FALL NEWSLETTER

Welcome Page | Services | Office Hours and Directions | Newsletter Index
Meet the Medical Team | Recommended Links

Fall 2003

Newsletter Contents:
A Message from the Administrator
Allergies and What You Need to Know

A MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

Would you like to receive Weaverville Family Medicine's quarterly newsletter directly to your email? If yes, then please click here and email your address to our website manager.

A fond farewell to Dr. Richard Kay
We are sad to announce that Dr. Richard Kay will be leaving Weaverville Family Medicine. He is moving to Florida to be closer to his family. We wish him well in all his future endevors. We are currently contacting all of Dr. Kay's patients to help them find a new primary care provider. If you have not yet received a phone call or a letter from our office, then please choose from one of our other providers, including Dr. Broadhurst, Dr. Feiler, Dr. Hruska, Dr. Ingram, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Cook, or Mr. Roley. If you have any questions about the continuation of your health care, then please call our office manager, Amy Shehan, at 645-3066.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES? HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Have you ever heard you doctor refer to you allergies as allergic rhinitis? Allergic rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal airways that occurs when you breathe in something to which you are allergic. Everybody has an immune system to protect their body. When you have an allergy, it means your immune system is working overtime to fight something that a non-allergic person's immune system would consider harmless. The immune system releases special chemicals that cause allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and/or itching.

There are two types of allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergies occur during the spring, summer, and/or fall. Non-seasonal allergies occur year-round. Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Year round allergies are caused by dust, molds, and dander. Your doctor can use special tests to diagnose which substances are causing your allergies.

How to prevent allergies
For suffers of seasonal allergies, the main culprits are pollens from weeds, plants, or trees. If you can keep pollen out of your home, you can usually reduce the severity of your symptoms. For example, on dry windy days, keep your home and car windows closed, and use an air conditioner. After working outside, gardening, or hiking, wash your hair and change into clean clothes to avoid tracking pollen into your house.

To relieve the symptoms of year round allergies from molds, dust, dust mites, and animal dander, you will need strict control of the home environment. For dust and dust mites, wear a face mask when cleaning. Cover your pillow, mattress, and box spring with a hypoallergenic cover. Remove old carpeting, and vacuum new carpeting every two to three days. Avoid heavy drapes and venetian blinds, and remove dust-gathering clutter. To reduce mold spores, eliminate dampness in your home. Remove old bath mats, shower curtains, and wallpaper. Repair any bathroom or kitchen leaks. Clean out the refrigerator, making sure to empty the drip pan. To reduce animal dander, avoidance and medication are best. Other tips include keeping your pet well groomed and bathed, but do not bathe or brush the animal yourself. Wear a mask while scooping cat litter. Wash your hands after playing with your pet. Restrict pets from the bedroom, and train them not to climb onto the chair where you usually sit.

What about medicine?
A variety of medications are available to help relieve allergy symptoms. These include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroid sprays, and allergy shots. You and your doctor can decide the best medication for you to take to treat your allergy symptoms. For an appointment to discuss your allergies with your primary care provider, please call Weaverville Family Medicine at 645-3066.

Please join us this winter, for the next edition of the Weaverville Family Medicine Newsletter. Our topic will be "How to avoid the flu."
Do you have questions about The Weaverville Family Medicine Newsletter? For medical questions, please contact us at 645-3066. If you have a website related question or comment, then please contact our website manager.

return to top of page
return to Newsletter Index
return to Welcome Page