An itchy nose, watery eyes, painful congestion, and intense sneezing can all be signs you have a seasonal allergy. These symptoms might be caused by flowering trees or pollen-filled flowers. Allergies can be uncomfortable for people of all ages but can be managed with a little help.
What Triggers Allergies?
The first step in managing allergies is to identify the triggers. Here are a few of the most common spring and summer allergy triggers:
Outdoor elements: Pollen, mold, grass, or dust are often the culprits, and they can be tough to avoid.
Pool chemicals: Chlorine in swimming pools can be another trigger, especially for red, scratchy eyes.
Smoke: Summer barbeques and bonfires are popular, but the smoke they generate can be irritating.
Bites: Insect bites and stings can be more than annoying for some seniors. This is often due to decreased immunity that is more common with aging.
While many of the symptoms associated with allergies can be present year-round, they often peak when the weather is warmer. There are steps you can take to manage allergies without medication:
- Limit time outdoors: When peak allergy season arrives, it might help to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors.
- Control your environment: When the pollen count is high or when it’s windy outdoors, keep your windows closed to limit the amount of pollen and dust from getting inside.
- Work around the pollen count: Be sure to monitor the pollen count. This is easier if you take advantage of one of the many free weather apps you can download on your smart phone.
If none of the remedies listed above help, your primary care physician might need to order allergy testing. This will help pinpoint the source(s) of your allergies making them easier to treat.
Mini Bus Trips
Trips require five passengers and are weather permitting. Please call 860-668-3844 to make a reservation.
Lunch At Kaptain Jimmy’s
Tuesday, April 5-Pick up begins at 11:30 a.m.
Walmart Shopping
Thursday, April 7-Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.
Holyoke Shopping
Tuesday, April 12 -Pick up begins at 10 a.m.
Trader Joe’s Shopping
Thursday, April 14 -Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.
Lunch At Munich Haus
Tuesday, April 19 – Pick up begins at 11 a.m.
Walmart Shopping
Thursday, April 21 -Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.
Foxwood’s Casino/Tanger Outlets
Monday, April 25- Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.
Lunch At Olive Garden
Tuesday, April 26 -Pick up begins at 11:30 a.m.
Lunch At Suffield Pizza
Friday, April 29 -Pick up begins at 11:30 a.m.
Health Screenings
Blood Pressure Screenings
April 6 and 20 at 11 a.m.Sponsored by Suffield Community Aid
Footcare
Wednesday, April 27.
Fee is $30 payable to the nurse.
Call to schedule your apointment today!
Hearing Screenings
Free hearing screenings and services provided by NOVA Hearing Services on April 6. Please call for an appointment.
Senior Services
Ask The Attorney
First Thursday of each month. Call for an appointment.
SCA Bereavement Support Group
Masonicare is partnering with Suffield Community Aid to offer a six week in-person support group. The group meets Friday mornings 10:30 a.m. to noon April 1-May 13. Please call Linda Huff at 860-500-4060 to register or SCA at 860-668-1986 for more information.
Parkinson’s Peer Support Group
Second Monday of each month at 10:15 a.m. Topics vary monthly and refreshments are served. For more information, please call Suffield Community Aid at 860-668-1986. April’s meeting will be held on April 5. Subsidy Available – Lunch
Would you like to get out more?
Would you enjoy going out to lunch twice a week? If you qualify, Suffield Community Aid will pay for your lunch at the Senior Center twice per week. Fresh, nutritionally balanced (and really delicious) meals are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Call Suffield Community Aid to inquire at (860)668-1986.
Transportation Assistance Beyond Suffield Mini Bus
In conjunction with Nutmeg Senior Rides, Suffield Community Aid has funding to assist financially qualified residents, age 65 or older or individuals with a disability, to get where they want to go during times the Mini Bus does not run or locations to which they do not provide transportation. Nutmeg Senior Rides provides door-through-door transportation for any purpose, 365 days a year. Call Suffield Community Aid at 860-668-1986 to see if you qualify.
Veterans Assistance
Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Fritz King can be reached at 860-758-0418 or by email at veterans@suffieldct.gov.
Please visit https://www.suffieldct.gov/departments/seniors and click on the Newsletters Tab to see the entire April newsletter.