How to Safely Re-Heat Your Leftovers
Plastics play a crucial role in our kitchens. From storing to serving, there are numerous ways our food comes in contact with plastic everyday. The question is: are all these interactions safe?
“Allergies are an abnormal reaction by a person’s immune system to a normally harmless substance,” explains Dr. San Tso, DO, an osteopathic Family Physician from Stockton, CA. “People can be allergic to all types of things, including pollens from trees, grasses and weeds, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, foods and medications.”
According to Dr. Tso, the term “seasonal allergies” refers only to allergic reactions triggered during certain times of the year, such as spring or fall. They are typically allergic reactions to tree, weed, grass, and ragweed pollen.
“As the weather gets warmer and plants start to bloom, trees and grasses release pollen into the air,” says Dr. Tso. “For people with seasonal allergies, this pollen reacts with antibodies in the body, causing histamine and other chemical substances to be released, which then cause various symptoms.”
“Not everyone will experience all the symptoms of seasonal allergies.” says Dr. Tso.
According to Dr. Tso, the best way to determine whether or not your symptoms are caused by seasonal allergies is to visit your primary care physician.
“Your physician may see different signs during a physical exam that point to allergies, such as the appearance of your nasal mucous membranes,” she explains.
“The only true way to determine if a person has allergies, however, is to undergo allergy testing. So, your physician may recommend that you visit an allergist for further evaluation to identify what allergies you have.”
Because seasonal allergies are caused by pollen that exists in the air, it can be difficult to avoid, but not impossible. Here are Dr. Tso’s six tips for avoiding pollen exposure:
“Avoidance is best, but often not practical.” “Some of the most common treatments for seasonal allergies are over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants,” says Dr. Tso. “Your physician may also prescribe steroid nasal sprays, which work to decrease inflammation.”
If environmental/avoidance precautions and medications fail to provide relief, allergy shots are usually administered and very effective.
Some allergy sufferers become so accustomed to their symptoms that living with them becomes a way of life, and they accept the inconveniences of seasonal sniffling and sneezing. Usually after treatment, they will realize the improvements in their quality of life and productivity.
“Your physician can best determine a method of treatment that will suit your lifestyle,” says Dr. Tso. “The thing people need to realize is that they do have options when it comes to dealing with allergies.”
Preventive medicine is just one aspect of care osteopathic physicians provide. DOs are fully licensed to prescribe medicine and practice in all specialty areas, including surgery. DOs are trained to consider the health of the whole person and use their hands to help diagnose and treat their patients.