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.
We’re in the middle of the holiday season, and this week on Health Watch, we’ll be offering some tips to help you make this a safe and healthy season for you and your family.
Have you found yourself sneezing and wheezing more after putting up your holiday decorations? Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, chief of allergy at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says bringing decorations in from attics, garages or storage rooms can stir up dust and mold. Try washing or wiping down decorations to get rid of dust. Fabric decorations are more likely to trap dust and mold than plastic or glass decorations. When you store your decorations and artificial tree after the holidays, be sure to seal them up in dust-proof containers.
Other causes of holiday sniffles can include scented candles, firewood or a fire in the fireplace.
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December 2006
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