That layer of green powder blanketing your car signals the annual springtime onslaught of pollen in the Upstate and the allergies it triggers.

The pollen count was high on Wednesday and is forecast to be high at least through Sunday, according to pollen.com, a North Carolina health information and research company.

Trees are the current culprit sending out pollen as part of their annual reproductive cycle.

And as spring unfolds, it's keeping allergists occupied.

“We have been very busy,” said Dr. Emil Sarmiento of the Allergic Disease and Asthma Center in Greenville.

“It started really strong in February, and then the rain came and ... brought down the pollen count,” he said.

“But once the weather settled, the pollen count went up," he added. "And all that water was good for the trees, which start pollinating. We’re getting the vengeance of the trees now.”

Mold spores have also been a problem because of all the rain in recent months, he said.

So if you’ve got the tell-tale runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and other symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, what can you do?

Sarmiento offers these helpful tips:

1. Do what you can to avoid the pollen.

“Pollen counts are highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” he said. “So you should postpone your outdoor activities until after 5 p.m. or before 10 a.m.”

2. Stay clean

Because pollen sticks to the hair, eye lashes, clothes and skin, shower and wash your hair after coming in from outdoors and wash clothes with hot water making sure to machine dry them and not hang them outside, he said.

3. Stay covered

Wear a mask and/or sunglasses or goggles and gloves while gardening or mowing the lawn, he said, and close the windows in your home and car to keep the pollen out.

4. Take your medicine.

“There’s a lot of over-the-counter medication ... that's available now, like Xyzal, and the generic, Levocetirizine,” he said. “It’s a 24-hour antihistamine. Some people may get sleepy ... so I tell people to take it at night.”

Nasal sprays like Flonase and Nasonex, and their generic counterparts, can help congestion and inflammation and are now affordable over-the-counter options as well, he said.

“But don’t overuse it,” he said. “If it says to take it once a day, take it once a day."

There are new eye drops on the market as well, such as Pazeo, that will calm itchy eyes, he said.

5. Get evaluated

If you still have symptoms in spite of taking those medicines, Sarmiento advises seeing a doctor for an allergy evaluation to learn what substance or substances are triggering your allergies. Allergy shots are available for those people as well as pills for some allergens, he said.

And there are newer medications on the market for a subset of patients whose symptoms aren’t controlled by high-dose steroids and inhalers, he said. Those drugs reduce symptoms by affecting the body’s immune response to allergens.

The Upstate is in for several more months of troublesome pollen that will plague allergy sufferers.

“For people with allergic asthma, tree pollen is an important trigger,” he said. “We now have tree pollen until mid-May and then grass pollen.”

And of course, ragweed season starts in late summer.

For the daily pollen count, go to pollen.com.

Mark Sirapob Ruckthongsuk

UNICEF Thailand/2021/Sukhum Preechapanich

On 7 December 2021, representatives from UNICEF and SC Johnson visited Klongtoey, an urban poor community in the heart of Bangkok, as well as Raks Thai Foundation to see and hear firsthand the result of their partnership to deliver critical supplies and assistance to the children and families affected by COVID-19.

Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand, and Nurindra Prawarianto, Director/ Country Manager for SC Johnson led the visit. “With the support of SC Johnson, we are able to expand our coverage and ensure that the children and families most in need have access to basic services and mental health support during the devastating COVID-19 crisis," said Kyungsun Kim.

There was a severe shortage of hospital beds at the height of the COVID 19 outbreak in Klongtoey community. Overflowing patients waiting for a spot in the hospital had to isolate themselves at Wat Saphan for initial treatment, yet many more waited at home at the risk of infecting their loved ones in overcrowded small living space.

“More than 70 per cent of people in the community were infected with the virus,” Wanpen, Klongtoey D Jung community volunteer explained. “There were hundreds of COVID-19 patients, including my neighbor's youngest daughter, who lived 2-3 houses down who needed medication to treat her high fever. I volunteered to help the family by providing medicine and food. That was the starting point for me to help people in need in our community.”

Early on in May, UNICEF stepped in to support community efforts to respond to the outbreak including by distributing ultra-heat treated (UHT) milk, hygiene and learning supplies, providing critical information and guidelines as well as mobilizing community workers and volunteers to protect the most vulnerable children and families.

In continuation of its support to the children and families in the Klongtoey community, UNICEF has partnered with Komol Keemthong Foundation (Klongtoey D Jung) and SC Johnson to provide community health case management and coordination set-up to facilitate timely access to services for confirmed COVID-19 cases in the community and support those in quarantine. So far the services benefitted more than 550 children and adults who tested COVID-19 positive. In addition to community care, cases were referred to field hospitals or district hospitals as needed.

Additionally, over 11,000 people received support with the Community Rapid COVID-19 test. UNICEF, Klongtoey D Jung, and SC Johnson also provided 150 oximeters, 150 infrared hand thermometers and 2,000 boxes of disposable masks to communities in Klongtoey to assist with case management services for infected and at-risk children and adults.

