Allergy expert at UMDNJ offers gardeners tips on avoiding allergens With the onset of spring, gardening enthusiasts can finally satisfy their desire to enjoy emerging fresh flowers and budding plants. However, pollen from trees, shrubs, and grasses can make gardening more of a chore than a pursuit of enjoyment. A noted allergy expert at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey offers a few suggestions to minimize risk of exposure to allergens that cause symptoms, like sneezing, itchy eyes,congestion and in some cases, an asthma attack. According to Dr. Leonard Bielory, director of the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, "Gardening outside during times of high pollen counts puts patients at risk for severe allergic symptoms," said Bielory, who is also a professor of Medicine, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Visual Science at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. "Avoidance measures, as well as the use of medications and allergy immunotherapy, can make the difference between having fun in the garden and being miserable." An allergist/immunologist can help determine what plant species are causing an allergic reaction and advise on the best times of day or season to work in the garden. For example, pollen levels are typically lower on rainy,cloudy and windless days. Immunotherapy,or allergy shots, medications and other treatments can also help reduce symptoms. People with allergies can also reduce irritation by carefully choosing the plants they include in their landscaping or garden. Certain flowers, trees and grasses are naturally better suited for the gardens of allergic people.They are less likely to produce bothersome pollen and will still add color and variety to the garden. These include: • Cacti • Cherry • Dahlia • Daisy • Geranium • Iris • Magnolia • Rose • Snapdragon • Tulip Bielory cautions against using the following plants, which generally are highly allergenic: • Ash • Cedar • Cottonwood • Oak • Maple • Pine • Saltgrass • Timothy The best way to determine which plants will trigger reactions is through skin testing at an allergist/immunologist's office. Whenever working around plants likely to cause an allergic reaction, avoid touching your eyes or face. You may also consider wearing a mask to reduce the amount of pollen spores that you breathe in.Wear gloves and long sleeves and pants to minimize skin contact with allergens. Leave gardening tools and clothing- such as gloves and shoes- outside to avoid bringing allergens indoors. Shower immediately after gardening or doing other yard work. Founded in 1954 as the Seton Hall College of Medicine and Dentistry,New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) was the state's first medical school. Today, it is part of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.NJMS has four mission areas: education, research, clinical care and community outreach. It has 19 departments and more than 70 centers and institutes. In addition to offering the M.D. degree to its students, NJMS also offers M.D./Ph.D., M.D./M.P.H., and M.D./M.B.A.degrees through collaborations with other institutions of higher education.