The coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes, nose and throat many people are experiencing right now probably aren’t actually seasonal allergies. As our Katie Gibas reports, there are other environmental factors associated with a mild winter that could be causing these symptoms.

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NEW YORK STATE — Seasonal allergies could be coming earlier this year if the mild weather continues and trees continue budding earlier than normal. But the coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes, nose and throat many people are experiencing right now probably aren’t actually seasonal allergies. As our Katie Gibas reports, there are other environmental factors associated with a mild winter that could be causing these symptoms.

If you’ve felt your allergies coming on earlier and stronger this year, you’re not alone. And it’s mostly because of the weather but not in the way you might think.

“It is a mild winter, characterized by higher temperatures, and I think bigger gradients of temperatures, and I think that factor alone is a subset of patients that may bother,” said Dr. Michael Sheehan, an Allergist.

Allergists say because the trees haven’t budded yet, there isn’t any pollen and likely seasonal allergies haven’t arrived. They attribute the rise in allergy-like symptoms to the temperature and atmospheric changes along with fumes and odors and and a variety of other irritants.

“There are certain receptors in the nose that would just be sensitive to those changes and then react with reflex mechanisms causing that, because I really don’t see where there would be any particular allergen at this time of the year,” said Dr. Sheehan.

And these non-allergic environmental factors can compound the effects for regular allergy sufferers.

“Allergies are an immune response, so your immune system learns to react to things overtime. And it could be that one allergy might sensitize you to another one. Once your body is inflamed and irritated about one allergen, one thing that causes allergy, it might be more prone to develop a sensitivity to another allergen,” said Dr. John Epling, the Upstate Family Medicine Chair.

For the most part these allergy-like symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medicines, like nasal spray and other antihistamines. But experts do warn about the effects if the symptoms persist.

“Remember that allergies are usually a very benign condition, but they can have complications. If you’re still suffering, if you’re developing complications of your allergies, like sinus infections or coughing etcetera, you should probably see your doctor to make sure there isn’t something else going on or get more advanced treatment,” said Dr. Epling.

With the early on-set of allergy-like symptoms, many people are worried that the allergy season will be longer and worse than normal. But doctors say at this point, it’s too hard to predict.

Experts said allergies and asthma are closely linked, so environmental factors that irritate one can also make the other worse. That’s why it is important to take care of your symptoms and see a doctor if they persist or get worse.

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CAPITAL REGION — Nearly $2.3 million is coming to the Head Start programs in the Capital Region.

The funding is for Head Start and Early Head Start programs in both Warren and Schoharie counties. Head Start and Early Head Start provide programs for children, pregnant women, and families.

The goal is to get low income children ready for school.

It’s been six months since Tropical Storm Irene ripped through our area. People are still working to rebuild places that were hit the worst, places like Schoharie. Our Megan Cruz reports.

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SCHOHARIE, N.Y. — Six months ago today, Tropical Storm Irene came tearing through the area, bringing with it historic flooding that devastated communities. Places like Schoharie were slammed with heavy rain that flooded out roads and waterways, closed schools and destroyed many homes.

The storm caused nearly $300 million in damage statewide. Six months to the date, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades is doing its part to help rebuild. They are putting up sheet rock and painting in homes in Schoharie.

The construction is part of an apprenticeship project that puts people to work and helps the recovery effort.

Green cars and the desire to create a smaller carbon footprint have become part of our lives. When we think about green cars, however, we usually don’t consider whether our repair facility is green as well. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, has more.

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Some automotive repair shops, like Joe Basil Chevrolet, have employed environmentally friendly efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. In Western New York, automotive shops can invest millions to improve their auto facility.

Interview with Greg Cobb, Joe Basil Chevrolet:

Q: How is a green auto repair facility different?

Most auto repair businesses dispose of large amounts of used oil and fluids. A green auto shop will recycle these fluids and burn it for heat. This can also eliminate heating bills all winter.

Some shops use a system that directly heats its floors and walls. Installing a new heating system costs about $35,000 more than setting up traditional heating.

Q: What kind of feedback are you getting from your customers?

Our customers and contractors have been really impressed. They applaud the hard work that we did rather than taking the cheap, inexpensive way out. We looked at the long haul.

Q: What is the next step?

Having young kids, and seeing what the world has turned into inspired our decision. We need to have something to leave our kids and grandkids, not to mention the cost savings.

This industry has been known for years-I wouldn’t say as a wasteful industry, but there are many parts on cars that can be recycled. We recycle any metal part, and it goes to the junkyard. All our tires go to a recycler who grinds them and sells them to different manufacturing processes.

Q: How many years does it take to earn your investment back?

Auto repair shops use a lot of electricity, installing a wind turbine can reduce electricity requirements or dependency by 50 percent or more. The power can either be stored in batteries on site for later use or returned to the grid. The price for wind turbine systems has been greatly reduced in recent years. Systems can be installed for $5,000 to 10,000, recoup their investment within one to two years, and can start conserving energy right away.

Some repair facilities have decided to install solar panels for both environmental and financial reasons. These facilities also use green cleaning products, paper products, lower-wattage bulbs, and LED lights.

Many auto repair and car dealerships are making the switch to cut costs, decrease their carbon footprint, and do their part for the environment.

More information:

Joe Basil Chevrolet
5111 Transit Rd
Depew, NY 14043
(716) 683-6800

-www.joebasilchevrolet.com

Financial adviser Steven Bouchey stopped by our studio to answer your money questions.

