A walk in the park

3/30/2016 (Permalink)

March 30^th is Walk in a Park Day

One of the best known parks in the state of South Carolina, Finlay has hosted just about everything from festivals and political rallies to road races and Easter Sunrise services. 

This beautiful 18-acre park has had two lives; first dedicated in 1859 as Sidney Park, named in honor of Algernon Sidney Johnson, a Columbia City Councilman, the park experienced an illustrious but short tenure.

The park fell into disrepair after the Civil War and served as a site for commercial ventures until the late 1900's. In 1990, the park was reopened and has become a beautiful diamond in the downtown area, offering a green oasis in contrast to the glass, asphalt and concrete in the urban environment. It serves as the site for such events as Kids Day, The Summer Concert Series, plus many more activities. In 1992, the park was renamed Finlay Park, in honor of Kirkman Finlay, Mayor of Columbia who had a vision to reenergize the area known as the Vista, between Main Street and the river, and recreate the beautiful site known as Sidney Park. 

The park is situated between the streets of Assembly, Taylor, Gadsden and Laurel and remains one of the treasures of Columbia. It is across the street from the Governor's Mansion and has one of the most photographed views of downtown.

When walking in the Park be aware that allergies are a part of life but are nothing to sneeze at.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably anticipate a certain level of misery when spring is in the air. Maybe you believe the annual battle with pollen is lost before it even begins.

Allergies are more than a pesky inconvenience and symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. The effects can be severe or even life threatening — especially if you live with asthma. While there isn’t a simple cure, there are a number of ways to make allergy season much more bearable.

Prevent Allergy Triggers

Allergens are everywhere. There are actually more allergy-causing pollutants indoors than outdoors! Luckily, there are simple ways to allergy-proof your house and reduce exposure to these allergens.

Dust and vacuum often to reduce dust mites. If needed, wear a mask when cleaning and then leave for a few hours to avoid allergens in the air.

Animals with fur or feathers can trigger allergic reactions. If you have pets you can’t part with, at least keep them out of the bedroom.

When pollen is in the air, keep your doors and windows closed and change the filter for your air conditioner often. If possible, stay inside during the peak pollen time, which usually occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Take advantage of member discounts on allergy relief products, such as pillow and mattress encasings; air filtration products; anti-allergen carpet and furniture treatments; personal care products for sensitive skin; nasal irrigation devices and saline solutions for sinus relief.

Don’t Suffer Through Symptoms

There are many prescription and non-prescription medications to treat the symptoms of allergies. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Antihistamines relieve rashes and hives, sneezing, itching and runny nose.

Decongestants reduce stuffiness by shrinking swollen membranes in the nose.

Eye drops provide temporary relief from burning or bloodshot eyes.

Corticosteroid creams or ointments relieve itchiness and stop the spread of rashes.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots) desensitize reactions to certain allergens over time by providing increasingly higher doses of allergen(s). They are not effective for all allergy types.

AND Remember that SERVPRO can help clean your air and Allergy proof your home.

Contents Credit: www.columbiacvb.com and www.southcarolinablues.com