Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE - Friday, July 5, 2019 Revere Rec. Dept. Hosts Annual Field Day at SBA/Whelan School Park The Revere Recreation Dept. set up infl atable rides at the Susan B. Anthony and Whelan School fi eld recently for some family fun. The event was well-attended and a great time was held by all the students. (Advocate photos by Sara Dunn) Allergy season Q&A with CHA providers A nother harsh New England winter has thankfully ended. As the colder time of year comes to a close, allergy season is right around the corner. Itchy and watery eyes, runny noses, coughing and sneezing and pollen make for a difficult few months for many as we try to enjoy the outdoors and warmer weather. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. In order to prepare for seasonal allergies, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) ENT physician Ayesha Khalid, MD, FACS, and Jaime Silva, PA-C, at CHA Cambridge Hospital, provide an update on what to expect this season by answering several common questions. Are allergies the same for everyone? People’s pollen allergies can vary between seasons. However, some allergies can last throughout the year if people are allergic to dust mites, animal dander, and molds. What is the difference between allergies and a cold? Allergy symptoms, such as itchy, watery eyes and nose, are triggered by histamine. A cold is a viral infection. How are allergies treated? Allergies are usually treated with medications known as antihistamines. Some symptoms can be treated with nasal steroids or pseudoephedrine. If allergy symptoms are not well controlled with medication or if symptoms last throughout the year, allergy shots or allergy drops can be considered. What other strategies can people use? Studies show effective measures of controlling dust or pet dander allergy symptoms include eliminating carpets and rugs in the bedroom, dust covers for pillowcases, and a HEPA fi lter near the bed. What else can people do to survive allergy season? Are there home remedies? Rinsing the allergens out of your nasal passages and sinuses with a saline rinse that can be purchased over the counter can be helpful. This also helps moisturize your nasal passages if you are using a nasal spray for allergies. If your symptoms tend to be harsh or worsen please consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor today. Also, the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services has information on additional resources. On July 1 – the unofficial start to summer – taxpayers are reminded of Airbnb tax B OSTON – As thousands of vacationers across the Commonwealth travel to the Cape and Islands and other vacation hotspots across the state, a new secret tax is poised to hit many of them that booked their trip on popular websites like Airbnb. Those who pay attention to Massachusetts state politics might remember the secret Airbnb tax passed right before Christmas, during informal session, and without a recorded vote. Passing a major tax on an industry so reliant on tourist dollars may seem illadvised, but with the leadership currently running the Statehouse, it’s a reality that many taxpayers will be forced to contend with this week. The new tax that was secretly passed could have been stopped, if only one lawmaker objected. Despite Airbnb’s protest at the time, it still passed. The new tax is so secretive that not even Airbnb lists Massachusetts under their “occupancy tax” page. “Massachusetts taxpayers will be feeling the burn this summer as new taxes hit their bank accounts when they book their summer vacations online. A quick web search found the tax is around 12 percent. That may not sound like a lot to a Massachusetts lawmaker, but for families on a budget, it’s a signifi cant chunk out of their vacation fund,” said Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance Spokesperson/Board Member Paul Craney. “The Airbnb tax is a good reminder that even if you support higher taxes, these debates must be done in the public and with recorded votes. This tax represents a failure in our state democratic process and a reminder to everyone looking to take a few days off that Massachusetts lawmakers will always be looking to tax you more, even if you are on vacation,” said Craney. Suffolk Downs send off By Tara Vocino pproximately 8,000 fans came out on Saturday to cheer on the horses during the Suff olk Downs sendoff over the weekend. Trainer of thoroughbred Monkey’s Medal Michael Gorham, of A Delaware, said he grew up at Suff olk Downs and made good memories and friends there. Susan Earley, of Boston, said the trained horses run approximately 1 minute: 12 seconds per mile, or 35 miles per hour. “There’s a lot of history behind the track,” Earley said, who has been attending for 40 years. “It’s a shame.” Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@ gmail.com to: See Photo highlights on page 4 story on page 22.
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