Islip hamlet that lies within the much larger Town of Islip in Suffolk County, located on the South Shore of Long Island. In 1683, an early settler named William Nicoll bought land from Sachem (Chief) Winnequaheagh of Connetquot. The community was named after Islip, Oxfordshire, England. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the area originated as a subsistence farming community in its earliest years transforming to a posh resort and mansion heavy enclave for aristocratic families. The original settlement encompassed Bayport, Bohemia, Brentwood, Central Islip, East Islip, Great River, Hauppauge, Holbrook, Holtsville, Islip Terrace, Oakdale, Sayville, West Sayville, and part of Ronkonkoma. Part of Nicolls original domain is now the site of the Heckscher State Park. Islip Hamlet originated as a farming community in its earliest years, gradually transforming into a posh enclave for aristocratic families in the 19th and 20th centuries. Islip has a wealth of extant Queen Anne Revival homes.
Located along the picturesque Great South Bay, Islip has a long history associated with fishing, clamming (the world-famous Doxsee Clam Company started in Islip), swimming and boating. Islip Hamlet has its own public bathing beach, under the jurisdiction of the township. Boating and yachting are as popular today as they were years ago, if not more so, with the development of the communities on the adjacent barrier beach of Fire Island. Islip Hamlet is known widely for its quaint shopping district along Main Street. There are gift shops, hairdressers, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, natural food stores and many other types of establishments. Bayberry Point, originally a summer colony designed by Horace Havemeyer lies within the area of Islip Hamlet that faces the Great South Bay. It is made up of three streets, separated by canals, which adjoin the Great South Bay. Bayberry is Islip's most affluent area and home to some of Suffolk County's most expensive real estate, outside of the Hamptons.
During spring Islip and other Long Island residents enjoy smelling flowers, blooming trees however for the many people who have springtime allergies, it means runny nose, sneezing, congestion, eye irritation, tearing and itching. Symptoms usually involve the membrane lining the nose, causing allergic rhinitis, and the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the whites of the eyes (conjunctiva), causing allergic conjunctivitis. In the spring, wind-borne pollen from trees such as alder, birch, juniper, oak, maple, elm come across frequently. As Spring finishes and turns to Summer, different types of grasses play a key role, such as orchard, bermuda, timothy, johnson, and weeds such as English plantain and Russian thistle. As Fall comes around, ragweed is the key culprit. Signs and symptoms of allergies tend worsen on hot, dry or windy days when there is significant pollen and mold in the air. Treatment can include but is not limited to, antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids. These may either be in the form of eye drops, nasal sprays or oral medications. It is important to remember that avoidance of certain triggers can be your best friend.
There are a few things that you can do to reduce your exposure to your allergy triggers. Limit your pets access to your bed as pollen sticks to animal fur. If you are doing outside chores, such as gardening or mowing the lawn, wear a dust mask. Dry windy days as mentioned before are worse than a good rainy day which helps remove pollen from the air. Checking local news or radio stations for pollen counts help as well. Carpets unfortunately while much more comforting when you get out of bed on a cold winter morning, tend to carry a crop load of dust, dirt and various potential allergens. It is recommended that they be vacuumed and cleaned regularly.
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