Well I was hoping it wouldn't happen, but it did.

Just like clockwork, my sinuses began acting up at the first signs of fall.

I love the cool breezes and the comfortable nights during the fall, but for some odd reason my allergies act up worse during this time than during the spring. I guess it's all the leaves falling and pollen blowing away until next year.

I'm not saying I don't get sick during the spring, because I do, but I just get it worse during the fall. I usually get sick twice a year and when I do; it knocks me out for a couple of days.

Unfortunately, my body decided I would get sick at the beginning of the week, which is actually the end of the week for me. Deadline days are not the times to be sick.

I've suffered through the headaches, the sneezing, the runny nose and the scratchy throat the past couple of days making sure the product gets to our readers with no delay.

Fortunately, my doctor is well aware of my sinus problems and gave me more prescription medicine than needed the last time I visited. I took several different over-the-counter medications the first couple of days until I finally found my prescriptions. Hopefully the new medicine will help me fight this without a dreaded visit to the doctor. I'm always scared I'll end up catching something else from another patient and end up sicker following a doctor's visit.

I'm one of those types of people that wash their hands constantly and carry hand sanitizer to stay healthy. I also take vitamins and drink a lot of water. It has worked for me over the years and I hope it continues.

I blame my current sinus problems on Hurricane Ivan. I still reside in Greenville, which suffered a lot of damage from the high-powered storm, but I didn't think I had many fallen tree branches and limbs. I was wrong.

Sunday afternoon, I decided I would clean up my yard and realized I had a lot more to clean than I originally thought. After everything was raked up and hauled to the roadside, I had one of those huge brush piles that everyone in the community has.

I got dirty, sweaty and blisters on my hand from the rake and pitchfork like everybody else, but I also got a sinus infection. I knew I should have worn a mask, but I refused to wear one. I guess you some times you have to learn lessons the hard way.

All I need now is some chicken noodle soup and some much anticipated rest.

Adam Prestridge is editor of The Luverne Journal. He can be reached at

335-3541 or

via email at adam.prestridge@ luvernejournal.com