Posted April 19, 2010

Hi, I am Mikhail, the Alliance for Consumer Education spring intern and author of Mikhail’s Monday Blog. This and every Monday, I will offer my thoughts on how ACE's programs intertwine with facets of everyday life.

Spring brings new life and here in Washington, DC, it brings the celebratory blooming of the cherry blossoms. Like a conductor instructing a symphony, the buds beckon tourists to follow the tune millions of previous visitors played. As each bud pushes out majestic flowers one after another, we are reminded of nature’s irrepressible beauty.

However, this final budding stage, occurring over 4-6 days, also awakens people to various sinus infirmities that will last through the fall. As a recent transplant to the Washington, DC area, this year particularly was startlingly as I was not allergic to the hodgepodge of allergens in former Northeastern residence.

According to WebMD, approximately 35 million Americans, more than one in eight, suffer from hay fever. It helps knowing I am not alone but did you know 55% of Americans test allergic to at least one allergen? Furthermore, allergies, like eye color and height are genetic. Parents with allergies have a one in three chances of passing the trait on to their children.

In response, ACE works with the medical community and individuals to better equip allergy sufferers with information to fend off wayward pollen, dust, and dander. We have seen encouraging moments of life as we partner with parents and allergy sufferers to combat itchy, red eyes. Like the iconic cherry blossom, we continue to see our work bloom every year.

As peak season approaches, is your family already feeling the allergy itch and burn? Visit http://www.stopgerms.org/ to find tips on reining in hay fever and allergies.

Until next week!

Mikhail

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