The 2016 Spring Edition The first signs of Spring excite and delight with anticipation of warmer days ahead! Tree and flower buds have been sleeping all winter, and it's finally time for them to open up to spring! The season resembles growth, life, colour, beauty, hope and rejuvenation. For those of us with allergies, spring is also a wakeup call for our immune systems. The ever-changing weather and excess pollen leaves the allergy-ridden population with running noses, sore throats and flared asthma symptoms. In an effort to provide ongoing education to our clients we have put together some information on a number of health topics for September.

Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud If you have seasonal allergies, Spring means flower buds and blooming trees — and if you're one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen. Trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air to fertilize other plants. When they get into the nose of someone who's allergic, they send the body's defences haywire.

Spring allergies could have you visiting your doctor frequently over the season

Seasonal allergies — also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis — can make you miserable and result in persistent ear, nose and throat (ENT) problems.

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Treat and prevent allergies If you’re keen to be bombarded with congestion, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, an irritated throat, and asthma brought on by exercise then don’t read any further.

Allergy-proof your home If you have hay fever or allergic asthma, take a few steps to reduce allergens in your home. Some steps to reduce indoor allergens are complicated and time-consuming — but there are some easy things you can do that may help.

Entire house 

Temperature and humidity: Hot, humid houses are breeding grounds for dust mites and mold.

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Pests: Control cockroaches and mice with inexpensive traps from the hardware store. If that's not effective, hire a professional exterminator.

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Mold: Close doors and windows during warm weather and use air conditioning and dehumidifiers. Check the roof and ceilings for water leaks.

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Weekly cleaning routine: If you have allergies, either wear a dust mask or get someone who doesn't have allergies to do this job.

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Smoking. Don't allow smoking anywhere inside your house

Check your home for allergies – linen, windows, flooring and carpets and pets contribute

Some steps may be more effective than others, depending on what particular allergy or allergies you have. Cleaning the following on a regular basis will go a long way in reducing allergies: 

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Bedroom –

Bed and bedding

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Carpets

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Flooring

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Curtains and blinds

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Windows

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Furnishings

Living room

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Ways to beat Spring allergies

Kitchen –

Stove

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Sink

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Refrigerator

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Cabinets and counters

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Food waste

The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen

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Bathroom

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Carpets

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Ventilation

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Furniture

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Floors

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Flooring

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Walls

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Windows

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Shower and tub

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Plants

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Toilet and sink

Limit your time outdoors: When you breathe the pollen grains that trees and flowers release in the air they can trigger an allergic reaction. When you are outdoors, wear glasses or sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes and a filter mask can help when you mow the lawn or work in the garden. Take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothing once you head back inside.

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Take allergy medicine: It can help relieve the sniffs and a runny nose. Antihistamines, which block your body’s reactions to allergies, usually work in less than an hour. Read the package carefully as some drugs can make you drowsy. Nasal sprays are normally suggested for severe allergies and allergy shots if meds and sprays don’t work. Speak to your doctor about your treatment.

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Protect yourself early on: Start taking medicine before the allergic reaction hits you – watery eyes, nonstop sneezing fits. It comes down to preparing your body, that way, the medicine will be in your system by the time you need it.

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Get natural relief: Some herbal remedies may help in alleviating symptoms but speak to you doctor first so you get advice for your conditions and symptoms.

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Tweak your home: Simple changes make a difference. Shut all windows to keep out pollen. Use an air conditioner to cool your home instead of a fan, which draws in air from outside. Finally, smoking can make allergy symptoms worse. If you or someone you live with smokes, now is a good time to quit. If you start smoking again, start over.

Common allergy triggers

Many times asthma symptoms are triggered by allergic rhinitis.

Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by an allergy, for example, pollen or mold spores

Asthma is a disease of the branches of the windpipe (bronchial tubes), which carry air in and out of the lungs. Common symptoms of asthma include: 

Frequent cough, especially at night

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Shortness of breath

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Wheezing

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Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

Know your allergy triggers: 

Overactive Immune System

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Mold

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Pollen

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Food

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Animal dander

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Latex

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Dust Mites

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Medication

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Insect Stings

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Cockroaches

Allergies and asthma Asthma and allergies often go hand-in-hand. Allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is inflammation of the inside lining of the nose and is the single most common chronic allergic disease. The most common allergens enter the body through the airway. With allergic rhinitis, you may feel a constant runny nose, ongoing sneezing, swollen nasal passages, excess mucus, weepy eyes, and a scratchy throat. A cough may result from the constant postnasal drip.

