healthspinCourtesy of
North Oaks ENT & Allergy Clinic don ’ t get teed off from allergies
If spring ’ s green grass , blooming flowers and blue skies bring you to tears , the cause may not be the natural beauty of the great outdoors , but those nasty seasonal allergies .
According to the American College of Allergy , Asthma and Immunology , about 50 million Americans suffer from hay fever or “ allergic rhinitis .” Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U . S ., with an annual cost of more than $ 18 billion .
And , golfers are not immune to the condition . Tiger Woods is known to suffer from allergies to several types of pollen . Jill McGill , a member of the Ladies Golf Professional Association , is allergic to freshly cut grass . She is using her experiences to spread the word about the importance of partnering with their doctors to manage their allergy symptoms .
Symptoms often include a runny nose and itchy eyes , and are usually worse in spring . In our area , spring allergies can begin as early as February and last into summer . Mild winter temperatures can trigger plants to pollinate early . A rainy spring can also cause plants to grow rapidly and lead to increase in mold , making the symptoms last into the fall .
Weather , time of day and season of the year can affect how golfers feel and how they play . But don ’ t let the aggravation that the season brings take you out of the game .
Try these tips for golfers who deal with allergies :
• Set up your game for less sunny , windless days as opposed to dry , sunny days .
• Steer clear of the golf course first thing in the morning , when pollen is usually more intense .
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses on the course to limit pollen from getting in your eyes .
• Change your clothes after a round and keep them in a zipped bag until you can bring them home and wash them .
• When you ’ re finished playing , shower and rinse your hair to remove allergens from your body .
For more information about how to treat seasonal allergies , contact your health care provider . To schedule an appointment with North Oaks ENT & Allergy Clinic , call ( 985 ) 230-APPT [ 2778 ] in Hammond or 1 ( 844 ) APPT-NOW [ 277-8669 ] in Livingston .
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