The Pink Pumpkin Projecthelping breast cancer survivors

New oncologist to provide cancer treatment

AUGUST 2015A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

AUGUST 26, 20152

Jones Memorial upping ante on fi ght against cancer

Bradford Regional Medical Center cancer support group

Cancer survivor volunteers support

New oncologist joins Upper Allegheny

Raising money and awareness on breast cancer

JMH Wellness Committee helps extend WAG Trail

Heat-induced issues avoidable for athletes

Prepare for Autumn allergies

Healthy meals for students

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AUGUST 26, 2015 3

AUGUST 26, 20154

WELLSVILLE — With Allegany County’s cancer rates sorrowing above the state average, Jones Memorial Hospital is taking a multipronged approach to prevent and fi ght cancer.

The hospital’s services start with prevention, said Jones CEO Eva Benedict.

“Screening and early detection is very important, and we have a full array of diagnostic care,” she said, noting the hospital provides mammography, ultrasound and biopsy services using up-to-date

equipment.The hospital also partners with

Allegany County to provide breast and colorectal cancer screenings for those who are uninsured.

“There is no excuse not to get a screening. If money is an issue, we can fi nd a way to make it affordable to anyone who needs or wants one,” Benedict said.

The hospital also has various primary care practices, including OB-GYN, that provide preventative and cancer management services, the CEO said. In addition, the hospital will open an oncology clinic on its campus in mid-September.

This new clinic will provide services once a week at Jones, with Dr. Brian Smith serving as lead oncologist. It is a service that was available through a partnership with the University of Rochester, Benedict said.

“We have not had oncology services at the hospital in many years, and as many as 600 Allegany County residents and 100 Cattaraugus County residents seek oncology services regularly in Rochester, so this is a very exciting opportunity for us to provide this service for those patients,” she said. “Dr. Smith is a very well-respected physician who has 30 years of experience in oncology and was trained at the university and is part of their staff. With his association with the university, he will have specialists at his fi ngertips who will assist with working on each patient’s case.”

Jones is also partnering with Rochester on its new cancer services center opening in Dansville, located roughly an

hour’s drive northeast of Wellsville.Plans for the new center include

a 4,500-square-foot addition for a radiation oncology clinic at Noyes Health in Dansville; and a 2,300-square-foot medical oncology clinic in renovated and new fi rst-fl oor space at Noyes, which will feature three exam rooms and fi ve chemotherapy-infusion bays.

A $2 million gift from Ann and Carl Myers of Springwater will fund the establishment of care programs. In recognition of the family’s gift, the center will be named the Ann and Carl Myers Cancer Center.

The Myers Cancer Center will be located on the campus of Noyes Hospital. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of next year.

“The new center in Dansville will offer the same type of cancer care available in Rochester at half the distance Jones’ patients currently

Oncologist joining staff, more preventative services available

By Darlene M. DonohueSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

Darlene M. Donohue/Olean Times HeraldEva Benedict and Kristi Williams display fruits and vegetables that are recommended to patients to include in their daily diet.

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Jones Memorial upping ante on fi ght against cancer

AUGUST 26, 2015 5

travel,” Benedict said. “This will be signifi cant improvement in access for our patients.”

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY diet is also stressed to patients who are attempting to prevent or who are undergoing cancer treatment, Benedict said.

“State statistics show there are incidences of cancer that are much higher here than the state average,” Benedict said, noting lung and bronchus, colorectal and female breast cancer are among the top reported cancers in the county.

“Many of these cancers are either related to obesity or other life choices such as smoking or tobacco use,” Benedict said. “We try to assist our patients with making better life choices, and we have a lot of need here for proper prevention and cancer treatment.”

Jones offers medical nutrition therapy services to assist patients with learning about the correct diet and nutrition plans, said Jones’

dietician Kristi Williams.“A lot of times when a person is

going through chemo or radiation treatment, they can’t or they don’t eat because they are sick, so I work with those individuals to fi nd a diet that works with their treatment. The goal is to get a lot of calories and protein in their diet,” Williams said. “We also provide advice to those who are seeking preventative measures in their diet to reduce their chances of getting cancer.”

A diet consisting mostly of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables can go along way in preventing cancer or providing the proper nutrition for a cancer patient, she said.

