Around the Bluhmin’ Town

By

Judy Bluhm

We are suffering. Itchy and watery eyes, runny noses, sneezing fits, sore throats, and general fatigue. One quarter of adults and one in five children are plagued by allergies. And that translates to millions of folks sneezing and wheezing. Fortunately, not all at the same time. The devil is called pollen!

Most allergies are caused by airborne pollen, which is in the form of a very fine powder released by trees, grass, and weeds. One “expert” claims that we are suffering because the mesquite, ash, pine, olive, and mulberry trees are fertilizing this time of year. That, coupled with all the wind we have had lately, is sending thick clouds of “powder” into the air and into our mouth, eyes, and lungs.

Look around at our fair State and just everything is going into glorious bloom. Yellows, purples, whites, greens, and reds are all creating a landscape of beauty. As long as we don’t have to breathe, we will be fine! This is the weather we live for, especially in the Valley. But some doctors are suggesting that we close our windows and doors to create a “sneeze-free zone” at home. Oh, and it is recommended that we dust daily. Geez, the horror just continues.

One man emailed me to say he takes two spoonsful of honey every morning and it has “cured” his allergies (evidently, the honey must be locally grown, or it doesn’t work). One lady said she can only go out to work in the yard with a mask on (and sometimes goggles). One couple said they will not open a window until June when the pollen count is at a “livable range.”

Over 55 million Americans are suffering right now from pollen in the air! Seasonal allergies are estimated to be responsible for 4 million missed or lost workdays every year! And according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Americans spend as much as 4.7 billion annually on medication and doctor visits to treat their allergies! That is nothing to sneeze at.

Even our pets can be miserable from allergies. If your cat or doggy is scratching like crazy, it could be because they have skin allergies from all the pollen. And while Fido might love running around the dog park, if he comes back biting and scratching his skin, the good news is that it might not be fleas. Instead, the culprit could be pollen.

My friend believes that during Spring, we are under “pollen-siege” and consequently there are dust mites lurking in our bedding. She claims this theory is backed-up by medical experts. Sounds to me like medical nonsense. Don’t scare me about dust mites in the mattress when we are battling pollen powder in the air!

KaCHOO! Grab the tissue box! Call in sick. (If you are an employer, I am only kidding). Go for a walk or stay inside. Take honey. Try a nasal spray. Open the windows. No, keep them closed! Just be prepared to run if you see a yellow cloud of dust coming your way. Yikes, enjoy Spring with all the trees and grasses in bloom. . .one sneeze at a time.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and local realtor. Contact Judy at [email protected] or visit www.aroundthebluhmintown.com.