It’s spring, and the beauty of spring also marks the beginning of sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes as allergies begin attacking. If you’re one of the 36 million Americans who experiences allergies, read these remedies for allergies from physicians on the Baylor Plano medical sta!.

Antihistamines: For those who have itchy eyes, antihistamine eye drops and pills block histamine, a substance that provokes itchy, watery eyes, according to Sandeep Gupta, M.D, allergist. However, some antihistamines may cause drowsiness without treating the root cause of the problem.

“Sometimes patients choose antihistamines and nasal steroids because they fit better with their life situation,” says Dr. Gupta. If over-the-counter medicines aren’t helpful, visit your physician to discuss other treatment options.

Nasal steroids and decongestants: Prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays decrease inflammation and swelling of the airways to help reduce symptoms of a stu!y nose. In addition, they help prevent the discharge of inflammatory chemicals that cause a stu!y nose, explains Dr. Gupta. Some nonsteroidal sprays that can be pur-

chased over-the-counter also prevent the formation of these chemicals and decrease symptoms; however, they’re not as e!ective as they’re prescription counterparts.

Decongestants reduce the size of blood vessels, which limits the fluid that seeps out. "ey can be purchased in liquid, tablet form or as a nasal

spray–and are sold over-the-counter and by prescription. Limit the use of over the counter decongestant nasal spray to no more than three days in a row as your congestion may grow worse, causing an increased dependency on the medication.

Vaccines: "ose who have a seasonal allergy episode one year, have a one in four chance of developing chronic allergies the next year, explains Dr. Gupta. “Patients who begin experiencing symptoms of headaches, sinus disease, asthma, coughs, vertigo or dizziness on a recurring basis may need to seek further treatment from their doctor. Some patients benefit from monthly vaccines, which help their bodies develop immunities to the allergens,” says Dr. Gupta.

Allergy Drops: Conventionally, when allergy prescriptions fail to provide relief, the next suggested treatment option is often traditional immunotherapy. But now there is another option, allergy drops.

"ese drops contain the same FDA approved antigens used in the shots but are administered under the tongue; they adjust the patient’s immune system making it less likely to react to allergens. “Typically, the patient will place between one to three allergy drops under the tongue, hold for two minutes, then swallow,” says Kevin Lunde, M.D., an ENT allergist. Patients can even take the drops at home, and within a few months many patients no longer have to rely on medicines. Allergy drops may also be less expensive for patients since they don’t require frequent visits to the physicians’ o#ce like the shots do. Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery: People who su!er from chronic allergies may develop recurrent or chronic sinus infections. “Minimally invasive surgery in which the sinus openings are enlarged can provide relief for many chronic sinus su!erers,” says Dr. Lunde. "e surgery improves the sinus’ ability to drain and allows medication to get up in the nose where many problems begin. No facial scars are left with this procedure.

Don’t skip breakfast. Researchers in the Netherlands learned that those who ate a high-calorie breakfast, rich in complex carbohydrates, created 33 percent less ghrelin, a hunger causing hormone, during the day and felt fuller longer.

Exercise increases muscle and decreases fat. “Muscle weighs more than fat because it’s 70 percent water, while fat is 20 percent water, so you may not drop pounds,” says Jill Bass, director, Baylor Plano physical medicine.

Research shows that after 6 months, weight loss slows. Performing the same exercises regularly can make your body too e#cient because it learns to execute while burning fewer calories. Change your cardio routine to start losing again.

Sneezing Solutions

The Best Workout For You!Here are a few tips from Sita Boppana, M.D., internal medicine physician on the BaylorPlano medical sta!, to incorporate into your next workout.

CardioPerform at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise five times a week.

Try this: Increase leg strength with these exercises that target thigh and calf muscles: cycling, running, in-line skating, and stair climbing.

SculptingWeight training two times a week contributes to the preservation of muscle tissue, helps burn more calories while resting, and increases bone density.

Try this: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Extend arms parallel to ground and lean forward. Lower yourself slowly until you reach a near-sitting position. "en, to a count of two, slowly rise to a standing position. Keep your back straight. Repeat 10 times for one set. Rest for one minute. "en complete a second set of 10 repetitions.

Tips to Reduce Indoor Allergies:

Staying indoors may not keep you allergy-free this spring. Dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and pet dander are all sources of indoor allergies and seasonal variations can amplify their severity. “Many people notice a di!erence in the severity of their allergies after simply performing a thorough house cleaning,” says Dr. Gupta.

regularly to get rid of dust.

mind that carpeting and area rugs are tougher to keep clean than wood, tile, or vinyl floors.

to help minimize allergens in the air.

and 40 percent to help prevent mold and dust mite growth.

down comforters.

outdoor allergens like pollen from coming inside.

“Many people notice a di!erence in the severity of their allergies after simply

performing a thorough house cleaning,”

Hysterectomy Fears

HealthQuicks NEWS YOU CAN USE!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the United States and an estimated 20 million U.S. women have had a hysterectomy.

If a hysterectomy is such a common procedure, why are many women wary of having the surgery? Murray Fox, M.D., gynecologist on the Baylor Plano medical sta!, addresses a few of the common fears of hysterectomies.

