term, can result from a bad fall. Prevention is the key.

(image:seniorcarecentral)

Health Briefs TV Spreads Good Health News

We love to share good health news with our readers, and there is much to share today.

Eat more chocolate and drink more red wine. A one minute intense workout is better than a 30 minute one. Walking is easy, free and boosts many health benefits.  Spanking children is not a good idea. 

Foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt and chocolate, and beverages like coffee and red wine increase the diversity of bacteria in the gut.  Gut or intestine diversity can ward off illness, as found by a team of Dutch researchers.  On the other side, simple carbs seems to reduce the bacterial diversity in the intestines. This includes high fat milk and sugar-sweetened soda.  Gut bacteria plays a vital role in the overall good health of the intestines and the rest of the body.

A study from the respected Plos One journal found that high intensity interval training (HIIT) works just as well as, and is better for us, than an hour long interval training class. This form of abbreviated high intensity working out entails a short burst of activity. For example: people who walk for exercise can add a short, intense burst of jogging or walking briskly, into the routine, and then go back to the regular pace. The short burst of intensity in the workout burns more calories, builds stamina, and require no more equipment. Give it a try. Add one minute of high intensity activity to a daily workout.

Most adults remember childhood days when their parents would spank them when they were naughty. This was thought to be the most effective way to curb bad behavior. Today, however, a new report that Health Briefs TV read, notes that spanking children can lead to aggressive behavior and defiance when older.  The study was conducted over five decades and with more than 160,000 people.  Health Briefs TV suggests trying other ways of thwarting naughty behavior.  Why not consider taking privileges away instead? Ban the use of mobile devices for a day. Forbid the child from watching TV or send the child to their room for an hour, and other non-aggressive methods of punishment work well as behavior modifiers.

Enjoy for good health
(image:wikipedia)

Health Briefs TV Relays Tips for Preventing Hearing Loss

Imagine not being able to hear clearly or hear anything at all. Most people think that hearing loss is for the aging generations only, but this is not so. Younger people are losing their hearing too. Health Briefs TV relays tip for preventing hearing loss.

There are many ways in which hearing can change throughout life.

• Loud music a concerts, music festivals and in nightclubs affects hearing later on.
• Most people use ear buds with their smart phones to take calls or listen to music tend to turn the volume up.
• People who work with loud industrial equipment or at airports where jets takes off and land are subjected to a loud work environment.

Recent research has found that hearing loss in adolescents increased by 31 percent from 1988 to 2005, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to prevent hearing loss.

• When going to a concert or music festival, do not stand or take a seat anywhere near the speakers. Sit back far enough from them to still see and enjoy the show.
• Wear ear plugs if you prefer to be closer to the stage. You can still hear and hear well and are still protecting your ears.
• If working in a loud environment, ask management for ear plugs. By law, employers have to offer ear protection if a job requires it.
• Medication and injury can also cause hearing loss.

Health Briefs TV also suggests getting a hearing test every year. This is a good idea for people who are getting older. Clean ear wax from ears as often as needed. Once hearing diminishes and is gone, it never comes back. Hearing aids are often used, and while there are several options, none give the user the hearing they once had. Background noise is not filtered the way it is naturally. Therefore, all noise is amplified with a hearing aid. Cochlear implants are another option, though expensive, may not work.

The best way to prevent hearing loss is to protect your ears whenever possible. 

Health Briefs TV Lays Down Tips for Beating Insomnia

Most people will have some restless nights of sleep. Some people will have full nights of not being able to sleep at all. Insomnia can affect anyone at any time.  It can be frustrating, and even more so when rest is needed. Health Briefs TV lays down tips for beating insomnia.

We want to note that this article is intended for people who have occasional nights of sleeplessness, not those who cannot get to sleep all the time.

There are nights when our bodies are exhausted and our eyes are tired, but we just can’t seem to fall asleep. It sure can be aggravating to not be able to relax, shut our eyes and drift into a restful night of sleep. The night becomes long as we watch the hours slowly tick by on the bedside clock. Here are some ideas which may help (and we are going to try them).

Get out of bed and walk around. A change of scenery might do some good. Go into another room, read something light.  The bed is a piece of furniture that is meant for sleep. If it’s not providing it, walk away for a little while.

Add some exercise into the daily routine. A good, brisk walk after dinner not only aids digestion, but it stretches muscles and eases bone stiffness. Try to add some form of moderate exercise into everyday living.

If there is another bed in the home not being used, Health Briefs TV suggests getting in it to sleep. Maybe it’s just the first bed that is causing sleepless nights. If this fails too, ask the doctor about what do to get a good night’s rest. Pleasant dreams.

