Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information 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 some holiday hazards and how you can prevent them. For many people, the scent of a freshly cut evergreen is an essential part of the holiday season. But for allergy and asthma sufferers, that scent may mean misery.
Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, chief of allergy at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says you can avoid allergy problems by choosing the right tree. You shouldn’t use juniper or cedar trees as Christmas trees. These are pollinating at this time of year. Other kinds of live trees could have mold spores on them. Your safest bet is to use an artificial tree and keep it dust-free. If you have guests or family members with allergies, you should also be careful about using scented candles or room scents. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to perfumes.
###
December 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.
