The
Return of Yellow Pesky Powder at Lake Tahoe
By
Cal Orey, M.A.
It’s back!
Every June, the eerie yellow pollen arrives, an unwelcome guest dusting
everything in sight. Reaching for a tissue and a plan, I brace myself for the
season. During my research for the honey book, a Reno beekeeper, eager to
introduce me to his new queen bees, shared his wisdom about nature’s nectar. I
left with a jar of his golden honey, and, following his advice, I took a daily
tablespoon of the local product. Honey experts suggested that consuming local
honey could help my immune system adapt to the local pollen, reducing allergy miseries.
Whether it was the honey, or a combo of tactics, I found myself better equipped
to face the yellow powder that coated my world on the South Shore.
The
presence of yellow pollen in the Lake Tahoe area during early summer is a
common phenomenon. Here’s its potential
health impacts, and tips to adapt to the yucky yellow stuff.
So, What is Yellow Pollen, Anyhow? Yellow pollen in the Tahoe area, in early summer, is
primarily from pine trees. Pine trees are prolific pollen producers,
and their pollen is easily spread by the wind. The result: Tell-tale yellow
dust that can coat your car, yard, clothes, and even be visible on the lake's
surface.
Is the Yucky Powder Unhealthy? Nah, but it can trigger allergic
reactions in sensitive individuals, like me, and maybe you. Symptoms of tree pollen
allergies include sneezing, itchy eyes, throat, and watery eyes. Blame it on
the body's immune system overreacting to the pollen, releasing histamine that
causes inflammation.
How to Deal with Yellow Pollen: Check local pollen forecasts: (AccuWeather website) to
anticipate high pollen days. Keep Windows and Doors Closed: This
helps prevent pollen from entering your home. Shower and Change Clothes: After
being outdoors, shower and change clothes to zap pollen. Try Allergy
Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help alleviate
symptoms. Consider an Air Purifier (or two): An air purifier with a
HEPA filter can help remove pollen from indoor air. And consider what you
consume, too…
Anti-Pollen Diet: Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and tea to
help thin nasal mucus and ease congestion. Vitamin C-rich foods: Some
studies suggest Vitamin C may have antihistamine properties. Consider citrus
fruits, berries, and bell peppers. Probiotic-rich foods: Probiotics
may help curb the immune response. Yogurt is a good source.
Honey to the Rescue: Go ahead—drizzle honey in your
yogurt, like I do. Check out local honey producers. Warning: To avoid infant
botulism, don’t feed honey to a baby who is younger than one year.
In a
nutshell, by July sometime the yellow dust will say goodbye and you’ll be ready
for other summertime air quality culprits—but you’ll be better prepared.
CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws: The Heart of a Siamese Cat, (Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby, and a thrilling co-authored sci-fi series--The Ghost Ships. She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com
No comments:
Post a Comment