It’s been a tough few weeks for Oklahomans with allergies.
Weed pollen levels had been rising all week, and on Thursday, they reached the high alert threshold on the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic’s daily report.
Ragweed allergy season kicked off at the end of August. The weed pollen advisory follows one issued last week for mold.
Dr. Richard Hatch, an allergy and immunology specialist in Oklahoma City, says the two types of outdoor mold that trigger allergies in Oklahoma are pretty seasonal, as well.
“They do tend to peak, you know, at the end of the summer and especially after a rain.”
Those two allergens have crossed the advisory threshold, but other allergens are also high right now, including both grass and tree pollen.
Remnants of a building that had burned down months ago are finally getting cleaned up in Shawnee.
According to city officials, crews are starting to remove what’s left of the abandoned hotel on East Main street after the building caught fire in December of last year.
The hotel owner was initially going to take care of the cleanup, but that never happened, and then the city of Shawnee got involved. The city says cleanup should be finished within the next week.
Statistics from the state health department show Oklahoma has made progress in improving health outcomes for newborns in the last decade.
The infant mortality rate in Oklahoma has dropped 20% since 2007, from approximately eight deaths per 1,000 live births to seven.
The State Department of Health attributes this improvement to multiple programs launched since 2007 like one called Preparing for a Lifetime: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility.
The program aims to promote prenatal health, encourage breastfeeding, and educate parents on infant safety to prevent injuries or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the third leading cause of death for infants in the state
Registration is now open for the 2023 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Races will be held on April 28 and 29. Organizers announced a senior marathon is being added for the first time. In addition to a marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K and kids marathon, the senior marathon will be for anyone 65 and older. For more information and to sign up, visit OKCmarathon.com.
Fans of the Oklahoma City Dodgers minor-league baseball franchise are being given the chance to bid on memorabilia this weekend.
According to MiLB.com, various items, including autographed clothing and gear, and other collectibles will be auctioned off to the highest bidders this Saturday in conjunction with the team’s home game against the Tacoma.
The Clubhouse Collectibles online auction is Saturday evening from 6 to 11pm by way of milbauctions.com Proceeds are to benefit the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools, courtesy of The Oklahoman newspaper.
Those attending Saturday’s home game in Oklahoma City will also have opportunities to purchase "mystery autographed baseballs" at the promotions kiosk.
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