Tips on surviving ragweed season.

• Position: Allergies - Brief Article

School bells begin ringing across the land this month, and for students with allergies that means "the three Rs"--ragweed, runny noses, and rhinitis--warns Richard Mabry, professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He offers the following tips on how to keep ragweed pollen at bay:

* Start allergy medications prior to ragweed pollen levels becoming severe. Take an antihistamine before you need it.

* Talk to your family doctor, otolaryngologist, or allergist about the best allergy medications for you.

* Watch weather reports for pollen counts and forecasts. Don't go outdoors unless necessary. Especially avoid activity during peak pollen times (6-10 a.m.).

* Use cromolyn sodium nasal spray before engaging in outdoor activities, such as mowing the grass, gardening, or playing golf or soccer.

* Wear a...