NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER SAYS EARLY SPRING ALLERGIES NOTHING TO SNEEZE ABOUT
Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP Michael B. Mirotznik, Esq.,
President/CEO Chairman Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2017
PRESS CONTACT:
Shelley Lotenberg
shelley@numc.edu
516-572-6055
East Meadow (NY) – Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP, NuHealth/NUMC’s President/CEO advises Long Island residents to remain vigilant of aggressive airborne pollen this season and take steps to protect themselves if they are allergic.
“This year is already turning out to be much worse than what we expected due to warm air that arrived in late February, which kick started early blooming, as well as the recent rainfall that our area has been seeing, “ said Politi. “Many residents that wouldn’t start feeling the effects of pollen until much later in the Spring are already reporting severe allergy related symptoms that are expected to become worse before getting better.”
Allergy symptoms can be mild and range from sneezing, itchy / watery eyes and runny noses to more severe symptoms like asthma and shortness of breath. Residents also sometimes confuse fatigue, body aches, and low grade fevers due to allergies with the flu.
The good news is there are ways Long Island residents can mitigate the impact of airborne spring allergens. NUMC officials advise:
1. Start taking allergy medicine early
Waiting until your eyes are watery and sinus’ are congested before taking allergy medicine is too late. Many residents can significantly lessen their symptoms by taking allergy medicine prior to experiencing symptoms or before symptoms turn much more severe.
2. Place your clothes in an “allergy basket” as soon as you get home
Pollen and mold spores cling to your clothing and skin when outside. Residents are urged to avoid spreading allergens throughout the home by changing out of their clothes as soon as they get home, as well as by taking a quick shower to clean off allergens that stick to their hair and
3. Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses, especially large ones, can block pollen from entering your eyes and eyelids.
4. Practice caution when deciding to open windows
While opening up your windows can help clear out indoor allergens like mold and dust, it can also allow pollen to enter. Residents should consider turning on the air conditioner to filter the outside air.
5. Get Tested
Residents who experience seasonal allergy related symptoms but are unaware of what they are allergic to should get tested. Allergy tests are quick and can help doctors recommend specific strategies to combat seasonal allergies.
TO SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS WITH NUMC STAFF, PLEASE CONTACT SHELLEY LOTENBERG AT 516-572-6055 / shelley@numc.edu
ABOUT NUHEALTH
NuHealth is a Long Island health care organization delivering essential medical care and disease and lifestyle management to everyone at every stage of life. Also known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, NuHealth is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of Family Health Centers that bring primary and specialty care out into the community. By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access.
For more information about NuHealth or its Centers of Care, visit www.nuhealth.net.