Preventing injury and allergic reactions

Five Towns physicians advise taking precautions against injury and allergies as the warmer spring temperatures draws people of all ages outside.

Medical centers such as Urgent-M.D. in Hewlett expect to see an influx of patients, said Medical Director Dr. Robert van Amerongen. “Once the weather gets warmer, more kids want to be outside enjoying it,” he said. “But sometimes children, and even teenagers, don’t have the best judgment in regards to what their bodies can do. They misjudge and hurt themselves.”

Bicycle riding mishaps are a primary cause of injuries to young people, van Amerongen said. He stressed the importance of bike safety and using the proper equipment. “Bike helmets save lives,” he said. “Every spring make sure bikes are safe for riding and properly maintained, and helmets are the right size. Be sure not to use the helmet for every sporting activity, as they are only suitable for biking.”

Dr. Peter Tesler, the medical director of the Mt. Sinai Five Towns Medical Group, also in Hewlett, said that with the warmer weather, people should also be on the alert for all the bicycle riders and joggers along the roads, especially on the weekends. “Wear your helmets and take safety precautions,” Tesler said. “Wear your reflective gear, so people can see you.”

With increased exposure to the sun, Tesler advises everyone to remember to protect their skin, especially infants. “Babies and newborns, skin care for them is very important,” he said. “Speak to your pediatrician to see about how to adequately protect them. Newborns especially can’t wear sunblock, so keep them out of direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight isn’t good for anyone.”

As the seasons change so do the outdoor elements. Dr. Alissa Hersh, the medical director of Allergy and Asthma of the South Shore P.C. in Woodmere, said that pollen numbers are due to increase later in the spring. “It was cold much longer, which pushed pollen production back about two weeks,” she said. “Tree pollens have been high for the past two weeks, and over the next month, grass pollen production will rise. Both pollen counts will come down at the end of June, which should give allergy sufferers relief for the summer.”