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908-975-3256 mobile 908-723-3539 Hypnosis and Coaching are powerful tools for positive change. STRESS MANAGEMENT & STRATEGIC COACHING If stress is ruining your Life & Health it’s time to change your strategy. Stress Management, Hypnosis & Coaching can help you do just that. Marianne Hove , Certified Coach & Hypnotherapist Award Winning Stress Management Consultant. Coachmebacktobalance.com The CONNECTory www.connectory.theconnectionsnj.com Be Seen In Sophia Chadda, D.D.S. Periodontics, Including Dental Implants DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF PERIODONTOLOGY Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology Assistant Professor of Periodontics, RSDM PERIODONTICS, INCLUDING DENTAL IMPLANTS • Specialized treatment of gum/ periodontal disease • Prevention • Dental Implants • Cosmetic gum treatment • Laser treatment • Regenerative treatment 41 Stonehouse Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 908-626-0333 Visit us at: www.drsophiachadda.com OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT New Jersey Specialty Permit Number 5246 at “Dr. Sophia Chadda ” SEASONAL ALLERGIES AND YOUR EYES – NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT By: Lawrence V. Najarian, M.D. Bedminster Eye and Laser Center, P.A. If you are one of the 35 million Ameri- cans who suffer from seasonal allergies, Spring is a mixed blessing. The weather gets warmer. Trees and flowers bloom; but the pollen sends your immune sys- tem into overdrive. Your immune system mistakenly sees pollen as a foreign invader and releases antibodies – substances that normally identify and attack bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms. The anti- bodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals, called hista- mines, into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose; red, swollen or itchy eyes; and other allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, pollen can travel for miles, spreading a path of misery for allergy sufferers along the way. The higher the pollen count, the greater the misery. You can find out the daily pollen count (the amount of allergens in the air in grains per cubic meter) in your area by watch- ing your local weather forecast. If pollen is an allergen for you, you should: • avoid going outdoors as much as possible when pollen counts are highest (generally mid-morning and early evening) and on windy days when pollen is blown around. • wear sunglasses or eyeglasses when you are outdoors to help prevent pollen from getting into your eyes. • keep your windows closed and use air conditioning – both in your car and home. Don't use window fans, as they draw the pollen and other allergens inside. Keep your air condi- tioning units clean so they won't cycle allergens inside. Eyedrops and medicines can also bring relief. Some beneficial eye allergy treat- ments include: Artificial tears - They can help relieve eye allergies temporarily by washing allergens from the eye. They also relieve dry, irritated eyes by adding moisture. These drops, available without a pre- scription, can be used as often as you need them. Decongestants (with or without anti- histamines) - They reduce redness in the eyes from allergies. Available as over-the- counter eyedrops, they may be sold sim- ply as a decongestant or as a deconges- tant with an antihistamine, which relieves eye itchiness. These types of eye- drops should not be used for more than two to three days, as longer-term use actually increases irritating symptoms. Oral antihistamines - They may be helpful in relieving itchy eyes; however, they can make eyes dry and even worsen eye allergy symptoms. Antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizers - Eyedrops with both an antihistamine to relieve itchiness and a mast-cell stabilizer help prevent eye allergies. They are used twice a day to relieve itching, redness, tearing and burning. Corticosteroids - Steroid eyedrops can help treat chronic and severe eye allergy symptoms, such as itching, redness and swelling. Immunotherapy shots - If symptoms are not controlled by allergen avoidance, eyedrops or medicine, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be an option for relieving eye allergies. These shots con- tain tiny amounts of the allergen, and gradually increase dosage over time, to help your body become immune to the allergens. Your doctor can help determine which treatments are best for you. For more information on eye health and safety, visit The American Academy of Ophthalmology website www.geteyesmart.org/. Lawrence V. Najarian, M.D. is a board- certified ophthalmologist and founder of Bedminster Eye and Laser Center, P.A., which has served the Bedminster commu- nity and beyond for more than 25 years. Dr. Najarian recently received a Gold Doc Award from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. This national award is given to doctors who demonstrate “exemplary skill, sensitivity and compassion” toward patients. Dr. Najarian has been a faculty member of both New York University (where he was recently honored with a volunteer service award) and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary for the past 25 years.