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NEW YORK CITY — New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan makes his first visit to the Hudson Valley since being elevated to Cardinal. He’ll say mass at the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church in La Grangeville at 6 p.m.

Saturday hundreds packed St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, including both religious and political dignitaries. Dolan was joined by the likes of Governor Cuomo, Senator Schumer and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg – all sitting near the front of the church. The Cardinal appeared joyous and clearly relishing his new role as he delivered a moving service.

Even with the new honor, Dolan, a very loyal Yankee fan, says there are some things he won’t do as a Cardinal.

The Cardinal said, “As you so graciously gathered to celebrate with me this morning, let me congratulate you. Because the honor given me last Saturday only came because I happen to be one of you. This is an honor for all of New York and that’s why I refuse to wear those Red Sox less my loyalties thought to be elsewhere.”
Dolan also paid tribute to the city of New York, thanking them for their support and crediting them for where he is today.

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While many have toured Howe Caverns, very few have explored what’s know as Renolds River. That is until cavers from around the Northeast crawled through tight crevices, in some cases, wading through chest-high waters. Our Brandon Walker crawled and climbed with them as they explored for a good cause.

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HOWES CAVERN, N.Y.– The experience is in some instances cryptic.

“You never know what you’re gonna find,” said Mitch Berger, a caver, from Boston.

The journey, full of cavernous twists and tight turns.

“The ceiling drops down to about two feet.”

Cavers, in all 20 from throughout the northeast, getting ready for a day long trek through the depths of Howe Caverns.

They’re mapping out new routes in the Renolds River, an underground tributary. Home base under this 107 foot rotunda, all part of what’s called the mystery passage.

“There are very few people who’ve been in there before,” said Chuck Porter, a caver, and organizer of Saturday’s event.

They’re doing it not only because it’s what they do, but to lend a helping to a community still paving its road to recovery.

“We’re glad to help out cause we’d certainly like to repay the folks around Schoharie that have been so kind to us through the years,” Porter said.

It costs $100 to be here Saturday. The money will go to flood relief efforts in Schoharie County.

“Schoharie has a whole lot of caves and its a great place and we care about it a lot.”

“It actually was a part of the tour of Lester Howes’ day back in the 1800s. He would take folks back there,” said Bob Holt, general manager, Howe Caverns.

Since then, not much has happened back here over the past 40 years. While here, cavers will snap pics of what they find.

Exploring new sites, while giving back to a community many here say has already given so much to them.

“Schoharie is like home to many of us.”

It’s been called a 500-year flood, the worst Upstate New York has ever seen, as it nearly wiped out a number of towns and villages. In Schoharie, our Megan Cruz tells us that six months after Irene, the work to get the hundreds who were displaced back in their homes continues.

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SCHOHARIE, N.Y. — “Hanging dry wall, taping,” said an apprentice.

“Getting it ready to be painted this weekend,” said Roy Casey, the apprentice coordinator.

It’s day five at 147 Grand Street in the Village of Schoharie, and working on the walls are members of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trade.

“We were called by the State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli,” said Casey. “DiNapoli contacted several of the trade unions and we decided to come down and have a look at what’s needed here.”

“We still need volunteers, both unskilled and skilled, but the focus right now inside the homes is about skilled labor,” said Josh DeBartolo, the volunteer and construction coordinator for Schoharie Recovery. It’s a non-profit group made up of community leaders to help with the area’s long-term recovery.

After making the visit and seeing how much work still needed to be done six months after Irene, Casey said helping out was a no-brainer and perfect for their apprentices.

“It’s a win-win situation,” he said. “They’re learning an awful lot on how to complete work and it’s also getting people back into their homes.”

“Just this one labor union in five weeks has turned over five houses. So they’re doing about a house a week. That’s amazing,” said DeBartolo.

But two weeks ago, the house they’re working on looked like its next door neighbor, which was just gutted out last week. Community leaders say it’s just one home of hundreds that would benefit from skilled labor.

“We’re really putting out that plea for other unions, other contractors, or other people with skills to step up and reach out to us,” said DeBartolo.

Casey hopes electricians, plumbers, and the like will come to finish the work his union started.

“The look on the homeowners faces when we’re complete is just priceless,” he said. “It’s definitely worth it.”

“It’s great to get out of the classroom and good that we help other people,” said an apprentice.

For more information

www.saltrecovery.org

www.schoharierecovery.org/

www.rareny.org/

www.rebuildgilboa.org/

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CAPITAL REGION — Area business leaders unveiled the full results of their 26th Annual Business Climate Survey, and it looks like business is on the verge of booming here in the Capital Region.

43 percent of small business owners who responded to the survey said their overall business expanded in 2011, and they believe even brighter days are ahead.

Just about 80 percent of respondents said their business will remain the same or grow in 2012. 44 percent also think their gross sales will top at least $1 million in the coming year.

It’s a stark contrast to the rest of the country right now.

“This economy, while you could say it’s flat, it’s more stable is the term they would use. We never really see the roller coaster ride, so we never have the downs or ups that a national economy has,” said Kevin McCoy, Marvin and Company Managing Director.

The survey was compiled by local accounting firm Marvin and Company, in conjunction with the UAlbany School of Business.

More than half of business owners said they expect the Capital Region’s overall economy to see little to no growth over the next several years.

Pittsfield Police confirm that a pedestrian was killed aftter being hit by a passing train. Our Brandon Walker has more from the scene.

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