Summer Allergies getting to you?

With each change of the season, it brings with it changes to our outdoor and indoor environment. And, simply put, this means that any season can be ‘allergy season’ depending on each persons environmental changes, as well as each person’s unique sensitivities. If you find yourself suffering from allergies more so in the warm summer months, below, are some common causes of summer allergies, as well as tips to help you prevent and minimize their severity.

This spring, physicians all over the country are reporting record numbers of patients flocking to their offices with hay fever symptoms. It seems that with every passing year, more and more local pollen count records are being shattered, and more and more people are developing allergies. While the reasons for this aren't exactly clear, some allergists are theorizing that climate change, namely global warming, might be at least partially responsible. Many areas of the country are noting elevated temperatures, milder winters, longer rainy seasons -- all of which translate into longer and more intense pollen seasons. Have you wondered why pollen allergy seasons seem to keep getting worse?


Wash Your Hair Before Bed – Just like a television screen, hair has an electrical charge that attracts and holds tiny pollen and dust particles throughout the day. This is especially so during the summer, when we’re outdoors more. Climbing into bed without showering and washing your hair first, rubs all those allergy-triggering particles onto your pillow and bedsheets, which then in turn make their way into your nose and eyes. To prevent nighttime allergen transfer, simply shower and wash your hair before bed each night. Also, choose natural fabric linens such as cotton or linen, instead of synthetic fabrics, since natural fibers attract half the pollen that static-prone synthetics do.

Avoid Being Outdoors Between These Hours – During the summer months, heat-induced ozone and grass pollen levels peak between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, which make for prime conditions to trigger allergy symptoms. Even more so, when it is also windy and dusty, or after a brief storm. To avoid this environmental allergy trigger, try to stay indoors during these hours, and enjoy the outdoors earlier in the morning, and after 2 pm.

There is no doubt that this is one of the worst allergy seasons in history. Being proactive in every way can at least help those of you are on the severe side.

Today's recipe Enjoy and we'll see you next time readers.

Chicken Saute Provencale

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, 4-5 oz (125-155 g) each
1/3 cup (1 1/2 oz/45 g) finely chopped
yellow onion

2 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml).dry white wine
1 cup (6 oz/185 g) peeled, seeded and
chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram or oregano or 1 teaspoon dried marjoram or oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
4 fresh marjoram or parsley sprigs


NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS PER SERVING:


Calories 222
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 4g
Total Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 66mg
Sodium 354mg
Dietary Fiber 0g


This aromatic saute, quick and simple to prepare, is rich with the flavors of garlic, wine and tomatoes,

This aromatic saute, quick and simple to prepare, is rich with the flavors of garlic, wine and tomatoes.

In a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat, warm the oil When hot, add the chicken, onion, garlic, salt and pepper and cook, turning the chicken once, until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes on each side, Add the wine and bring to a boil. Add the tomatoes and chopped marjoram or oregano and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially and cook until the sauce has thickened a little and the chicken is opaque throughout when cut into with a knife, 5-7 minutes.
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a warmed platter. Spoon the sauce over the top: sprinkle with the parsley and garnish with marjoram or parsley sprigs, Serve at once.
Serves 4

Enjoy readers and we'll see you next time here at Life around the allergies.