Sunday, July 27, 2014

ut Allergies and other articles I wrote for Powder Room Graffiti

The article I wrote about allergies was well - received at the Helium website. I got an email some months ago telling me they would be closing the website. Just today I decided to try and find out more about the status of Helium. Anyhow, I did find my old article. It's now at a website called Living Healthy 360. Who knew? I didn't! Here's the link:

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Allergies? Get a Dog and Take up Smoking!!

A few years ago I wrote a short post about allergies:
 http://sandrastaas.blogspot.com/2011/03/colmans-mustard-and-indian-chutney-and.html

I really can't stand the fatigue, the chills, the stuffed up nose, the pain around the eyes. Oh, woe is me!  I could even fall asleep standing up.

I was first told I had allergies back in 1984 when a doctor looked up my nostrils. Brave him! I'm so glad he did, however, for he did come up with a diagnosis. Prior to that, I had no clue why I was constantly sneezing, why my nose was always stuffed up, why I was cold, and why I felt weak. It was almost as bad as having the flu.

Well, that doctor back in 1984 sent me off for tests. Turns out I'm allergic to everything except for dog and tobacco!

I know, I hear you.  "Get a dog and take up smoking!"

Ha ha. If only it were that easy to get rid of allergies.

I was prescribed two little bottles of the antigens which were to give relief, whole relief and nothing but relief! I placed drops underneath my tongue for FIVE years before finally giving up.

I'm an expert on anti-histamines and decongestants. I really am. Yikes! I keep hoping I'll 'grow out' of the allergies, but I'm not. They always turn up at least four times a year without fail.

Want to know what I'm taking for my allergy symptoms? An antihistamine.



I was told to take antihistamines BEFORE I get the symptoms. Maybe I should. But, since I'm allergic to almost everything, I'd be taking antihistamines every day of the year. Do they work? Sometimes I think they do. But then, just when you feel relief, the very next day the symptoms return! Since I've been down that road all those years I know one's body gets accustomed to the medication, so I just change it. The above one is the generic form of Claritin. When it no longer works I then take the generic form of Allegra. The pharmacy people tell me the generic brands are just as good as the brand names. And, they're a lot cheaper.


I also take a decongestant when desperation sets it. This is the decongestant Sudafed, or maybe it's the generic form of it. Believe it or not it WORKS!! Yes, after just one day I can breathe better. But I don't think it's good to be taking this on a daily basis over a long period of time as it increases your blood pressure. I only take it when I'm desperate. Really desperate. Desperate enough because no air is going up my nostrils.


A nasal spray. Does it work? In the beginning it does. You're supposed to only take this nasal spray for three days. Any longer - and who knows what might happen?!  Maybe your nose will fall off! Oh no!  The problem is that, although it works, the three days are up before you know it and you have to stop taking it. Guess what happens then? The symptoms come right back!

Trying to avoid allergies altogether, I've been taking Quercetin.


It's supposed to be a natural anti-inflammatory.

I also take Turmeric, another natural anti-inflammatory.


And I take a saline nasal spray.


Nothing prevents the allergy symptoms. The best thing that has happened is the possible reduction of the severity of the symptoms.  

Och well. Any lessening of allergy symptoms is most welcome.  And, maybe I could get myself a wee dog. Not sure about taking up smoking, however.




Sunday, July 13, 2014

In the Countryside - Where's that Nasal Spray?

One thing about living in the suburbs is that you're not too far from the countryside. Now, if you're a city person, taking a trip into the mysterious, mystical countryside may not be too appealing. But, isn't it always nice to have a change of scenery?



It does seem quite rural. We're heading to Columbiana located in Ohio.


If you'd like a wee barn built then you're in the right place. Not sure that I want a barn. Anyhow, we don't have room for one. Golleee, not only that, we're not allowed one due to the Homeowner's Association's restrictions. Never mind, I don't have anything to put in a barn.



Looks as if it's all happening out here. Big picnic coming up in August. Calcutta Square? Where's that?



A car show as well. Hmm. I did see old classic cars on the way to Columbiana.


This is the American Legion building in Columbiana. Want to check it out?


Looks like a big barbecue. Smells tasty. Wonder what the purpose is of that little fan?


A meeting of Submarine Veterans is taking place. Guess  the barbecued food is for them?


Well, the Submarine Veterans people are based in Pittsburgh, Pa. There's a submarine there, called the Requin that is open to the public. Worth a visit, if you don't mind breathing in as you descend narrow stairs. Ha ha. Imagine sleeping in the tiny, narrow beds? Imagine having to share one of those tiny narrow beds with someone else? Not for me, not at all.


All this excitement in Columbiana is thirsty work. It's a hot summer's day. Me thinks it's time for a wee ice cream.

A couple of hours in the countryside is one fine way to spend a Saturday afternoon, I suppose. I really prefer to be closer to the city. I'm more used to buildings and aeroplanes and lots of people out and about. Even traffic jams are looking appealing after being in the countryside. And I don't know that the air is cleaner in the countryside. Well, it could be. But, I get allergies and right now, my allergies are being real pains. They did go away for one day, but then, after the afternoon in the countryside, they've come right back with greater force.

Where's that nasal spray?!



Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy 4th of July! Leetsdale, Pa


The annual 4th of July parade got started with lots fun food at the wee fairground.


Colourful costumes and plenty of candy being tossed kept everyone enthralled.



What's going on in Beaver Street?!  Must be something important.


I like how everyone in the parade waves. I think they've learned how to do this from the Queen!




Even the politicians were out and about tossing candy. Guess if you get a piece then you have to give him a vote? Ha ha.


The Submarine Veterans strolled along in the parade sporting their amazing vests.

By the way, the man to the left is a volunteer at the Requin Submarine. 



Lots of music!  There were lots of fire engines and police cars from different  boroughs as well. 
Sure hope they're all back ready to chase after fires and any bad guys.

All this 4th of July frivolity just makes you want to sing a wee song.

I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy.......