The recommendation is fi ve or more servings of fruits and veggies, especially dark-green leafy sources, a day. It is also recommended that individuals choose whole grains and other high-fi ber foods, limit their red meat and whole egg intake, and choose low-fat dairy items, she

said.For those who can’t handle

that amount food because they are feeling ill from their cancer treatments, Williams recommends they still consume those items in smaller portions or consume vitamin-infused beverages.

“Through our program, we can offer our patients the beverage Ensure at a discounted rate,” she said.

Jones is also being proactive in the community when it comes to seeing that proper nutrition is available to all of the area’s residents.

Williams is working with area restaurants, such as Beef Hause, Texas Hot and La Italia, to help them highlight the healthy options on their menus.

“We’re targeting menu items that are less than 600 calories and less than 15 grams of fat,” she said. “When people go to the area restaurants, they should look for the apple symbol.”

Hospital staff also encourage exercise, such as 30 minutes of walking a day, for those who are trying to reduce their chance of getting cancer.

Benedict noted the hospital hosts the Glow Run 5K and the RidgeWalk & Run as a way to encourage the community to stay active.

“We want the community as a whole to be healthy,” Benedict said. “With both of these events, we try provide options for all fi tness levels and ages so that everyone can participate and be healthy. We want to prevent cancer, but these types of activities also help to prevent heart disease and improves joint strength.”

The hospital will continue to look for additional opportunities to offer cancer services and support events that help individuals lead a healthier lifestyle that reduces their chances of suffering from cancer, Benedict said.

AUGUST 26, 20156

BRADFORD, Pa. — After Virginia Crouse successfully battled breast cancer last year, she realized that one thing missing during her ordeal was the support of other cancer survivors.

Crouse, an employee at Bradford Regional Medical Center, approached fellow employee Terri Stauffer with a request to organize a support group through the medical center. Stauffer, a social worker at the medical center, had facilitated a breast cancer support group several years ago and agreed to coordinate a new program.

The end result is a new group

that meets at 5 p.m. the second Tuesday of even months at the Bradford Area Public Library on West Washington Street. All breast cancer patients and survivors, their families and caregivers are welcome.

“The group is new, and we’ve only met (a few) times,” Stauffer said. “We’re hoping more people will come to the group for support.”

Crouse feels strongly about the creation of a local support group.

“The fi rst thing I said when I was diagnosed is, ‘This cannot be for nothing,’” Crouse said. “‘So, I have to do something like this.’”

Crouse underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery and is now doing well.

“I had fantastic support from

my kids, my family, my husband and co-workers, but not everyone does,” she surmised.

With that in mind, Crouse talked to Stauffer after she returned to work in January.

“She approached me and said, ‘I would really like something like this because there are so many people in our area who could really benefi t from this,’” Stauffer said.

The two held their fi rst meeting in May thanks to the generosity of the public library staff, who opened their doors to the group.

Crouse has acquired information from organizations in the state, including pamphlets, that can help breast cancer patients and survivors fi nd services they need. The information came from

a support group in Berks County, where she had lived for 11 years.

“My friend there had breast cancer, and she got me hooked up with her support group,” she remarked. “They sent me a package of information from Berks County” along with items that included pillows, a blanket and a nightgown used during her recovery.

Stauffer had her own reason for agreeing to facilitate the group.

“I lost my mom (and aunt) to breast cancer, so that’s where my interest comes from,” Stauffer said. “My mother was only 55 when she passed.”

More information on the group is available by calling (814) 362-8288.

By Kate Day SagerSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

Kate Day Sager/Olean Times HeraldVirginia Crouse (left) and Terri Stauffer, of the new breast cancer support group sponsored by Bradford Regional Medical Center, welcome area residents to attend the sessions held every other month at Bradford Area Public Library.

Bradford Regional Medical Center cancer support group

AUGUST 26, 2015 7

BRADFORD, Pa. — Larry Saar’s fi rst reaction to a diagnosis of colon cancer was, ‘Why me?’”

His second reaction to the news, however, was, ‘Why not me?”

The Bradford resident and his wife of 50 years, Kathleen, said his successful battle with cancer changed not only his life, but also his outlook on helping others with the disease.

The 73-year-old said he was working at W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery in Bradford in 2003 when he began experiencing health issues. A trip to the doctor for what he believed were hemorrhoids turned out to be something far more serious.

“When he examined me he said, ‘I think you have cancer,’” Saar said.

The preliminary diagnosis led to surgery as well as the need for an ileostomy bag, chemotherapy and radiation. He experienced several complications from the treatment, including a stroke, and blood clots in his legs and lungs that were a result of a hereditary clotting disease. At the same time he had a bowel obstruction, which led to a second emergency colon operation.