“I was gasping for air” said Sophi, an elderly woman from Klongtoey community about her experience when she was infected with COVID-19. “I had to wait at home, there was no ambulance to pick me up. Without the support I received, I wouldn't know where to turn for help. Klongtoey D Jung gave me supplies of oxygen, medicine, and other necessities during difficult times. "

Klongtoey D Jung uses its network of volunteers in Klongtoey subcommunities to ensure that everyone receives the help they need. In each neighborhood, a volunteer is responsible for ensuring the well-being of their neighbors and supporting health case management, which includes screening, testing, first aid consultations, referral and follow-up.

"Somedays I finished checking COVID-19 patients and went to bed at 3 AM and then woke up at 9 AM to bring an oxygen tank to another patient who was having trouble breathing." Wanpen continued, “Sometime I helped give a sponge bath to young children who had COVID-19. I would try to find every way to help the people in our community”

To support continued learning under COVID-19 restrictions, UNICEF Magic Bags containing books, toys, crayons and other learning materials were also distributed to 1,500 children with the support of SC Johnson. Each bag also contains guidelines for parents on how to keep young children engaged in learning activities at home. The bags were distributed to children under the age of 6 in vulnerable urban poor communities affected by COVID-19.

“During the lockdown, my grandchildren stayed in the room all day and sometimes they played in front of the room with old toys,” Lamiam, a member of Klongtoey community explained. "When my granddaughter received a Magic Bag, she screamed 'grandma' with excitement that she can color and draw in the books." Lamiam's granddaughter Nathita added "this is the best thing ever!"

With SC Johnson support, UNICEF was able to procure 90 oxygen concentrators to distribute to community isolation facilities, the District Health Office, primary health care centres and hospitals in Bangkok, Samut Prakarn, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathum, Nonthaburi, Pathumthani and Tak provinces. This life-saving oxygen equipment will help patients breathe during critical times.

Resources by the Division of Injury and Substance Abuse

SC HOPES support line, which can be reached 24/7, was established to help residents with substance use or mental health issues related to COVID-19: 1-844-SC-HOPES (724-6737).

General Support

A map and search bar that can be used to find inpatient and outpatient facilities throughout SC including birthing centers, home health agencies, midwives, and nursing homes.

Tobacco Cessation Support

A Quitline is a tobacco treatment support program that is available through the toll-free number 1-800-QUIT-NOW and through a web-based or text-based enrollment. The Quitline offers personalized quit coaching calls as well as other supportive services through the web, social media, text messaging, and print materials.

Phone: 1-800-784-8669

Pregnant tobacco users can get free help quitting and earn free diapers and wipes with help from the DHEC BABY & ME - Tobacco-Free Program™ team. This program is only available in certain counties.

Families, Children and Women Support

A designated DHEC hotline that helps connect SC women and their families with important services such as prenatal care, transportation to medical appointments, immunizations, Medicaid, and services for children.

Phone: 1-855-472-3432

A nutrition program that provides health education, healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and other services free of charge to South Carolina families who qualify. To apply, call the phone number below.

Phone: 1-855-472-3432

A list of useful childhood health resources such as how to prevent injures, choosing a childcare provider and infant sleep safety.

A list of special healthcare services for children with a chronic illness, disabling condition or developmental delay.

A list of pregnancy information such as how to prevent birth defects, nurse home visits, and oral health during pregnancy.

Best Chance Network provides breast and cervical cancer screening at no cost for South Carolina women who qualify. Covered services include clinical breast examinations, mammograms, pap tests, pelvic examinations, human papillomavirus tests, diagnostic testing, and referrals to treatment.

The goal of the program is to prevent and reduce injuries, disabilities, and death to children due to motor vehicle crashes by counseling parents and community groups on child passenger safety, providing technical assistance as needed and demonstrating and instructing the proper installation of the various child safety seats.

This page lists information regarding what newborn screening is and how newborn screening can be beneficial.

Phone: 803-898-3192

A service for new moms and their babies. DHEC provides newborn home visits to eligible families. Ask your doctor to make a referral or write an order for a visit.

Healthy mouth and teeth are an important part of a child’s overall wellness. Untreated tooth decay in children and teens can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Learn more on how to take care of your children’s health.

A family planning program that provides confidential reproductive health care services, counseling, and education to teens by caring professionals. Some services include birth control, emergency contraception, and STI screening.

Health Support

A webpage with links to a variety of healthcare resources such as how to find long term care facilities, and how to get help for people with disabilities.

A webpage with a variety of information on all types of vaccines such as childcare and school vaccine requirements, a HealthMap vaccine finder, and benefits/risks of vaccines.

COVID-19 testing provided by DHEC is pain free and free of charge. Results are emailed within 48-72 hours. Find a testing location near you.

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at helping protect against severe disease and death including from variants of the virus that cause COVID-19 currently circulating. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations and where to get one.

A list of symptoms and when to seek medical attention.

A list of public health clinics across all of SC. It includes hours, addresses, phone numbers, and services for each clinic in each county.

