THE WELLNESS UPDATE
Spring Allergy Survival Guide
Sneezing, sniffling, and itchy eyes are all unwanted symptoms of the spring allergy season. If your hay fever symptoms tend to flare this time of year, you may have an allergy to tree pollen, grass pollen, or, unfortunately, both!
Why the Trouble?
For some, the body mistakes these pollen particles for harmful invaders, triggering an immune response that leads to sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Environmental conditions can make symptoms worse. Dry, windy days, for example, spread pollen more easily. Adding to the challenge, pollen seasons have been getting longer in recent years.
Find Relief
Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can be effective for managing symptoms, but lifestyle changes can also help keep allergies at bay:
- Check pollen counts – Limit outdoor activities when pollen levels are high. Many weather apps and websites provide daily pollen forecasts.
- Keep windows closed – Keep your home and car windows closed as much as possible, using the recirculate setting when driving.
- Shower and change clothes after outdoor activities – Pollen can cling to your skin, hair, and clothing, so rinsing off can help stop continued exposure.
- Try nasal irrigation – Rinsing nasal passages with saline can help clear out allergens, reduce congestion, and soothe inflammation.
If your symptoms aren’t well controlled with these measures, it may be helpful to consult with your healthcare provider. With the right precautions, you can enjoy this spring with fewer symptoms!
USER TIP OF THE MONTH
Make the Most of the Outdoors!
Warmer weather and longer days offer the perfect chance to take your steps outdoors. Walking on grass or trails not only enhances balance and engages stabilizing muscles, but also gives your joints a break from hard pavement. Plus, soaking up natural sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, supports immune health, and lifts your mood—making every step a boost for both body and mind.
USER TIP OF THE MONTH
Make the Most of the Outdoors!
Warmer weather and longer days offer the perfect chance to take your steps outdoors. Walking on grass or trails not only enhances balance and engages stabilizing muscles, but also gives your joints a break from hard pavement. Plus, soaking up natural sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, supports immune health, and lifts your mood—making every step a boost for both body and mind.
WELLNESS TRENDS
Brand-Name vs. Generic Meds: Is There a Difference?
According to the FDA, Generic drugs account for 9 out of 10 prescriptions, offering the same quality and effectiveness as their brand-name counterparts at a lower cost.
Once the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other manufacturers can produce a generic version with the same active ingredients, dosage, and potency. Despite the lower price, generics are held to the same strict standards as brand-name drugs to ensure safety and efficacy. Generic manufacturers can offer lower prices because they don't have to pay for research, clinical trials, and marketing that the original drug required.
WELLNESS TRENDS
Brand-Name vs. Generic Meds: Is There a Difference?
According to the FDA, Generic drugs account for 9 out of 10 prescriptions, offering the same quality and effectiveness as their brand-name counterparts at a lower cost.
Once the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other manufacturers can produce a generic version with the same active ingredients, dosage, and potency. Despite the lower price, generics are held to the same strict standards as brand-name drugs to ensure safety and efficacy. Generic manufacturers can offer lower prices because they don't have to pay for research, clinical trials, and marketing that the original drug required.
NUTRITION CORNER
Nutrition Hack #1
Cool your pasta and rice to create resistant starch!
When pasta, rice, or potatoes are cooled after cooking, they form resistant starch—a special type of carbohydrate that behaves like fiber in the body. It nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, supports digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption.
NUTRITION CORNER
Nutrition Hack #1
Cool your pasta and rice to create resistant starch!
When pasta, rice, or potatoes are cooled after cooking, they form resistant starch—a special type of carbohydrate that behaves like fiber in the body. It nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, supports digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption.
Monthly Question: Are generic drugs as safe and effective as their name-brand counterparts?
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