Health Watch is a public service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general iHnformation only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we're talking about summer allergies. One way to avoid them is to avoid exposure to summer allergens such as grass pollen. Dr. David Khan, an allergist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, offers some suggestions.

Limit your outdoor activities during peak allergen times — mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Keep windows closed and let your air conditioner filter out some of the allergens from your indoor air. Wear a mask when you mow the lawn to reduce your exposure to grass pollen. If you're outside for an extended period, wash your hair before you go to bed. Your hair can collect pollen, which could then be transferred to your pillow so you're exposed to pollen throughout the night.

Next: Taking medicine to relieve your symptoms.

###

July 2006

Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.