It’s back-to-school time -- a good opportunity to talk about allergies and asthma with your child’s school nurse or new teacher. At home, it’s time to rake leaves and prepare for winter. Stay safe doing yard work. Rake leaves for recycling, but wear a face mask while you’re doing it. Also, wear a face mask when working with mulch or hay. Keep mold under control. A dehumidifier can help keep your basement drier and less inviting to mold. Clean your dehumidifier frequently. Wash bathroom tiles and shower curtains with mold-killing solutions. Landscape to reduce pollen. While temperatures are cooler, it’s a good time to plant flowers and trees. Here are some ideas: Fir, pine, and dogwood trees produce less pollen than other varieties. Azaleas, tulips, irises, and pansies are also safe, colorful additions to the garden.