I'm Allergic To New Jersey

Recently, I visited my friend in New Jersey. I was acutely reminded of when I moved to Pennsylvania. That’s because I am allergic to the state. Literally.

By the way, a digression. I am writing this post while waiting for The Kid’s (medical) test to come back. So please forgive my fat fingers if I mistype something … also, today’s newsletter will be short because of being here. :)

I am in a writing group, and we make trips to see each other. To write and to drink lots of coffee. Coffee and writing is a pretty awesome combination. My last trip was to Florida, which was absolutely fabulous.

I have some mild allergies, but nothing too bothersome. Except when I travel over the state line to New Jersey.

Google Maps does not have to welcome me to the state because I already know I arrived. My sinuses immediately plugged up, along with the dozens of near death experiences from the other drivers on the Turnpike.

You guessed it. I immediately felt better once I crossed back over to Pennsylvania.

That may or may not have been the relief I felt getting off the Turnpike.

The Book Promos

First up, we have Parents Don’t Approve by Peyton Dinwiddie. A kidnapping mystery featuring PI Marcus. Did I mention it was free?

We next have Eleven by Briana Morgan. This book is a bit of paranormal fun.

And Goodbye Port Alma by Anne Shillolo, which is a crime fiction. On the Kindle, for free!

We also have a Mystery & Crime story giveaway.

And Free Free Free … as the name implies, all free books. I like the image, by the way.

Last but not least, we have free horror reads!

Happenings

I’m reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s been a fun book to read, mostly because I need to get my act together and get organized. Remember how I said writing and coffee are like peas and carrots? That’s because I like coffee. In Atomic Habits, I learned that pairing something that you need to do (like writing) with something that you want to do (like drinking coffee) makes you more likely to do what you need to do.

Also, remember to squish that cat. This advice comes in handy as we are cat-sitting three very large cats. And when I say large, I meant that when I moved the sofa, the cat went along with it because it was too big for the underneath.

Why Moving to a New State Can Trigger Allergies

Are you someone who has recently moved to a new state and noticed a sudden onset of allergies? You're not alone. As it turns out, changing your location can trigger a new allergic reason in your body. That's because a new environment can expose you to different types of pollen, air pollution, and environmental factors that your body may not be accustomed to.

How Moving to a New State Can Trigger Allergies

As I said, when you move to a new state, you may be exposed to new allergens that your body is not used to. This is because different regions of the United States have different types of plants, trees, and grasses that produce different types of pollen. Additionally, the air quality in different regions can vary, which can also trigger allergies.

Another factor that can contribute to allergies when moving to a new state is the change in climate. If you're moving from a dry climate to a humid one, for example, you may be exposed to mold and other allergens that thrive in moist environments. On the other hand, moving from a humid climate to a dry one can also trigger allergies as your body adjusts to the drier air.

Also, don't discount that the place you live, e.g. your new apartment, could contain stuff that you aren't used to. For example, the previous owners might have had a dog, and the dander is stuck in the carpet.

Understanding the Role of Environmental Factors in Triggering Allergies

Allergies are caused by the body's immune system overreacting to a substance that it perceives as a threat. This substance is known as an allergen, and it can be anything from pollen to pet dander to mold. When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases histamines, which cause the symptoms of allergies.

Environmental factors play a significant role in triggering allergies. For example, if you live in an area with high levels of air pollution, your body may be more susceptible to allergies.

This is because air pollution can irritate your airways, making it easier for allergens to enter your body. Similarly, if you live in an area with high levels of humidity, you may be more vulnerable to mold and other allergens that thrive in moist environments.

Common Allergens Found in Different Regions of the United States

• Northeast: tree pollen (oak, maple, birch), grass pollen (timothy, bluegrass), ragweed pollen, mold spores
• Southeast: tree pollen (oak, pine, cedar), grass pollen (Bermuda, Johnson, rye), mold spores
• Midwest: tree pollen (oak, birch, elm), grass pollen (timothy, rye, Kentucky bluegrass), ragweed pollen, mold spores
• Southwest: tree pollen (mesquite, mulberry, olive), grass pollen (Bermuda, Johnson, wheat), ragweed pollen, mold spores
• West: tree pollen (cedar, pine, oak), grass pollen (timothy, bluegrass), ragweed pollen, mold spores

It's important to note that these are just some of the common allergens found in each region. Allergens can vary depending on the specific location within a region, as well as the time of year.

What does this all prove? That yes, I am allergic to New Jersey.