Gesundheit! Sound advice for springtime allergy sufferers

Golf Digest, April, 2005

YOU CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK on the course this spring, but you know what's out there waiting for you-pollen. Here are some tips from golf professional Todd Sones and allergy specialist Dr. Eric J. Schenkel on how to overcome red eyes and a runny nose on the links this spring.

* Visit your doctor for proper diagnosis before symptoms escalate.

* Check the local pollen forecast at nasal-allergies.com before scheduling a tee time.

* Avoid playing when pollen counts are high: 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., or on hot, dry, windy days.

* Carry a towel to clean balls and clubs between shots.

* Wear sunglasses to keep pollen from getting in your eyes.

* Nasonex and other nasal-inhaled steroids are often prescribed for relief.

* If you're sneezing and have itchy, watery eyes, ask your doctor about antihistamines, such as Clarinex.

PAR

To protect your spine, place your hands on your shoulders, not behind your neck.

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BIRDIE

The most important part of a crunch is the move back down.

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EAGLE

The golf swing is fast and violent. Your muscles need to fire quickly when throwing the ball.

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Randy Myers Golf Digest Professional Advisor

Gym special: three-for-one

The muscles of the lower back, abdomen and hips need to support the swing effectively. Here are three exercises that will strengthen those areas. Start with "par" but progress to performing all three.

PAR: With knees bent and feet anchored to a bench, lift your shoulders toward the bench and return to the ground. This strengthens the hips, abs and back. A great warm-up exercise. Do as many as you can in a minute.

BIRDIE: Put your heels on a bench and lie back on the ground so your thighs and back are at a 90-degree angle. Pull your arms toward your knees and slowly return to the ground. Repeat until you feel a strong burning sensation in the abs. This works the upper abs.

EAGLE: Repeat "par" but throw a medicine ball to a friend as you sit up. This trains all three muscle groups to fire quickly, an essential part of the golf swing.