America’s heartland is characterized by extreme climactic changes. The clearly defined seasons of the Midwest limit pollinating plants to specific months — good news for the traveler with allergies. You can vacation with confidence any time from late fall through early spring, when the skies are relatively free from pollens. The following seasonal guidelines can help you plan your travel to avoid the allergens and irritants that trigger symptoms.

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The Northeastern region of the United States features clear-cut seasonal changes that can help the traveler with allergies avoid triggers. The fresh, dry air of autumn brings brilliant fall colors and a respite from the mold spores that can trigger allergies. Unfortunately, fall is also pollen season. As with much of the United States, winter may be the best time for the pollen-allergic to visit the Northeast.

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The lush forests of the Northwest make this a destination spot of choice for people who love hiking and outdoor travel. Fortunately, the region’s most abundant trees — pines and other cone-bearing varieties — have relatively large pollen (it’s hard for our mucous membranes to absorb so it’s not likely to be a problem). And the pollen is so heavy it rarely becomes airborne. Between the less-allergenic conifer pollen and the relatively few allergenic grasses, the Northwest is fairly comfortable for people with pollen allergies most of the year.

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If you’ve ever seen a friend or loved one go through anaphylactic shock, you know how scary it can be. The good news is that you could save your loved one’s life by learning to recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis, and knowing how to administer emergency medication.

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It’s Friday morning at the office, and you’ve got a headache. In fact, you’ve had a headache at work every day this month, from the moment you set foot in the office to the time you leave for the day. It could be stress-related, or the product of a flu that’s been going around. But if your mysterious headaches seem to follow the same work schedule as you, the problem may be the office itself. You’re not sick. The building is.

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If you have symptoms of eczema, it can be hard not to scratch the dry, itchy areas of skin. Scratching is an understandable urge, but it can lead to more irritation — which makes you scratch again. This is the itch-and-scratch cycle of eczema. Here’s how to break the cycle, according to the eczema experts at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center (NJMRC).

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When it comes to managing chronic skin conditions, your doctor has a secret agent. This person may never have been to medical school. In fact, he or she may be entirely new to treating skin problems. But without this agent’s help, successful management of your skin condition is virtually impossible.

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In the past, people with asthma avoided most physical activity, in part because vigorous exercise can trigger an asthma episode. But with today’s asthma treatment, most everyday activity, and even all-out exercise, won’t get in the way of your good health. The bottom line: exercise is great for the heart, lungs, and overall health (not to mention your love handles), even if you have asthma.

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