Spring 2023 3 When you’re allergic to something in the air, it can be hard to get away from it. That’s what it’s like for the millions of people with seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever. Every spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains into the air to fertilize their companion plants. Most of the allergy-causing pollen comes from trees, weeds and grasses. If you think you may have pollen allergies, your first step should be to see your primary care provider, who may refer you to an allergist for testing. Try these tips to lessen your exposure to pollen and reduce your risk of a reaction: ● Start taking your allergy medicine before pollen season begins. ● Try not to spend too much time outside when pollen counts are high. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology lists daily nationwide pollen counts at aaaai.org. ● Wear sunglasses and a hat when you are outside to help keep pollen out of your eyes and off your hair. ● Keep windows closed at home and in your car during pollen season. ● Dry your clothes in a clothes dryer and not on an outdoor clothesline. Need a primary care provider to help get your allergies under control? Find Dr. Right at RiversideHealthcare.org/providers. THE JOURNEY is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of RIVERSIDE HEALTHCARE, 350 N. Wall St., Kankakee, IL 60901, telephone (815) 933-1671, RiversideHealthcare.org. HEALTHCARE Information in THE JOURNEY comes from a wide range of medical experts. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Follow Us Tips for taming pollen allergies Best of health, Phillip Kambic, President and CEO, Riverside Healthcare Better care for our community Riverside has always been about serving the community. Well before the hospital opened its doors in January 1964, community members came together to raise funds and lay the groundwork for what became Riverside Hospital and eventually Riverside Medical Center. That spirit continues at Riverside, and it is just such a commitment that was behind the recent renovation of the Riverside Emergency Department. You, a family member or friend may have visited the Riverside ER while we were in the midst of the remodel, and it’s likely that experience may have been challenging. To be clear, ER visits are rarely fun. During the remodel, however, our need to shift areas where care was provided made things, at times, even more difficult. Our staff did an amazing job under very trying conditions, and many of those who visited us during that time were more than understanding. We are very happy to report the results have been outstanding. The new space is not only beautiful, but has many built-in efficiencies that make for a much improved patient experience. We take our responsibility of caring for the community seriously. Getting high-level care close to home and not having to travel for heart or brain surgery is something Riverside is committed to. We have invested in the highly skilled men and women who perform this lifesaving care, as well as the facilities and equipment that make it possible. It’s a commitment the community deserves. Turn the page to read more about the ER project, as well as about some patients who came to us in moments of crisis and received lifesaving care.
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