3 easy strategies to survive the worst allergy season in history

Ah, spring is here.

While April brings an official welcome to a fresh new season, experts predict that this spring will be one of the most uncomfortable of all time when it comes to allergies.

The reason? We didn’t have much winter. The mild conditions that most of us experience have resulted in a beautiful display of early budding and blooming of trees and flowers (and in short, grass), and also encouraged more pollen to circulate in the air as periods of growth shortened. freezing that normally kills many fungi. spores and other allergens.

Nature’s “feast for the eyes” brings an invitation to get out of the winter months and spend more time outdoors. But it also brings a sharp increase in suffering with the symptoms of seasonal allergies: itchy and watery eyes, stuffy and runny nose, sore throat, sneezing … you know the list well.

I like to arm my patients at the Park Avenue Wellness Center, as well as my coaching clients across the country, and now YOU, with some quick and easy steps to win the allergy war more easily. and comfort.

Strategy 1: Don’t let them in!

– Take off your shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking unwanted allergens. Remember, protecting your home from the invasion of pollen and mold spores is the first step in creating a more allergy-free existence.
– Change or empty the HEPA filters in your home and don’t forget about the filters in your air conditioning and clothes dryer as well. When they are clear and work well, they will remove 90% of allergens in the air.
– Take a warm shower as soon as you enter to remove pollen from your hair and skin. This is especially important before sleeping so irritants don’t get on the pillow. And don’t forget to do the same for your pet, too.
– Wash bedding frequently, but tumble dry rather than air dry. Beautiful spring days make it tempting to dry your clothes outside, but that’s an invitation for pollen and mold to move in.
– Do you need an excuse not to work in your garden? Inform your family that I said that someone else, someone who is not prone to allergies, has to do mowing, weeding, and gardening in the spring. (You’re welcome, wink).

Strategy 2: Exercise and move wisely.

– Avoid going outdoors in the highest pollen hours, usually from morning to mid-afternoon, or when it is dry and windy.
– Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen and relieve itching.
– Pay attention to weather conditions, such as rain storms (which can reduce the amount of pollen) and heavy downpours (which can accelerate the release of pollen).
– Pay special attention to your breathing, especially if you are prone to asthma.
– Drink lots of fluids. It’s always a good idea to hydrate during exercise, but this season the extra H2O also helps keep you more comfortable by reducing congestion.

Strategy 3: Avoid packing your allergies when you travel.

– Look up your destination’s local high pollen counts online before you go. Also get a summary of common allergens in the area, which may be different from those found at home.
– Bring your own dust mite pillowcases to use at your hotel. (I make.)
– Do you need air conditioning in the car? Switch to the “recirculation” setting for better pollen control, close the windows, and take fresh air breaks only every few hours.
– Protect yourself from dust mites and mold in hotel carpets and bedding by requesting an allergy-proof, non-pet, or non-smoking room.
– Ask to change rooms if yours is near the indoor pool area, where there is likely to be a greater number of mold.

Keep these tips in mind; Better yet, start putting them into practice today. Some changes can go a long way in relieving your symptoms. I wish you more than good luck as you deal with one of the worst allergy seasons ever.

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