(image:flickr)

Health Briefs TV Reports on Sleep and Its Benefits

This is the time of year when many people find their lives are more hectic than usual. It is also a time when some oversleep to compensate for the lack of rest during the week. Health Briefs TV reports on the benefits (and lack of) sleep.

Sleep is needed every night to keep our bodies and brains working optimally. Lack of sleep and sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on almost every part of our bodies. It impairs cognitive function, diminishes memory, increases cardio-related medical problems and weakens immune systems.  In addition, the US Department of Transportation estimate that 1,550 fatalities and 40,000 non-fatal injuries result from drowsy driving every year.

The holidays bring additional stressors into people lives. Monthly budgets are forgotten and finances take a hit. Out of town visitors arrive and expect to be catered to. In addition, people have to go to work, get gas, buy groceries, cook, bake, decorate and entertain. When do we get a break? When we go to bed.

Adults are recommended to get between six to eight hours of sleep every night, including weekends. Sleeping in late on weekends, unless we are sick, toys with our internal body clocks. Eventually, we get up too early for work the following week. The Health Briefs TV show suggests setting a regular time to prepare for bed every night and stick with it. There will be some adjustments made as company arrives, and with what we eat and drink throughout the month. As long as we take it easy on our bodies.

Health Briefs TV Weighs In on Dietary Supplements

There are hundreds of bottles and jars of dietary supplements on store shelves. It is a $40 billion industry in the United States. How effective are they to our everyday health and wellness? Health Briefs TV weighs in.

 Dietary supplements come in several formulations such as pills, powders and other oral types. They are most commonly marketing as weight loss supplements, body building products and formulations that increase sexual performance.  Most of the time, there will be claims about the products that promise fantastic results like rapid weight loss, works in a short amount of time, and other hard to believe tales. There are also numerous businesses around the country that market and sell online dietary supplements for humans and animals. Many of these companies also claim to have their own health magazines.  It can hard to tell which supplements and companies have the real deal.

The Health Briefs TV show suggests consumers look for the USP label on the bottle or jar. The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention is a scientific non-profit organization which sets standards for quality and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements made, distributed and consumed worldwide. It is also a good idea to ask the doctor if a dietary supplement is needed. Most often, we can get enough of what we need in what we eat. Exceptions to this might be with calcium and vitamin D. If wanting to take dietary supplements, read the label on the bottle first and compare it with others. Look for the USP label on the packaging. Don’t be fooled into taking a supplement not needed. Eat healthy every day and go for a walk at least twice a day – weather permitting. This is all we basically need to do in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Health Briefs TV Reports on Healthier Foods for Kids

Healthy eating is one of the most important ways kids can get a start on the day and stayed fueled into the evening. Health Briefs TV reports on updates in this area.

Animal meat which has been injected with antibiotics to prevent disease is harmful to children and some adults. A North American Academy of Pediatrics report found that food with added antimicrobial drugs and antibiotics can leave the drugs used to treat terminally ill children and adults ineffective. Bacteria in the animals becomes used to the preventative drugs given and renders the drugs ineffective. Children and adults with compromised immune systems are more likely to be affected from the practice. Instead, choose more organic products and be sure it is thoroughly cooked. Also, organic produce, whole grains and proteins are good food choices.

The Health Briefs TV show reminds readers there are several grocery store options available in most cities: regular grocery stores which offer some organic products, fresh markets where the food does not sit in freezers, coolers or on shelves too long, and organic food stores such as Trader Joes and Whole Foods. Natural foods are better options for everyone. But children particularly need all the nutrients and vitamins they can get from the food they eat. There are plenty of healthy food options for adults and children with compromised immune systems also. When grocery shopping, take time to read the food labels on packages. The more you know, the healthier you may eat. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews Tips to Kick the Habit

One of the hardest habits to kick is to stop smoking. Even though there are many products and programs to help quell the nicotine addiction, quitting smoking is personal challenge to overcome. Health Briefs TV reviews some tips to help kick the habit.

We know. Easier said than done. Commercials on TV remind smokers of the health and medical problems it causes. The ads also remind viewers that it can take several attempts to quit before the habit is kicked for good.  But it can be done. Here’s the good news:

The US Centers for Disease Control reports that number of smokers in the US has declined by 20 percent in the last decade. A significant one percent drop in the last year alone is reason to health officials to remain optimistic that there will be no more smokers in America by 2050. We want to help with that with some tips for quitting:

• Try to not smoke for one hour. Then two hours. Slowly ease off smoking one hour at a time. 
• Replace the cigarette with chewing gum, mints, nicotine replacement products, bottles of water, exercise or whatever is needed.
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• Reward yourself for each cigarette not smoked with something healthy such as an apple, low-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt.
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• Save the money from each pack of cigarettes not bought in a jar. At the end of the month, deposit that money in a savings account.
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• Instead of lighting up after a meal, take a walk instead.