Saar continued working during his treatment but soon found that his job of 38 years was too much for his weakened state. When a fall caused a broken ankle that didn’t heal quickly because of his disease, he knew his work days were nearing the end.

“The last two weeks of radiation treatments, I told the nurses that I couldn’t work anymore,” he said of his retirement in December 2004.

Even though retirement was diffi cult at fi rst, Saar didn’t let it get him down for long. He found

fulfi llment by becoming a volunteer at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

“I work in the oncology unit on Mondays and at the main desk on Tuesdays,” Saar said of his 10-hour volunteer work week. “I love oncology.”

This is because he knows his visits with others fi ghting the disease helps build up their spirits.

“I just talk to people and get them drinks or whatever they want,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of guys up there tell me that I really helped them get through it.”

Saar also became good friends with the former oncologist, Dr. Eyad Al-Hattab; the two have hunted, fi shed and kayaked together.

Vicki Soriano, a registered nurse in the oncology unit, said Saar makes a big difference in the facility.

“Our volunteers are very, very special and important to us,” Soriano said. “And Larry is one of

the best. Being a cancer survivor himself, he’s more than happy to share his experience with the patients.”

Kathleen Saar noted she and her husband, who have three grown children, had participated in Relay for Life activities in Bradford for years before he was diagnosed, so they’ve been longtime supporters of the fi ght against cancer.

Larry Saar said his foremost

advice to other people is to get checked for colon cancer after age 50. He believes that if he had gone through a routine colonoscopy, his disease would have been caught in the earlier stages.

As for fi ghting the disease, Larry Saar said he believes one’s outlook is critical for a successful outcome.

“Like I’ve always said, you’ve got to have a good attitude to get through cancer,” he said.

Kate Day Sager/Olean Times HeraldLarry Saar (left), a cancer survivor who volunteers at the oncology unit at Bradford Regional Medical Center to provide support to others fi ghting the disease, shares a moment with registered nurses Vicki Soriano (center) and Laura Rounsville.

By Kate Day SagerSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

Cancer survivor volunteers support

AUGUST 26, 20158

OLEAN — A new doctor has joined the Upper Allegheny Health System to provide area residents with cancer treatment at Olean General Hospital and Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Judit Gellen, a fellowship- trained oncologist and

hematologist, recently moved to the Twin Tiers from the New York City area to provide care for patients in Olean and Bradford and at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.

Gellen fi lls the vacancy left by Dr. Eyad Al- Hattab, who left the region earlier this year to take a position with the Mayo Clinic.

“I’m excited about the

opportunity to provide care for the people of Bradford and Olean,” Gellen said. “I’m honored to join their network of care, and I am very excited about coming to the region.”

Since beginning her tenure with Upper Allegheny, Gellen has received a warm welcome from staff and patients at Olean General and Bradford Regional, she said.

“The staff at both hospitals are very helpful and have gone out of their way for me,” Gellen said. “The patients are also very nice — even though they don’t know me well yet, some have asked me if I was planning on leaving soon. I told them I’m not and that I’ll be around for them.”

Gellen’s position represents an ongoing partnership between Upper Allegheny and Roswell Park. Working together, both entities are able to provide Twin Tiers residents battling cancer

with access to the most effective, evidence- based therapies and comprehensive care planning, offi cials said.

A care provider with more than 25 years in practice, Gellen completed her oncology fellowship at the Einstein School of Medicine in New York City and her hematology fellowship at Montefi ore Medical Center, also in New York City. She’s a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology, and she holds board certifi cation from the American Board of Internal Medicine in clinical oncology and medical oncology.

Gellen provides a full range of options in the treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy, advanced hematology evaluations, infusion therapy and bone marrow biopsies.

By Christopher MichelSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

Photo submittedDr. Judit Gellen, Olean’s new oncologist, works closely with Dr. James Baer, a Roswell Park Cancer Institute radiation therapy specialist at Olean General Hospital’s Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center.

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New oncologist joins Upper Allegheny

AUGUST 26, 2015 9

“The bulk of my work is managing patients’ treatment between a surgeon, radiologist and myself,” Gellen said. “I also do hospital consultations on things for hematology.”

Working closely with Roswell, she also hopes to begin offering clinical trials for cancer treatments at both Olean General and Bradford Regional and access to national clinical trials.

