El Paso Health | About Your Health | Spring 2021

Spring allergies: 4 ways to find relief How to deal with stress T he warmer weather you’ve been waiting for is finally here! But spring can also bring something you don’t want: seasonal allergies. As plants release tiny grains of pollen into the air, your body may react with: ■ A runny or stuffy nose. ■ Persistent sneezing. ■ Red, watery, or swollen eyes. What can you do? Simple steps like these may help you feel better : 1 Watch the pollen count. Weather reports often mention this during allergy season. On days when the pollen count is high, try to stay inside more. 2 Keep windows closed. Open windows can let pollen drift in and settle on carpets and furniture. 3 Dress for defense. When you’re outside, wear a hat and sunglasses to help keep pollen out of your hair and eyes. 4 Wash pollen away. Take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes if you’ve been playing or working outside. Check in with your doctor If tips like these don’t help, talk with your doctor about your options. There are medicines that can help you manage symptoms. Or you might want to try allergy shots. They can make you less sensitive to pollen. El Paso Health has special Medicaid services for the children of traveling farmworkers. To learn more about these services, please call us at 1-877-532-3778, Ext. 1075 . We will help you get the medical services your child needs. Source: Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America Stress is the body’s way of dealing with negative situations and feelings. Stress can cause people to have low energy, upset stomach, aches in different parts of the body, and not being able to sleep, among other things, as stress affects everyone differently. There are different ways to manage stress. One of the most effective ways to deal with stress is exercise, as it helps clear your mind and get out extra energy you might have. Some examples of exercise are walking, running, swimming, yoga, weight lifting, and dancing. Coping skills are also a good way to focus your mind on other things. Examples of coping skills are painting, sewing, coloring, cooking, baking, woodworking, and meditation. Talking to someone can also be a way to release stress. Talking to a family member, friend, or even a pet can be a way to release some negative feelings. It is important to find what helps you deal with stress and continue to use it regularly. wellness ABOUT YOUR HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of EL PASO HEALTH, 1145 Westmoreland Drive, El Paso, TX 79925, telephone 1-877-532-3778, website elpasohealth.com . Information in ABOUT YOUR HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. 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. Member Services Department 1-877-532-3778 2021 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. EPHM2692012 EPH-MBR-Spring 2021 Member Newsletter