Defeat Spring Allergies

Spring allergies – are they getting the best of you? Spring is a beloved season, gifting us beautiful flowers, new life and sweat smelling fresh air. However, along with the fresh air invites pollen and the allergic reactions that come with it for many allergy sufferers. Those of us who suffer from allergies, spring can be a double edge sword. Although, the weather is perfect and outdoors is where we all want to be, some of us avoid going out because allergy symptoms hinder our ability to enjoy the day. The itchy eyes, the sneezing and runny nose, can be too much to bare so inside we stay while we look out the window at another Arizona gorgeous day.

Here is the Good News for Spring Allergy Suffers!

With only a few simple changes in your daily routine, you can greatly reduce your allergy symptoms and still enjoy the spring season.

Six Easy Steps to Reduce spring allergies:

1. Minimize the transfer of pollen from outside. When you enter your home remove your shoes or have a separate pair of shoes you wear indoors verses outdoors. If you have pets, you should brush them off before entering back inside and give them frequent baths, as pollen clings to their fur. Small measures like this will greatly reduce the amount of pollen that is transferred inside your home.
2. Bathe or shower in the evening. Just as pollen sticks to your pet’s fur, it will also attach to your hair and skin and then be transferred to your sheets and pillows. Our bodies natural defense against allergies is compromised at night when we rest, so it is important to keep your bodies “war zone” to a minimal, especially in the evenings. Showering at night allows for the pollen to be disposed down the drain instead of your bed sheets.
3. Keep doors closed. We all enjoy fresh air but it carries pollen, which is what you’ll want to reduce in your home. We all want to spend time outdoors but leave the pollen outside to fight spring allergies.
4. Change the AC air filter. Your air filter is designed to filter the air and trap unwanted debris from the air, such as dirt, dust, and pollen. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter to trap allergens. If in doubt, wear a mask to prevent you from breathing in allergens stirred up in the air while vacuuming. Keep your air filters clean. This will reduce the amount of pollen in your home and will help you breathe better.
5. Adjust the humidity in your home. A humid environment is a playground for mold. Spores from mold cause major allergic reactions. The level of humidity in your home should be less than 60%. Purchase a humidity gauge to help monitor the level. A dehumidifier can also reduce the humidity in your home. You can find dehumidifiers at Walmart, Target or any pharmacy.
6. Check the Pollen Count. Watch the daily local news forecast to get the pollen count. Also, visit www.pollen.com to find out what the pollen count is in our area. Plan your days around the pollen to avoid spring allergies. If there is a high pollen count avoid the outdoors. Take in a movie or catch up on your reading and indoor hobbies to better manage allergy attacks.

These few simple steps in defeating allergies will help you feel better and enjoy what springtime has to offer.

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At Paradise Ridge Dentistry we care about your overall health. We wish you a happy allergy-free May.