The thrill of the winter sojourn to warmer climes and ocean activities like scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling, among others, can lead many to overlook other notable health and safety precautions.

During the summer months, it is common to see people come in with peculiar linear or blotchy blistered red rashes. Welcome to poison ivy country.

It’s spring and that means allergies are again exacting their seasonal vengeance.

Many people don’t know it, but pollen allergies can increase the risk of severe allergic reactions to other plants, foods and herbal or naturopathic remedies.

A recent pharmacist’s study presented to the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology indicates 63 per cent do not know how to use an EpiPen and 62.5 per cent cannot recognize the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Allergies affect millions of people in North America. Although medications help to control asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema, control of our local living environment is essential. Prevention can reduce or eliminate the need for medications.