I was born and raised in Germany and I suffered of allergies every summer. I think I am allergic mostly to weeds and grasses. I moved to Hawaii 9 years ago and since then all of my allergies have disappeared. I think Hawaii is perfect for people with allergies, because a lot of the weeds, trees and grasses that you’ll have to deal with on Continental US simply don’t grow there. I am convinced of this, because presently I am in Kansas City/Missouri and I have a terrible time with my allergies. So, I know the allergies haven’t just disappeared. Since I haven’t had to deal with it in Hawaii at all in the past 9 years I can only conclude that moving to Hawaii was indeed a geographic solution to the problem. I hope this helps somebody! — Simon, Hawaii

My hayfever (pollen allergy & asthma): The worst area: England, Cornwall, Devon, Central Europe. The best area: German Baltic coast, Florida — Mirek, Europe

We moved because of the military from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Germany. My son had allergy/asthma issues before but nothing like now. He was retested since we have been here and he is allergic to mold which we did not test for in NM. His medication has been doubled since being here and he is now on 5 medicines at the age of 6. The Army is looking into moving us from Germany back to the states to a hotter/drier climate. Germany is very damp, and moldy. But we are yet to find out the best place for my son. What we do know is he was significantly better in NM. — S.K.H., Germany

[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on February 11, 2004]