.png)
Spring is approaching and so are the seasonal allergies. It’s a time for sneezing and coughing and itchy eyes, ears, noses, and throats. It’s estimated that 1 in 5 Americans suffer from some sort of allergy, and seasonal allergies account for 40 million of those people. Spring is beautiful, but it’s often pretty miserable for a lot of us. Sure there’s Benedryl and nasal sprays, but what else can we do to alleviate these awful symptoms? Here are 3 tips to consider as spring approaches:
1. Clean
Yeah, we know. You’re sick of hearing about spring cleaning. But for those with seasonal allergies, there’s a good reason behind it. Getting rid of pollens that drift into your house is important. Some suggest washing your hair every night before going to bed to keep the pollen load lower in your sheets and pillows. Getting all of that dust under control can really help relieve your symptoms.
Also, be sure you vacuum twice a week, and to limit exposure while cleaning, feel free to wear masks and gloves. We all know that stirring everything up with that duster can lead to an attack! If you have rugs, make sure to vacuum those as well. It also helps if they are washable, so you can work on keeping them as clean as you keep your sheets (and everything else).
2. Keep The Allergies Outside
We know it’s finally really nice outside, but it’s really best to keep your windows closed. Whether you want to let that cool afternoon breeze in your house or have them down during your car ride to work, having the windows open lets that dreaded pollen come drifting right into your space. Plus, if you keep the windows closed, you’ll have less pollen to clean up during all of the cleaning you’ll be doing already!
3. Check the Weather – and the Pollen Count
Pollen seems to be more intense on warm, sunny, breezy days. You know, the prettiest days. So the cooler, overcast and windless days are your best bet for going outside to exercise (and yes, you should still be exercising!). Luckily, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma Immunology keeps a really cool updated map on the current pollen and mold counts in your area. By checking this every day, you’ll best know what to expect tomorrow. You’ll know what to wear (big sunglasses and hats keep the pollen out of your eyes), where to exercise (indoors or outdoors?) and even if you should have a little extra OTC or prescription allergy meds handy. You can see the AAAAI’s National Allergy Bureau Pollen Count here.
With these great tips in mind, you should be well on your way to an enjoyable allergy season. Remember, spring is the time of life (even though it really feels like death for some of us), so let’s enjoy it for what it is and do our best to make it as beautiful as it should be!
Looking for more great tips? Check out our blog page here!