“I have access to all of Roswell Park’s protocols,” she said. “Once I get to know the patients more, I am going to try to see if we can bring a couple of clinical trials down here. In the last practice I worked at, we did a lot of clinical trials, so that is something I am very familiar with.”

Gellen’s philosophy for her work is simple.

“It should not make any difference if you live in a big city or a small town; the treatment someone receives should always be the same standard of care,” she said. “Every patient with cancer

should get the best care that’s available in this country.”

Gellen most recently was a staff physician at The Eastchester Center for Cancer Care in the Bronx. She will be an active member of the medical staffs at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Bradford Regional and Olean General.

“We interviewed a number of highly qualifi ed candidates for this important position, but what sets Dr. Gellen apart is her passionate advocacy on behalf of her patients,” said Dr. Victor Filadora, chief of clinical services at Roswell Park. “Dr. Gellen is an outstanding oncologist and hematologist, but she’s also a gifted care provider who keeps her patients’ needs at the center of every care decision.”

Gellen is seeing patients at the Barry Street Health Center, 328 N. Barry St., 701-4477; and Bradford Regional, 116 Interstate Parkway, (814) 368-7777.

AUGUST 26, 201510

The pumpkins are still growing in area patches as organizers of The Pink Pumpkin Project plan a variety of events to raise money to help breast cancer survivors.

Allegany resident Lynn Anzivine, who founded the annual fundraiser, said there are several activities planned for the next few months that will raise money and awareness.

Anzivine and volunteers with the project have decorated fall pumpkins the last three years to raise funds for women battling breast cancer. Anzivine began decorating Halloween and fall-themed pumpkins with family members and volunteers in memory of her beloved sister-in-law, Lori Anzivine Ogle, who died from the disease in 2007.

“She was extremely giving and compassionate, and she always put others fi rst,” Anzivine said. “We wanted this to keep her memory alive.”

The group sold 25 pumpkins the fi rst year, 125 the second year and 500 last year. Funds have been given to 13 area women, who have used the money for travel

expenses to medical facilities and for other health-related needs.

“All proceeds continue to go to support local breast cancer fi ghters in a 30-to-40-mile radius,” Anzivine added.

Through increased donations, Anzivine expects to eventually obtain a warehouse to store and decorate pumpkins on one side of the building. The other side of the facility could serve as a retreat

for people to relax, pray, meditate, visit and receive cancer treatment support through programs such as nutrition classes. Pink Pumpkin will also continue its tradition of providing each recipient with a basket that contains items useful during chemotherapy, including a blanket, chapstick and a water bottle.

New fundraising activities this year include the inaugural Pink Pumpkin Project 5K Run/Walk, held Aug. 22 at Allegany Firemen’s Park in Allegany.

Another planned new activity is the Pink Pumpkin Project Celebration, set for 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Old Library Restaurant in Olean. Presale tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, Angees Restaurant, DBP Realty, Hedley Brook Agency and The ReHabilitation Center; or by messaging The Pink Pumpkin Project on Facebook. The business-casual event is for men and women and will include a basket auction, music by a disc jockey, food and entertainment.

“We will be honoring survivors,” Anzivine said, noting the event will kick off the sale of the “beautifully

decorated pumpkins” created by volunteers and available through Oct. 21. “Our goal this year is to sell 1,000 pumpkins.”

Also on tap is the second-annual Gin Mill Pink Pumpkin Project Auction at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at the popular Ellicottville restaurant.

“We will be auctioning off large jack-o’-lantern-size pumpkins,” Anzivine noted.

Finally, during a date to be determined in December, the organization will host its second-annual Tree of Hope lighting ceremony in Lincoln Park in downtown Olean. The activity will include the lighting of a pink tree, along with the reading of names of cancer patients, survivors and victims.

For more information on the upcoming events, or to volunteer or donate, contact Anzivine at thepinkpumpkinproject@yahoo.com or Pink Pumpkin board members Mary Howard, Kay Anzivine, Paula Ketchner, Kim Ackerman, Pam Pezzimenti or Carla Hulse. The nonprofi t, 501c3 organization is a partner with the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation in Olean, and all donations are tax-deductible.

By Kate Day SagerSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

Photo submittedAllegany resident Lynn Anzivine is the founder of The Pink Pumpkin Project, which helps breast cancer survivors.

