**Work-Life Advisor**

**Vol. 15, No. 8, May 2007**

***Plain Text Version***

**Allergies 101**

***Content Source: MedlinePlus.com; WebMD.com/allergies;
FamilyDoctor.org.***

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Allergies are an overreaction of your immune system to something that
usually does not bother other people. The body's overreaction causes
symptoms such as runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose,
rash and hives.

**2 out of 10 people are affected with allergies**

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include those that
do not spread to other parts of the body such as itchy watery eyes,
congestion or rash. Moderate symptoms are those that spread to other
parts of the body, like itchiness.

Severe symptoms affect the whole body and can be life threatening. These
include itching of the eyes or face, swelling, difficulty breathing,
abdominal pain, vomiting, and dizziness. It is extremely important to
get emergency help if you are experiencing severe symptoms as they can
get progressively worse and render a person unconscious in less than 10
minutes.

**What are your allergies?**

There are 2 common ways to diagnose your allergies, one is a skin test
and the other is a blood test. During a skin test an extract of an
allergen is placed on your skin, the skin is then pricked or scratched
to allow exposure and the results are evaluated. Skin tests can also be
done via an injection or patch.

Blood tests analyze the blood for allergic antibodies to specific
antigens. High levels of the antibodies indicate an allergic reaction.

**Treatment options**

There are several options including immunotherapy, chemotherapy and
alternative therapies. Discuss with your doctor what may be best for
you.

**What can you do now?**

[Pollen:]{.underline}

-   Shower before going to bed to wash off pollen

-   Keep windows and doors shut

-   Use A/C at home and in your car

-   Stay inside between 5-10 am when pollen counts are highest.

[Sting:]{.underline}

-   Wear shoes, pants, and sleeves

-   Do not use scented items such as perfumes, deodorants, shampoo, etc.

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-   Use a cold pack to relive swelling

-   If severe reaction, see a doctor immediately.

[Mold:]{.underline}

-   Open windows and doors to increase circulation and prevent mold

-   Remove houseplants

-   Clean shower curtains frequently

-   Check foods for signs of mold but do not smell as inhaling spores
    can set off an allergic reaction

-   Avoid foods likely to contain mold of fungi.

[Pet Dander:]{.underline}

-   Bath your pet frequently

-   Keep their skin healthy with vitamin supplements

-   Buy an air purifier

-   Remove carpets.

[Dust Mites:]{.underline}

-   Cover your mattress with an airtight plastic cover

-   Wash your sheets in hot water every week

-   Wash your pillow every week

-   Remove carpet and replace with hardwood, linoleum or tile.

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**Did You Know May 2007 is ...**

**National Skin Cancer Awareness Month?**

Dermatologists recommend doing a monthly skin check. Don't forget to
check your palms, feet and fingernails!

**Know your Moles**

A is for Asymmetry, each half should match the other.

B is for Border, the edges should not be ragged, notched or blurred.

C is for Color, the color is not the same all over; it may have red,
white or blue.

D is for Diameter; the area is larger than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch) or
is growing.

**Protect Yourself**

-   Use sunscreen SPF 15 or higher and apply 20 minutes before going
    outside.

-   Wear a hat, sunglasses and always cover up.

-   Stay out of the sun between 10 am & 4pm when the sun is most
    intense.

-   Do these everyday not just outdoor days!

***Source: www.cancer.org***

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**Change**

***Source
[www.associatedcontent.com](http://www.associatedcontent.com/)***

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Our lives evolve everyday. Change is inevitable. Stability is an
illusion. It is hard for us to accept change, as people we have a need
to feel in control.

We are moving to a new building, is it exciting? Yes. Is it scary? Yes.
Is it stressful? Yes. Is it out of our control? Yes. Our commute may
change, it may be a few minutes longer, or if we're lucky, it may be a
few minutes shorter. Our furniture may be different. Our address will
change. It is easy to fight change, to complain about the extra minutes
our commute will take, about our desk not being set up correctly, about
our new office mate. But it is a lot harder to accept change, to embrace
it and to see the possibilities.

As DOT employees, we're used to transforming dead ends into roadways. We
always rise to the challenge. As such, it's time for you to take out
your map, and chart a new path.

This is your personal opportunity to re-do your office just the way you
like it; to discover a new favorite restaurant; to finish that book
you've been meaning to if you only had that extra few minutes on the
metro. This is your chance to shine.

Some of us will take baby steps; some will jump in head first. Remember,
life would not be as interesting if we were all the same. Do your part
to make others feel at ease; show them what you've already learned.
Success depends on you.

**Work-Life Q & A**

**For May 2007**

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**Q: What is the "Group Walking Program" I've heard about for the new
building?**

**A:** These are planned outdoor walks that are taking place Tuesdays
and Thursdays at noon. A great way to enjoy the beautiful weather, get
to know your new surroundings and most importantly get moving! If
interested meet at the new Fitness Center, Plaza Concourse Level.

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**May EVENTS happening at DOT**

**May 9, 11am - 2pm:**

"Have a Heart and Give a Child a New Start Resource Table"

(FAA Cafeteria)

**May 16, 6:30-8:30om:**

"Wellness and Fitness for Emerging Leaders" (National Conference Center
-- Lansdowne, VA)

**May 22, 12 -1pm:**

"Thriving in the Midst of Change"

(Nassif: Room 3246)

**May 30, 2-4pm:**

FHWA support Staff Videoconference

(Room TBD)

**May 31, 12-1pm**

"Fitness and Stress Management"

(Room TBD)

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**To Register for March Events, Please Send an E-mail to:**

**Zakina.Brooker@dot.gov**

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**THE DOT WORK-LIFE WELLNESS PROGRAM** provides information on work/life
issues such as parenting, childcare, eldercare, telework, diversity,
personal / professional development, health and wellness. Resources on
these topics can be obtained by calling 202/366-6389 or 800/525-2878
(ext. 1).