Dear Red Hot Mamas

By: Red Hot Mamas

Published: April 16, 2012

I have to admit, I have challenges when it comes to my weight. To maintain my current weight, I find it necessary to elevate my physical activities. One of my favorite things to do is to walk. However, Spring brings on a new set of problems that I now have to learn to deal with. I find I have to master the environment to get rid of sudden symptoms of seasonal allergies. Since I live in the Garden State of New Jersey, where the trees, flowers, grasses and weeds are currently in full bloom, I’m sneezing all the time. However, I can’t let pollen get in the way of managing my weight.

I know I’m not alone when I speak of seasonal allergies. Why? Because I see lots of women in the drug store aisles peering at products to relieve symptoms that I am currently experiencing as well. When I’m walking, I also see women with tissues in hand, sneezing, watery eyes, runny noses and all. Each year, 35 million Americans fall prey to seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever which can make you feel really terrible.

An awful spell of Spring allergies can really make you suffer and ruin your day. Along with the usual symptoms of coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes, allergies can also be associated with depressive symptoms like sadness, lethargy and fatigue. It can make you cranky and downright awful.

I plan to continue my walks, but I will do so in the early morning avoiding the peak pollen hours of noon through late afternoon. I’m avoiding breezy days when the wind picks up the pollen and spreads it throughout the air. A little rain doesn’t deter me from a walk because the rain usually washes away allergens.

There are many over-the-counter products that help with seasonal allergies. However, when symptoms are severe, you may want to discuss prescribed medication options with your doctor. Try to avoid some of the biggest Spring allergy tree offenders like Alder, Ash, Aspen, Beech, Box elder, Cedar, Cottonwood, Cypress, Elm, Hickory, Juniper, Maple, Mulberry, Oak, Olive, Palm, Pine, Poplar, Sycamore and Willow. Oh yeah, and don’t forget those grasses and weeds that can really give you allergies that make you feel miserable. It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid Spring allergies if you live in an area where plants grow. However, I hope you can enjoy the beauty of the Spring and avoid triggers and seek a solution so seasonal allergies will not get in your way. Before you venture out on a Spring walk, check your local pollen counts for the day from The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Pollen counts can vary greatly according to your geographic area, but one thing remains the same. There are menopausal women everywhere in every season. April pollen counts aren’t keeping many women from attending Red Hot Mamas programs in three specific areas of our country. Red Hot Mamas sites at Morton Plant Mease (Clearwater, FL), Newport Hospital (Newport, RI) and Pontneuf Medical Center (Pocatello, ID) continue to grow and have recently renewed their programs. Get out and enjoy the April fresh air and attend a local Red Hot Mamas program in your area.

Good Health to You!

Karen Giblin
Founder and President
Red Hot Mamas