It is important to protect yourself from any and all sexually transmitted disease. This page explains how to protect yourself, what to do if you have an STD and numbers you can contact to get help.

[email protected]

Ridgeland native Seth Cope recently made an appearance on a popular game show with some help from his past.

A Thomas Heyward Academy and University of South Carolina graduate, Cope competed on “Jeopardy!” in late July. The 36-year-old finished in third place, winning $1,000.

“My background in history definitely helped,” Cope said. “Some of what I learned in Don Hult’s European history class at Thomas Heyward Academy was asked on the show. I did pretty well in the categories about history and there was also a category about electricity that I did well in.”

Cope received word at the end of February that he had been selected for the show.

“I was very excited and surprised when they called me,” Cope said. “The main way I prepared for the show was to visit a website called J! Archive that has every question from each ‘Jeopardy!’ show on it.

“I would study questions from past shows to give me an idea of the questions they might have on my episode. I also started watching ‘Jeopardy!’ again to get a feel for when to hit the buzzer to answer the questions.”

Cope had to take an online test and was selected for an in-person tryout in Charleston last fall. Each person takes a 50-question test and plays a short round of “Jeopardy!” so the producers can see how they play the game.

The producers select contestants based on their test scores and reviews of who did well in the practice games.

Cope eventually faced a contestant who had plenty of experience as a four-day “Jeopardy!” champion. Justin Vossler had already accumulated more than $92,000 in winnings on the show.

“I did not want to play against him for two reasons,” Cope said. “One reason was because he had already been on the show for four appearances before mine and he had the advantage of more experience with the buzzer, which is an important aspect of the game that is unique to the taping experience.

“Another reason was that he and I both had backgrounds in history, his as a history teacher and mine as a student in college that studied history.”

Cope was in second place after the first round with $2,400, leaving him $1,400 behind the defending champ. He gained some momentum in the second round.

Heading into the final question, Vossler led with $22,200, followed by Cope with $13,400. Vossler missed the question, but he did not wager enough money to lose the game.

Though Cope did not win, he said he had a great experience.

“I did grow up watching the show and it was very interesting to meet (host) Alex Trebek. He was very experienced and professional and made the contestants feel at ease,” Cope said. “Being on Jeopardy was a lot of fun and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Derek Ingram says the hardest part is not being able to be the hands-on dad he was before. His 7-year-old quietly stepped in.

ROCK HILL, S.C. — A Rock Hill family is getting hope, thanks to the community, after a devastating diagnosis: Derek Ingram, a young father of three, is battling ALS.

The Ingrams say they were stunned at the outpouring of community support- after their story was initially detailed on WCNC Charlotte, but that was back in December. It's unbelievable how much Derek has lost just in the last few months.

It is the little things that seem so big now.

PREVIOUSLY: Charlotte father of three hoping for a second miracle this Christmas following ALS diagnosis

"Kate loves to eat snacks with him, she gives herself a cracker and then her daddy a cracker and she loves that," Derek's wife, Amber, told WCNC Charlotte.

2 1/2-year-old Kate and Elle, who just turned one, are so young they don’t really understand what’s happened to their dad in the last year.

"It's like a flash you were able to do something two weeks ago that now is a challenge," Amber said.

Young father of 3 diagnosed with ALS

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But 7-year-old Beau knows exactly the toll ALS has taken on his dad. Just a year ago Derek was coaching Beau's little league team. Now he can only watch as his wife Amber subs in.

"It's hard for him, baseball season is gearing up and this time last year Derek was coaching," Amber explained.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.

Derek has lost so much just in the last few months.

"Still feels like I’m in a bad dream that I can’t wake up from," Derek said.

He can barely talk now. The couple is trying to record his voice while he still has one.

"So he can record himself saying things like 'I love you.' Simple things he won’t be able to communicate if his voice continues to decline," Amber said.

"It's like being a prisoner stuck in my own body," Derek said. "My mind is still sharp."

When we first met the couple last November, Derek could get around on his own using his motorized wheelchair. Now he needs someone to put his hand on the joystick.

"It's not even day-by-day a lot of times, it's minute-by-minute," Amber said. "We have really good moments and some really defeating and all the things in between."

MORE NEWS: North Carolina 8-year-old to leave the hospital after January shooting

Derek says the hardest part is not being able to be the hands-on dad he was before. His 7-year-old quietly stepped in.

"In some ways [they] have reverse roles, he's picked up a lot of the things Derek would do, helping me get the girl's shoes on," Amber said."We're just hanging on to every little thing and refusing to give up."

Still, she says, they are hopeful the disease will slow its wrecking ball path. That’s in part because they know so many people are joining their fight. After our initial story aired, donations poured in to their GoFundMe.

"The encouragement we’ve received, people who have walked the same journey who get it who have reached out for encouragement, prayers, financial contributions, it’s just been a tremendous blessing for our family- we’re able to now afford a caregiver Monday-Friday," Amber said.

Local non-profit All Things Possible helped raise money and gifted them a wheelchair accessible van.