The Health Briefs TV show believes that even the most addicted smokers can eventually quit. It takes steely determination and a strong support network to help the smoker not want to light up. Pick a day and make that your quit forever day. Then throw out every single thing that pertains to smoking like ashtrays and lighters and toss that garbage in a Dumpster.  When is your quit forever day?

Health Briefs TV Reviews the Common Health Questions

This is the time of the year when the clocks are rolled back one hour. It is also the time of year when the common cold makes people miserable. So we want to ask and answer some common health questions readers might have.

According to a recent study, Americans spend $8 billion a year on over-the-counter medicines. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that the active ingredient in decongestants we take for a cold works no better than a placebo. The effectiveness of phenylephrine hydrochloride (PE HCl), which is common in OTC meds for nasal congestion, works no better than a sugar pill. Consumers who want to buy cold medicine with this ingredient have to ask a store clerk for it since it is no longer on open shelves. The main ingredient, PE HC1, in bulk, can be used to make meth which is illegal. Any OTC cold medicine with nasal decongestant will not contain this ingredient. Health Briefs TV encourages readers to find ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season. If medication is needed, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Milk – it does a body good. It does and in so many ways. But milk tends to get bad rep from people who are lactose intolerant, and for its fat (or fat-free) versions. While there are alternatives for the people who cannot digest lactose-laden ingredients, milk, in its regular form, is still a healthy choice. The division among people who say that fat-free or skim milk is healthier than whole or 2 percent fat milk rages on. Analysis of the European Journal of Nutrition found that whole milk fills people up more than fat-free milk, therefore leading to feeling satiated sooner and lowering the risk of obesity and diabetes. The Health Briefs television show also reminds readers that we don’t consume enough milk in one day to do any harm to our health. Pour a little whole of 2 percent milk in coffee, tea, and cereals to gain a little more calcium in the daily diet.

Health Briefs TV Reviews Why We Are Living Longer

Americans are living longer and dying less from common medical ailments. What can we credit for the lowering rates of death from cancer, stroke, diabetes and heart disease? Health Briefs TV reviews why we are living longer.

Credit can be given to living healthier, eating better and getting more exercise. We are slimming down and lowering the obesity rate, which in turn lowers the chances of developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Eating smaller, more healthful meals, snacking on fruit and getting exercise are simple, easy ways to lower risk factors.

A recent report published by the Journal of the American Medical Association states that deaths from all of these causes have dropped by an overall 43 percent. Heart disease deaths dropped more than 50 percent, as did the death rate for stokes. Cancer and diabetes deaths dropped to 18 and 17 percent respectively.

The Health Briefs television show believes that prevention is the key to living a longer, healthier life.  We have learned that behavior, the environment, social circumstances and participating in our health care gave us the opportunity to improve our lives and live longer.  Take some active steps today to prevent an early death: eat a healthy snack, take a short, brisk walk after dinner, quit smoking for one day, and see how you feel. 

The Health Briefs TV Show Reviews Why We Need Sleep

We know it can be hard to get a good night’s rest sometimes. The worries on our minds can keep us tossing and turning all night long. Soon enough, it is morning and time to get up. But a good night’s rest can do more than just help us feel refreshed all day. The Health Briefs TV show reviews why we need sleep.

People who get less than six hours of sleep at night are more likely to incur the risk factors which increase the chance of developing diabetes, heart disease and strokes. High blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, extra fat around the middle and extra fat cells in the blood are a dangerous combination of risk factors. “Short” sleepers, as they are called, can also develop metabolic syndrome which sometimes can lead to life threatening and chronic diseases. Loss of sleep also can lead to loss of brain cells. Cognitive motor performance can match that of someone with five alcoholic drinks in them with less than 24 hours without sleep, according to a study in Nature.

The Health Briefs television show suggests a few tips for getting to bed on time and having a restful sleep:

• Stick to a regular bed time every night and on weekends too.
• Stick to a regular time to wake up every day.
• Move digital devices to another room, draw the blinds, and prepare bed for a pleasant rest.
• Adjust the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.
• Read something until the eyes are tired and want to close.
• Force negative thoughts from the mind.

We need to sleep in order to maintain good brain health, overall health and wellness, and to be mentally alert for every moment life offers us.  