Asthma is one of 27 Chronic Disease List (CDL) conditions that all medical schemes in South Africa are required to cover – according to protocols and guidelines. Medical schemes offer members access to chronic medication and information via designated service providers (DSPs) where applicable and medicine formularies for low-level medical scheme plans. More expensive plans offer members the freedom to use whichever service providers they choose. Medicine formularies either don’t apply or are more comprehensive than those for lower-tier medical scheme plans. The doctors provide information, prescribe medication and assist in the process of making sure that the chronic condition is under control. Medical schemes also typically offer defined treatment guidelines. These outline the best possible treatment protocols and the most appropriate medications for chronic conditions.

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Allergy and asthma symptom relievers While it's not common for food allergies to cause asthma symptoms, food allergies can cause a severe life-threatening reaction in some people. The most common foods associated with allergic symptoms are: 

Eggs

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Wheat

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Cow's milk

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Fish

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Peanuts

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Shrimp and other shellfish

Eight foods account for 90% of all food allergy reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, shellfish, and fish

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Soy

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Tree nuts

Symptoms of food allergies and asthma

Food and Allergies

If you suffer from itchy eyes, a runny nose, congestion of allergies, shortness of breath and wheezing of asthma, your doctor may prescribe one of a variety of antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and other drugs to tame your allergy symptoms. Making changes to your diet may also help you feel better: 

Avoid spicy foods when pollen counts are high

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Sip a cup of green tea

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Consider a Mediterranean diet

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Eat a low calorie diet and lose weight if obese

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Don't eat raw foods at the height of allergy season

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Stick to a low-salt diet

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Try some wasabi to open up your nose

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Increase your Omega-3 Intake

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Eat yogurt and other probiotics

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Skip the fast food

If you suspect that any of the above or other foods are asthma triggers for you, discuss this with your doctor. Avoid the foods that trigger your allergic reactions. Allergy skin tests can be done to determine if you are allergic to these foods

A food allergy is a reaction to a specific food or group. An allergy is caused by an immune reaction to the protein in a food, which brings about a sudden release of chemicals that cause the symptoms. Food preservatives can also trigger an asthma attack. Certain additives are commonly used in food processing or preparation and can be found in foods such as: •

Dried fruits or vegetables

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Bottled lime or lemon juice

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Potatoes (packaged and some prepared)

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Shrimp (fresh, frozen, or prepared)

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Wine and beer

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Pickled foods

In older children and adults, fish, peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts are the most common allergies. These allergies are also considered the most serious, because they can be lifethreatening. This communication is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Please speak to your doctor about your situation. Sources: Allergy SA, Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), Health24.com, Mayo Clinic, Skin Cancer Foundation, and WebMD.

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Aon Employee Benefits Consulting We focus on Communication and Engagement, across Insurance, Retirement and Health, to Advise and Deliver solutions that create great Client Impact. We partner with our clients and seek solutions for their most important people and HR challenges.

Healthcare Consultant and Aon Resolution Centre (ARC) If you do not get satisfactory assistance from your medical scheme please do not hesitate to contact your allocated Aon Employee Benefits Healthcare Consultant or the Aon Resolution Centre (ARC) on 0860 835 272. Please remember to get a reference number from your medical scheme when escalating your query to the Aon Resolution Centre (ARC). Medical Scheme Contact Numbers Bestmed

0860 002 378

Makoti

0860 002 400

Bonitas CAMAF Commed CompCare Discovery Health Fedhealth Genesis Hosmed KeyHealth LA Health

0860 002 108 0860 100 545 0861 311 911 011 208 1010/20 0860 998 877 0860 002 153 0860 102 010 0860 000 048 0860 671 050 0860 103 933

Malcor Medihelp Medshield Momentum Health Liberty Medical Scheme Resolution Sizwe Spectramed TopMed Umvuzo

011 372 1500 0860 100 678 0860 002 120 0860 117 859 0860 002 163 0861 791 6425 0860 100 871 0861 497 497 0860 002 158 0861 082 084

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