kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and KilleenEarth Gauge: Allergen Invaders

Earth Gauge: Allergen Invaders

Posted: Updated:
By Nick Piesco - email

Why do you sniffle, sneeze and itch during allergy season? In some people, the immune system mistakes allergens – such as airborne tree, grass, and weed pollens and mold – as "invaders."  As the body reacts against these invaders, it releases substances that cause common allergy symptoms.  One nationwide survey found that nearly half of Americans tested positive to one or more allergens and about 35 million Americans are allergic to pollen and mold.

Spring means that pollen levels are on the rise. If you have seasonal allergies, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to pollens.

  • Button up. Keep windows at home and in the car closed to keep pollens from drifting into your living space.
  • Dry clothes indoors. Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry, where they can collect pollens.
  • Spend time outside after 10:00 a.m. Pollens are usually emitted in the early morning hours, from 5:00 to 10:00 a.m.
  • Garden carefully. Mowing and raking can stir up pollens and molds.

(Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "Statistics," http://www.aaaai.org/media/statistics/allergy-statistics.asp and "Tips to Remember: Rhinitis," http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/rhinitis.stm; www.pollen.com)

  • Earth Gauge

  • Friday, May 18 2012 4:50 PM EDT2012-05-18 20:50:47 GMT
    What is a nitrogen footprint and why is it so important? Just like a carbon footprint, a nitrogen footprint approximates how much nitrogen your daily activities produce over a period of time. Nitrogen
    What is a nitrogen footprint and why is it so important? Just like a carbon footprint, a nitrogen footprint approximates how much nitrogen your daily activities produce over a period of time. Nitrogen is important because it builds our DNA, amino acids, and proteins that grow the tissues of all living things.

  • Friday, May 11 2012 4:52 PM EDT2012-05-11 20:52:58 GMT
    National Wildflower Week is May 6-13 — it's the perfect time to visit a botanic garden or park where you can see spring blooms of the native variety. With hundreds of public gardens throughout the country,
    National Wildflower Week is May 6-13 — it's the perfect time to visit a botanic garden or park where you can see spring blooms of the native variety. With hundreds of public gardens throughout the country, there is sure to be one near you.

  • Friday, May 4 2012 4:46 PM EDT2012-05-04 20:46:00 GMT
    Designing a new landscape can be exciting – and with a bit of planning, it can yield a water-efficient garden of your dreams. Spring is a great time to design and plant a new landscape and it is important
    Designing a new landscape can be exciting – and with a bit of planning, it can yield a water-efficient garden of your dreams.  Spring is a great time to design and plant a new landscape and it is important to know the water needs of the types of plants you intend to grow to maximize water conservation while ensuring that each type of plant receives an adequate amount of moisture to thrive.

  • Saturday, April 14 2012 8:01 PM EDT2012-04-15 00:01:43 GMT
    Growing native plants that provide edible fruit can be a fun way to explore new culinary options.

  • Friday, March 30 2012 4:38 PM EDT2012-03-30 20:38:59 GMT
    Ah-choo! High pollen levels throughout much of the country mean that millions of Americans are sniffling, sneezing and itching. Spring allergies are usually caused by tree pollen, while grasses are generally the culprit during late spring and summer. Weather and environmental conditions affect the severity of your allergy symptoms.

  • Friday, March 23 2012 4:42 PM EDT2012-03-23 20:42:56 GMT
    Although the drought in Texas and other states in 2011 meant fewer wildflowers bloomed to produce seeds last year, many native plants have a trick up their stems: they produce seeds in plentiful years that "sit out" lean ones.

  • Friday, March 16 2012 4:27 PM EDT2012-03-16 20:27:49 GMT
    March 12–18, 2012 is Fix a Leak Week! Did you know that common household leaks can waste, on average, more than 10,000 gallons of water per year, or enough to wash 10 months' worth of laundry? It's as easy as "check-twist-replace" to find and fix leaks at home.

  • Friday, February 17 2012 4:36 PM EST2012-02-17 21:36:33 GMT
    The 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 22. Each year, volunteers across the country tally the birds they see in backyards, parks and natural areas. Last year, GBBC participants racked up more than 11 million observations and identified 596 species!

  • Friday, February 10 2012 4:45 PM EST2012-02-10 21:45:15 GMT
    When you look up at the night sky, how many stars do you see? As cities and suburban communities grow, so does the amount of artificial light from things like street lights and billboards. Lots of nighttime lighting means that you can probably only see the brightest stars. While outdoor lighting helps humans see at night and stay safe, night lights can impact wildlife in other ways.

  • Friday, January 27 2012 4:30 PM EST2012-01-27 21:30:13 GMT
    Installing a rain water gauge on your property will help you determine how many inches of rain have fallen.  Knowing the average weekly precipitation amount helps gardeners apply the correct amount of water with automatic irrigation systems.
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and KCEN, Owned and Operated by London Broadcasting Company. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.