Raising money and awareness on breast cancer

AUGUST 26, 2015 11

WELLSVILLE — Five years ago, in the ultimate example of repurposing, part of the former Wellsville, Addison and Galeton Railroad line was opened to the public as the WAG Trail. Following the upper Genesee River, this recreational trail has been used for walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking and other outdoor activities.

Extending the trail to the Pennsylvania border was in the original plan, but the number of bridges in that section needing repair has slowed the expansion. Thanks to a donation from the Jones Memorial Hospital Wellness Committee, the bridges will be repaired and the trail will be open from Wellsville to the

Pennsylvania border. The work will be completed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Jones Memorial Hospital is donating $10,000 in lumber — the proceeds from the 2014 RidgeWalk & Run and this year’s GLOW 5K Run & Walk — to re-deck two bridges between Graves Road and Shongo.

“For several years, Jones Memorial has been focused — through activities and education — on improving the health of our community,” said Eva Benedict, CEO at Jones. “When we took on the RidgeWalk & Run last year, we made the decision that

continued on page 12

JMH Wellness Committee helps extend WAG Trail

Photo submittedThose involved with the WAG trail include Carrie Walker (from left), chair of the Jones Memorial Hospital GLOW 5K Run & Walk; Brenda Szabo, chair of the JMH Wellness Committee; Jim Helms, chair of RidgeWalk & Run; Ron Abraham, senior forester at the Department of Environmental Conservation and manager of the trail project; and Nate Tucker, DEC senior forester, providing administrative oversight of project.

AUGUST 26, 201512

the proceeds would be used for a community wellness project. Helping to extend the WAG Trail, giving our community more opportunities to get outside and keep moving, fi ts perfectly with that goal.”

The DEC was not planning to re-deck these bridges this year, but this gift means the bridges will be repaired, extending the trail. “We are excited to partner with the DEC to improve access to the beautiful trails along the Genesee River,” said Brenda Szabo, chairwoman of the JMH Wellness Committee. “The WAG trail is a way to enjoy the beauty that this area has to offer in all seasons.”

According to Ron Abraham, the DEC senior forester charged with managing the fi ve-year-old trail project, community support has kept the project moving.

“Before we can get the lumber to the bridges, we will be working to improve drainage along the trail,” he explained. “Once that

is taken care of, we can start working on those bridges.” The DEC has already re-decked six other bridges along the WAG Trail. The ultimate goal is to connect the trails along the Genesee River in New York state from Rochester to Pine Creek in Pennsylvania and on to Williamsport.

The WAG Trail is a 9-mile, multi-use recreation trail and historic transportation corridor in Allegany County, extending between the village of Wellsville and the Pennsylvania state line. At this time, 8 miles of the WAG Trail are open to the public: the northern 6 miles between Weidrick and Graves roads, and the southern 2 miles between Route 19 in the hamlet of Shongo and the state line.

To access the WAG Trail in Wellsville, start by crossing the trestle bridge at Island Park and traveling south along the Genesee River via the Upper Genesee Trail, which connects to the WAG Trail at Weidrick Road. The Upper Genesee Trail is operated by Allegany Trails Inc.

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AUGUST 26, 2015 13

It’s nearly that time of year again when student-athletes begin preparation for fall sports, often in a hot and humid environment. So, too, comes the risk of heat-induced injury, a largely preventable entity.

Heat stroke is the third-leading cause of death in athletes after cardiac disorders and neck trauma. This is tragic because the consequences of severe heat illness can be mitigated by early detection and recognition by medical and coaching staffs. Heat illness varies in degree from mild to severe, with the most severe forms being potentially fatal.

Heat injuries can be generally categorized into the following fi ve groups:

• Heat edema is a very mild form of heat illness characterized by diffuse swelling in the lower extremities. Typically, heat edema is managed with elevation of the lower extremities and is rarely associated with long-term effects. It can be prevented with heat acclimatization.

• Heat syncope occurs with a reduction in blood pressure resulting from dehydration due to sweating and peripheral vasodialation. The athlete will often feel faint and clammy. Initial treatment consists of having the athlete lay fl at with the legs elevated and rehydrating with oral or intravenous fl uids, if available.

• Heat–associated cramping is probably the most common condition. I can’t recall a football season in which this wasn’t an issue for at least one athlete. The reason for cramping is not well understood, and debate exists regarding the role of heat, dehydration and electrolyte defi ciencies. It may be more of a fatigue or neuromuscular control issue. Though a nuisance and painful, it is not inherently

dangerous. Rest, rehydration, electrolyte replacement and stretching are the treatment recommendations. The often-employed pickle juice or Alka-Seltzer remedies have not yet been proven scientifi cally but are still frequently tried.

