Healthy Lungs Offering Free Pollen Calendars for Spring’s 'Sneeze-able' Weather

Sure, the mild temperatures in Western Pennsylvania are a nice break from the typical cooler temperatures of early spring, but the increased pollen levels in the region don’t have everybody appreciating the green.

“If you look around town, chances are you’ll see people who are suffering from pollen allergies,” says Carol Ann Kuczma, director of programs and services at Healthy Lungs Pennsylvania, which is headquartered in Cranberry. “You’ll notice they’re sneezing, they likely have red and watery eyes and almost resemble symptoms of a head cold.”

To help combat the allergies, Healthy Lungs Pennsylvania is offering free pollen calendars in April to those who contact the office, which is located at 201 Smith Drive, Suite E in the Cranberry Professional Park. The wallet-sized booklets show peak pollen levels for a variety of trees, grasses, and weeds from May through October in the lower 48 states—which also make them a handy tool to pack if you’re traveling to a warmer climate.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, more than 60 million Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis. This means when they inhale something they are allergic to, they suffer symptoms in the nose and eyes. When the reaction is triggered by pollen, the person is said to have "hay fever."

If this sounds like you, here are some tips from Healthy Lungs Pennsylvania to keep your symptoms at bay.

• Determine the daily pollen count in your area by visiting Healthy Lungs Pennsylvania’s website and plan your day accordingly.
• Limit outside activity—particularly garden work or exercise during high pollen count days.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Keep doors and windows closed during peak pollen season.     
• When coming in from outdoors, take a shower and wash your hair—especially before bed.
• If necessary, seek an over-the-counter non-drowsy antihistamines or decongestants.

-- Information submitted by Healthy Lungs Pennsylvania. Have news you'd like to share with Patch readers? Email information and photos to Editor Jessica Sinichak at jessica.sinichak@patch.com or visit our .