Health Watch: Fight fall allergies before they begin

TIP OF THE WEEK

Fight fall allergies before they begin

Fall allergy season will be here before you know it. The key to breathing easier in the fall is to take action during the summer.

An ounce of prevention: Take fall allergy medication 2 weeks before symptoms usually begin, which often means early or mid-August.

Continue medication for 2 weeks after the first frost.

Wait on the fresh air: Keep car and home windows closed.

Use your AC to regulate temperature.

Dress like a secret agent: If you do go outside, wear a hat and sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes.

Leave allergens at the door: When returning, leave shoes at the door.

Then, take a shower and wash your clothes to remove allergens.

See a specialist: Book an appointment with a board-certified allergist at acaai.org.

SUMMER SAFETY

Know the signs of heat stroke

Summer is here, and anyone who will be outdoors or without air conditioning for long periods should be aware of symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including the most serious form, heat stroke.

The National Institutes of Health says heat stroke is a serious, potentially life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical help.

Older folks are more at risk for getting heat stroke, but it can happen to anyone who spends a lot of time in a hot environment.

According to the NIH, heat stroke symptoms include: n Fainting or loss of consciousness n Behavioral changes such as confusion or acting strangely n Staggering n Dry, flushed skin n Strong, rapid pulse or a slow, weak pulse n Not sweating, no matter how hot the temperature

PANCREATIC CANCER

Know your family, know your risk Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, with a mere 29 percent 1-year survival rate and 7 percent 5-year survival rate.

Early detection makes a difference.

The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer approaches 25 percent if cancers are surgically removed while they are still small and have not spread to the lymph nodes.

Family history is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

To learn more about your unique family history, visit the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at www.KnowMyRisk.org to download a worksheet you can fill out as well as access other helpful tools.

After filling out the worksheet, if you learn you have a history of pancreatic cancer in multiple family members, you should consider meeting with a genetic counselor to assess your level of risk and determine if additional cancer-screening tests are necessary.