• Heat exhaustion may be the initial presentation of more severe heat illness. The athlete is unable to continue to exercise, sometimes with actual physical collapse. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache and chills. The core temperature stays below 104 degrees. Treatment consists of immediate removal from play, assessment of vital signs, leg elevation and immediate rehydration. If symptoms fail to improve emergency transport is warranted. Athletes can often return to their sport within 24 to 48 hours.

• Heat stroke is the most serious condition, defi ned by a core body temperature greater than 104 degrees. In addition to the symptoms described for heat exhaustion, those with heat stroke also display mental status changes and possibly suffer from seizures or even enter a coma. Heat stroke is most commonly reported during the fi rst four days of practice likely due to a combination of high ambient temperatures, athlete deconditioning during the off-season and two-a-day football practices. Other risk factors include low physical fi tness level, obesity, dehydration and previous history of heat illness.

Position statements on prevention state practice be limited to less than three hours for the fi rst fi ve days. Beginning on day six, two-a-days can be initiated so long as they are separated by at least three hours in a cool environment with total daily practice time of not more than fi ve hours with gradual increases in intensity and

equipment wear. Two-a-day practice days should be followed by single practice days.

Hydration is protective, but specifi c recommendations are diffi cult due to highly variable sweat rates by sport and athlete. Water is usually adequate. Drinking water every 20 minutes is a good rule of thumb. Post-workout drinks should include 5 percent to 10 percent carbohydrates, 20 to 30mEq/L sodium and 2 to 5 mEq/L potassium, which can be found in diluted commercially available sports beverages.

Noting one’s pre- and post-practice weight can be a good indicator of adequate hydration, as can monitoring urine color. As a general rule, urine should look like

lemonade and not darker. Hydrate and stay cool!

With offi ces in Coudersport, Pa., Olean and Wellsville, Champion Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is part of the Cole Memorial Medical Group and its 10 rural health care centers, which serve over 60,000 residents within a 65-mile service area, including Potter, Cameron, McKean and Tioga counties in Pennsylvania and New York’s Southern Tier. For more information about Champion Orthopedics, call (814) 274-5320 or visit www.colememorial.org.

(Dr. Bradley F. Giannotti is a board-certifi ed orthopedic surgeon at Cole Memorial’s Champion Orthopedics & Sports Medicine)

By Dr. Bradley GiannottiSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

Heat-induced issues avoidable for athletes

Dr. Bradley Giannotti

AUGUST 26, 201514

BRADFORD, PA. — In a few weeks, the leaves will start to change into auras of oranges, yellows and reds, and the air will be a bit cooler — usually welcome signs of autumn.

Then there are the allergies that come with the change of the season.

To get relief from mold allergies, “Typically what we’re waiting for is a good snow cover,” which usually happens in mid-to-late November, according to Dr. Fred Lewis, allergy and immunology specialist with Olean (N.Y.) Medical Group.

“If allergies are pretty mild, you should be able to control them with second-generation over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays. If that doesn’t control symptoms, you probably need to see a physician,” Lewis says.

At roughly six weeks long, the fall allergy season is relatively short compared to the spring allergy season, which can last 12 to 14 weeks, Lewis says.

Dr. M. Javed Akhtar, a Bradford otolaryngologist, says the length of the allergy season depends on the cold weather.

“It usually takes a good couple

of frosts to kill ragweed and goldenrod,” he said.

The fall allergy season usually begins in September and goes into October, making this season about on time, Akhtar explains.

While residents will certainly have more exposure to fall allergens if they are camping or spending time in the woods, Akhtar says there isn’t really a way to avoid allergens.

“There’s no absolute way to prevent it because it’s blown by the air,” he says.

Most antihistamines are now over-the-counter medications, but Akhtar warns that they can still pose threats to people suffering from issues such as hypertension, heart problems or glaucoma. He advises people to consult their doctors before taking antihistamines because of interactions between them and medications for other illnesses.

“Make sure you read the fi ne print and talk to your doctor,” Akhtar says.

With fl u season coming up, Akhtar adds people should be mindful, as early symptoms of allergies and the infl uenza are the same, and it can be hard to tell the difference at fi rst. If someone has a fever, it’s likely the fl u, he says.

By Ruth Bogdan Special to Twin Tiers Health

Prepare for Autumn allergies