Health Briefs TV Reviews How to Recognize Postpartum Depression

The joy of bringing a baby into the world can be overshadowed by feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion, frustration and despair. But there is help and there is nothing wrong about asking for it. Health Briefs TV reviews how to recognize postpartum depression and what to do for it.

Four million women have a baby every year, and roughly 300,000 suffer from postpartum depression. Fifty-percent of it goes relatively unnoticed. And many more people think that giving birth is a happy, miraculous, life-changing, beautiful thing – which it is. But for the new mom, the realities of delivering the infant, its complications, and the mood changes, sadness, and irritability,  plus lack of sleep, can all add up to post partum depression. Most of the time, these symptoms fade in two weeks.

The Health Briefs television show relays that new mothers might want to talk to their health care providers about what to do. Even following basic healthy living guidelines can be beneficial: eat healthy meals regularly, get some exercise, try to get rest when possible, and remember that postpartum depression is common and is treatable. It takes an incredible amount of patience, stamina and love to bring a baby into the world and care for it 24/7. Don’t let postpartum depression get the better of you. 

Health Briefs TV Examines the Lesser Known Breast Cancer Symptoms

Most men and women know to perform a monthly self-exam of their breasts. This is one of the most commons ways to find lumps in the tissue.  Health Briefs TV examines the other, lesser known breast cancer symptoms to look for.

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In this light, we share information we find with readers on the topic to help raise awareness. Lesser known symptoms of breast cancer are:

• Persistent pain in one particular spot of the breast should be mentioned to doctors, even if no lump or lumps are felt.
• Red spots or a rash that does not go away on the breast should be examined by a doctor.
• Skin changes on the nipple such as flaking or discharge are signs to call the doctor. It may not be breast cancer, but it is always better to find out than not.
• Any distinct asymmetry or dimpling, creasing or puckering of the skin on your breasts with arms raised and leaning forward are signs to call the doctor. Why take any chances?

It is said that the most common sign of breast cancer is no sign at all. The Health Briefs television show encourages readers to get a mammogram or other screening between the ages of 40 and 50.  Most health insurance plans cover this with no co-pay. Schedule a screening today. It’s always better to know than to not know.

Health Briefs TV Reviews Differences between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

The symptoms can appear the same to those who don’t know the differences between patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Health Briefs TV reviews and reports how to best prevent both medical conditions.

Dementia is a term used to describe a number of brain disorders linked to memory loss, language skills and cognitive thinking. It usually occurs later in life. It often resembles Alzheimer’s disease because of the memory and cognitive problems in patients. The best way to ward off these troubling symptoms are relatively easy. Get the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin D. This can be done by eating plenty of food rich in it, or taking a vitamin supplement. This would include: tuna, egg yolks, cheese and milk.  Brain exercise is also a good way to keep the mind working well. Activities like reading, working on puzzles and games, as well as reading. Physical exercise is also another way to maintain overall good health and keep the mind working.

The Health Briefs TV show notes that Alzheimer’s disease is a disease in which the brain forgets how to make the body work, until the organs shut down. Early onset Alzheimer’s is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 50, but typically onset occurs after age 65. Nearly 20,000 people in the United States are estimated to have early onset Alzheimer’s, which is a diagnosed disease. It can be passed through generations of families. But it is always smart to eat foods rich in vitamins and nutrients, get plenty of daily exercise, and get annual medical check-ups.

Take care every day. Do everything possible to stay as healthy, physically and mentally, as possible. We only have one life to live.

Health Briefs TV Reviews Best Whole Fruits for Kids

Fruit is good for everyone and especially for children. Packed with vitamins and minerals which help kids maintain good health, it is also fun to eat and incredibly convenient.

The fall season is the season when apples in many varieties are ripening on trees everywhere. Health Briefs TV reminds that this tends to make them less expensive. Grocery stores and farmers markets are stocked well with the many types of apples. Their different shapes, colors and textures made biting into one less boring to munch.

Kids prefer whole fruit to sliced fruit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that fruit consumption among kids and young adults rose nearly 70 percent from 2003 to 2010. A diet which is rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a healthy weight, which reduces the chance of developing diabetes, stroke, obesity and other medical problems. Whole fruit is an easy way to be sure children and young adults up their daily intake. Bananas and melons are also favorites. Health Briefs TV suggests buying several different kinds and putting a different one each day in school lunches. Ask kids when they get home if they liked it. Be sure to enjoy some too.  No one whole fruit is the best. They are all good. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews the Antibacterial Soap Claims

Everyone seemed to jump on the antibacterial bandwagon years ago when it was thought that it could rid hands, dishes and laundry of germs. Health Briefs TV reviews some of these claims and explains why sometimes less is more when it comes to antibacterial products.

