Seasonal Spring Allergy Tips

Each March/April, usually depending on how far North or South you live, the cool temperatures and in some cases snow turn to warmer temperatures and rain.  With this change comes the Spring bloom and an abundance of new growth and color outdoors.  Accompanying all of this new life are allergens, which can wreak havoc on the lives of over 10% of all Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies. For those suffering from allergies each year, the symptoms can range from mild to severe. For those who fall victim to severe symptoms like excessive runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, etc. there are several options available for treatment, and many are available right over the counter.  We’ll profile 3 of those here today. 1.  Benadryl (diphenhydramine)- This is the medication probably most familiar to most of our readers and was the … Continue reading

What Keeps You Awake at Night?

For millions of Americans, the end of the day brings a time of reflection.  This reflection typically includes thoughts about the day that has passed, and concerns that will come over the next day or two.  This time of reflection can be stressful with worries that may include relationships, health, work, and money.  Ironically, lack of sleep can be a downward spiral, causing your stress to increase in one or several of the areas listed above. So what are some things you can do to fight off this downward spiral of sleep deprivation?  The first suggestion is to stick to a daily routine. This routine should include set wake/sleep times, cutting out caffeine and alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime, and exercising to release stress.  Talking about stressful topics should be done several hours before bedtime if possible so the mind … Continue reading