Down Time: “Many women fear they will be faced with a lengthy hospital stay and recovery process,” says Dr. Fox, “but new technology is available that enables hysterectomies to be performed less invasively, leading to shorter hospital stays. For hysterectomies that may be di#cult to perform as a vaginal procedure and would otherwise require an abdominal hysterectomy, the da Vinci® S Surgical System o!ers an alternative.”

Pain: “Some women fear that they will experience extreme pain for several days after the surgery,” says Dr. Fox, “but the use of robotic technology allows doctors to work through 1 to 2 cm incisions, leading to less scarring and less pain.”

Sexual Function: “Another concern raised by some women is whether or not they will experience a decrease in sexual function once their uterus is removed,” says Dr. Fox. “But research shows that women who had good sexual function before surgery, typically have good sexual function afterward. Sexual function after a hysterectomy depends more on sexual function history than on the procedure.”

For a referral to a physician trained in robotic surgery, call 1.800.4BAYLOR (422.9567)

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April & May 2008 EventsAll programs held at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, in Plano Conference Room A/B, Garden Level, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register for a program, please call 1.800.4BAYLOR.

6:30 p.m. – Weight Loss Surgery InformationalSeminar. Presented by Nick Nicholson, M.D., bariatric surgeon.Baylor Plano’s surgical weight loss program o!ers three options: Lap-Band®, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy to help you try to achieve a healthy weight.

12 - 1 p.m. – Is Hormone "erapy Right For You?Learn about the risks and benefits of HRT.Presented by Dennis Eisenberg, M.D., gynecologist.

5:30 - 7 p.m. – Diabetes Support Group.

Appointments begin at 8:30 a.m. – Saturday Mammography Clinic. Baylor Women’s Imaging Center at Plano, Medical Pavilion I, Suite 450.

6 -7:30 p.m. – Living Well with Cancer information Session, Dinner provided. For more information,please call 469.814.6753.

6 - 8 p.m. – Look Good, Feel Better. Dinner provided.

7 - 8 p.m. – Sleep Apnea Support Group.

9 a.m. -12 p.m. – Your Health "is Month. Free sleep disorders and menopause education and blood pressure screenings will be available. Glucose and cholesterol screenings will be o!ered for $10.

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Your Health "is Month. Free asthma, bone density and blood pressure screening will be o!ered. Osteoporosis educational information will be available. Glucose and cholesterol screenings will be o!ered for $10.

12 -1 p.m. – Controlling Incontinence. Find out the causes, signs, symptoms and treatment options for the involuntary loss of bowel or urine. Presented by Murray Fox, M.D., gynecologist.

7 - 8:30 p.m. – Young Women Matter. Cancer support group for younger women with all types of cancer.

12 - 1 p.m. – Managing Spinal Stenosis. Learn about the new minimally invasive X-Stop® procedure to treat spinal stenosis. Presented by Jeremy Denning, M.D., neurosurgeon.Lunch provided.

Diabetes Self-Management Program assists all ages in managing diabetes. Classes o!ered at various times. For more information, please call 469.814.6896.

risk because they may limit the e#ciency of common antibiotics.“"e antibacterial soaps sold to consumers typically only contain limited amounts of triclosan. "e antibacterial soaps utilized in clinical areas are more powerful because they contain greater concentrations of triclosan,” says Dr. Long. “Be aware of what is actually in a product and consider the health benefits before you purchase it,” says Dr. Long. “"e soaps containing triclosan used in many community settings are usually no more e!ective than plain soap at averting illness or reducing germs on the hands.

Is antibacterial soap more e!ective than regular soap?

Washing your hands is the best defense against getting sick. But does the kind of soap you use matter?Researchers recently put antibacterial and regular soap to the test to find out whether or not the ingredient triclosan, found in most antibacterial soaps, made them any more e!ective. “"ere really isn’t a lot of di!erence between antibacterial soap and regular soap,” says Tom Long, M.D., internal medicine physician on the Baylor Plano medical sta!.According to research, antibacterial soaps do not prevent infections any better than regular soaps. "e research also shows that antibacterial soaps may pose a health

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano or Baylor Health Care System. Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. ©2008 Baylor Health Care System. MOD 08044. 4thED. 40,000. 3/08

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Baylor Plano Has The Answers

Boost Your EnergyLinda Halbrook, M.D., family medicine physician on the Baylor Plano medical sta!, o!ers advice on managing your energy level.

Eat Breakfast: A heart healthy, high protein breakfast may better your mood and minimize blood sugar swings and food cravings.

Walk Daily: Gradually work up to 10,000 steps per day to improve stamina. Get Enough Rest: Most people require at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night to minimize fatigue.

Maintain A Healthy Weight: Do all you can to be kind to your heart’s work load.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to thickening of the blood, forcing the heart to work harder to deliver blood to cells and organs, causing fatigue.

Fill Up With Fiber: Fiber provides energy by slowly releasing carbs into the blood stream.

Play Some Tunes: Music is one of the most successful treatment options for a bad mood, tension, or lack of energy.