The first step is to reduce outdoor seasonal “triggers” by identifying the plants and flowers that will cause you discomfort. Get tested to choose the “right” plants, shrubs and flowers that are better for you. By knowing your allergies you can also plan ahead and modify your gardening schedule. This involves having the knowledge regarding peak periods throughout the day to the culprit allergens as well as staying tuned to learn the pollen count in your town or city.

Pollen counts from the previous day are available for main cities via the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) as well as in local newspapers and with the daily weather reports on radio and TV. The Web site for the National Allergy Bureau is www.aaaai.org/nab.

You may need to adjust your planting and/or gardening activities as seasonal symptoms such as itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat, sneezing may be worse on windy, dry, sunny and clear days may be associated with greater airborne pollens as wet, cloudy and windless days can see a reduction in outdoor plant pollens.

Colorful flowers:
Plants with bright, showy flowers are better for people who have allergies. Their pollen is large and because they are pollinated by insects, the pollen is seldom airborne. Plants that cause allergies usually have flowers that are small and insignificant looking and have no color for attracting nectar.

The following trees, shrubs, and plants have been found to be BETTER for people with allergies:

If you are considering adding trees to your landscape, you should AVOID planting the following:

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

              Dear Yvonne,
Given the state of the economy, I’m already planning ahead for Valentine’s Day, and I want to take advantage of the after-Thanksgiving sales. I was wondering what I could get my girlfriend without breaking the bank. Any ideas would be really appreciated.
                                      -Lance

Dear Lance,
While many advertisements would have you think that expensive gifts, like jewelry, are going to make you her prince for the day, lots of ladies are a bit easier – and easier on your wallet – to please. “Think of me” gifts, with a sexy/romantic note, are one way to win her over without putting yourself in debt. For example, get her a pretty sun catcher to hang in her window with a note stating that you hope she’ll think of you every time she sees it. This will let her know that you want to be on her mind. Framing a picture of the two of you will give her a warm glow in reinforcing her confidence in the relationship. Get something that compliments what you love about her most. For example, if she has amazing locks, get her a pretty clip to pull up her hair, with presentation key, for example, let her know it has greater appeal in allowing you to better nibble on her neck. 

If you want to go for something traditional, give the tried and true gifts, only with a spin. A bouquet of flowers can be professionally preserved so that she’ll always have them around. Chocolates that are homemade from a gourmet store are going to be more appealing than ones from traditional candy makers. 

Remember packaging is a way to make a so-so gift much more special. Just the right wrapping paper and bow – basically presentation – will go a long way and shows that you’ve put a lot of thought into the gift. That’s what’s going to be priceless come V-day. And if a woman ends up giving a guy a hard time because something isn’t expensive or lavish enough, then you may want to rethink why you’re involved with her. Nobody should have to be that hard to please.
Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”