Triclosan, the ingredient in antibacterial products such as liquid hand soap, is effective when used to wash hands for longer than a few minutes. However, most consumers use liquid hand soap for 30 seconds or less rendering it useless. In fact, regular bar soap works just fine to clean hands since most people spend about 30 seconds washing their hands. Lab studies have proven that both antibacterial liquid soap and regular bar soap work just the same.

The same general rule applies to dish soap and laundry soap. There is no evidence that the antibacterial products work any better ridding dishes and laundry of germs than traditional dish washing soap and laundry detergent. Health Briefs TV realizes that there will be readers who will stick to using antibacterial products anyway. There is no harm in using them. Most often, they tend to make consumers feel more confident about total cleanliness. Keep in mind that the way our bodies learn to fight off germs is to allow some in.

The Health Briefs Television Show Injects News of the Flu Vaccine

Last year was a bad year for the flu and the millions of people who got it. This year, the vaccine has a new formula which can combat the symptoms better than before.

The Health Briefs television show learns that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control will have more than 170 million doses of the flu vaccine at the ready. These include the traditional shot, a nasal spray, a high-dose version for seniors, and thankfully, a needle-free injection for the needle phobic.  On average, the flu vaccine is 50 to 60 percent effective. That means it can cut someone’s risk of catching the flu by about half. These are good odds. One bout of the flu can keep working people home, put seniors in the hospital and sicken children. It can also be spread. One dose of the vaccine is good prevention.

Who should be vaccinated:

Everybody over six months of age

Seniors over age 65

Pregnant women

Children

About the Vaccine:

It protects against three or four different strains of the flu, depending on the brand. Even if one strain mutates, the vaccine is still the best prevention against catching it. Only half of the American public received the flu vaccine last year. Last year, 24,000 people lost their lives to the flu.

Health Briefs TV also notes that even if health insurance plans may not cover the cost of the vaccine, it is still affordable. Check city health centers to see if discounted shots are available. It should not cost more than $40.  And contrary to popular belief, one does not get the flu from the flu vaccine. The shot contains inactivated flu viruses.  Please protect yourself, your family and others from becoming sick with the flu.  Vaccines are the best prevention against catching devastating viruses.

Health Briefs TV Reviews the Benefits of Resveratrol

A common anti-inflammatory plant compound found in red wine and dark chocolate provides good benefits. Health Briefs TV reviews the healthy pros.

Medical studies have long been stating that red wine and dark chocolate are good for the health if consumed in moderation. Resveratrol was also found to improve brain and heart health.  The compound can increase insulin sensitivity, therefore stabilizing any post-meal glucose levels. It can also pass through the blood brain barrier and destroy the bad beta plaque that scientists believe can cause Alzheimer’s.

Resveratrol was found by a Japanese scientist named Michio Takaoka in 1939. It has since been known as an antioxidant in more than 70 different plants, but it most well-known in red wine and dark chocolate. A glass or two of red wine per day is not a bad idea to help ease stress and reduce high blood pressure. One small piece of dark chocolate per day is also good for overall physical health. Naturally, both are good for mental health also. The Health Briefs television show recommends seeking advice from a regular health care professional before adding either of these two things to daily diets. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound also found in foods such as red grapes, and raspberries. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews Steps to Relieve Fall Allergies

If the spring and summer allergy seasons left you feeling miserable, why not get a jump on fall allergies with these steps to relieve them from Health Briefs TV?

Fall is prime allergy season for people who suffer from hay fever or are sensitive to high pollen counts and mold. Hay fever can result from the major pollen producer ragweed. This yellow-greenish plant causes itchy eyes and serious sneezing fits. Many people have are allergic to ragweed. Pollen is everywhere in the fall. You can see it on cars, in people’s hair and on their clothes. Reduce the amount of pollen in your life by keeping home and vehicle windows closed.  Change or clean air filters once a month.

Another allergy irritant is mold. Mold grows on decomposing plants, wet leaves and damp outdoor furniture cushions. Clean up the backyards, patios and porches in the morning. Thoroughly clean furniture cushions using a product especially made for them. Rake, bag and toss all fallen leaves, branches and ground material.

Exercise outdoors only in the morning. Pollen is less likely to be in the air at this time of that than others. If pollen collects on hair and clothing, strip clothes off and wash them right away. Take a shower to wash pollen out of hair and off the body. Use the home A/C all the time. The filter will collect any pollen in the air.

The Health Briefs television show suggests an appointment with allergist before fall allergy season begins to be tested for possible irritants. Take over-the-counter antihistamines to control symptoms. An allergist can prescribe medicated inhalers and eye drops if needed. Get a jump on fall allergy season now.