1985 [PDF] - Yosemite

y Joanne WestonAH-CHO0! Allergy Season Arrives in YosemiteMany of us will experience allergies and/or allergic reaction People may develop sensitivity to certain medications, initialwith the arrival of the spring and summer seasons. These can be symptoms may develop immediately or develop over severalcaused by pollens, foods, medications, plants and insects. In days. Symptoms may include rash, swelling, hives and difficultythis article we will explain the allergy process and possible breathing. If any of the above symptoms develop, it is advisablesymptoms.to stop the medication and notify the doctor. If symptoms areEach of our bodies is unique. Just as we have individual severe, call the clinic immediately or dial 911 for emergencyfingerprints, our bodies have a unique physiological make-up. assistance.When a foreign substance is introduced to our bodies, it is Bees, wasps, mosquitos, fleas and ticks cause a local reac.recognized as different and an immunological response may be tion and on rare occasions can produce a severe anaphylaticdeveloped over time. The foreign substance is called an antigen. reaction. This reaction may include swelling, redness and itch.An antibody is what our bodies develop to inactivate an antigen.ing. These symptoms of local reaction may occur immediatelyIn the process of an antigen-antibody reaction, certain cellsand will subside over a few hours. For such minor reactions icerelease histam’ne which causes many of the symptoms weand antihistamines may be recommended. If a bite appears toassociate with allergies.be infected, antiobiotics may be necessary. For bee and waspThe severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. bites, be sure to remove the stinger.Mild symptoms include swelling, redness, head and nasal COrT. Ticks should be removed as soon as possible. Place vaselinegestion, feeling tired, and itching. As the allergy progresses, or margarine over the tick. It may back out by itself. If not, a visitadditional symptoms may includes hives (red raised welts) and to the clinic may be necessary to remove it. It’s importanto bedifficulty breathing. The most severe reaction is caBled ansure the head is removed.anaphylatic reaction. It involves all of the above symptoms andIn the event of severe symptoms or respiratory distress inmay be life threatening.these situations, call the clinic at 372-4637 or NP8 (911) immedi.Pollens, foods, plants, medications, and insect bites are frequentallergen culprits here in the valley and the most frequentatelyo The staff at the clinic will be happy to assist you with anyquestions you may have. Here’s to an allergy-free summer.clinic encounters are allergies related to cedar, pine and oakGesundheit!pollens. Symptoms may come on suddenly or develop graduallyover several years exposure. Frequent symptoms include runnynose, swollen and red itchy eyes, sneezing and tiredness. Thistype of allergy, though aggravating, is rarely life threa[ening.Wawona Games Upcoming...Treatment includes antihistamines and decongestants for syruptomaticrelief. Long-term therapy may involve allergy shots. For Qualifying rounds for the Third Annual Wawona Games, to bethose of us whose allergies (particularly hayfever) are disabling held or7 August 7th, will take place during the month of July, soand more than just a temporary nuisance, there is a good bit don’t be left outl Call Employee Recreation at ext. 1475 today formore that can be done to achieve at least partial relief without information.having to take allergy shots. Check with the clinic for more The Wawona Games pit two teams, one from the Valley andinformation.one from the Wawonarea, against each other in an eleveneventgames festival. Co-ed volleyball, cross-cou ntry running, aFoods may also cause allergic reactions. The most commonfoods include seafood, shellfish, milk, eggs, chocolate and severaladditives. Symptoms are usually mild and include flushing, included.softball throw, putting and darts are but a few of the games to beredness, rash, gastrointestinal symptoms and fatigue. They may A BBQ and live entertainment will conclude the day’s eventsdevelop within minutes of ingestion or be delayed for several and free bus transportation to and from the event will be providedfor all employees.hours. Mild symptoms usually require no treatment. Severesymptoms will require medical treatment, sometimes veryquickly to avoid serious consequences or possibly even death.Poison Oak is the most common plant allergy in the area.Symptoms include an itchy, red, raised rash which will developblister-like areas. Poison Oak is not transferred or spread fromperson to person from the rash or the weeping moisture from theYOSEMITE SENTINELblister. It can be spread if the Poison Oak is still on the person’s Editor.. .................................l- .Aid n RichmondomriDuting Staff ...............skin or clothing, or on the hair of dogs, cats, horses, etc. MildGarrett De Bell, Kim Saunderscases may respond to calamine lotion. More severe cases,Yosemite Sentinel is published monthly by Yosemite Park and Curryespecially on the face and eyes, will require medical evaluation. Company for the Yosemite Community. Contributions are welcomedIf you think you may have come in contact with Poison Oak, wash at the Sales and Marketing Office, or call 372-1445. Deadline for theimmediately in cold water and be sure to wash all your clothing. August issue is Monday, July 5, 1985.