Allergies are taking a toll on more people than ever this season. Here's some advice and relief...

This allergy season is more intense than most...  

Some people are suffering for the first time, while others are getting clobbered a little harder than usual. Here are a few things you can do to alleviate some of the high levels:

• If you like to exercise outdoors, do it after work. The air is thickest with pollen dust between 5 and 10 A.M., so wait until early evening when pollen counts are typically lower. 

• Don't eat peaches if you have seasonal tree-pollen allergies, a cross reaction can occur between the proteins and the pollens in the air. Others to avoid are apples, pears, cherries, and hazelnuts, which can increase congestion, tingling in the mouth and throat itchiness. If you're allergic to pollen from grass or ragweed, avoid bananas, watermelons, sunflower seeds and chamomile tea. All of these can trigger the same reaction. 

• Antihistamines are still your top choice for allergy relief. Studies show that an antihistamine such as Benadryl is 20% more effective in treating itchiness and sneezing caused by hay fever than any over-the-counter allergy medicine.