Try these ideas to beat spring allergies

Spring is in full swing, and that means pollens are back. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts on how to beat your allergies.

If you’re like me, you dread your seasonal allergies once the warmer weather comes back around. There are easy ways to get around the runny nose, cough and itchy eyes!

Things to try

The first step to avoid allergy symptoms is to find out what you’re allergic to. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to get a diagnosis.

From there, you can learn what symptoms to expect, and your doctor may prescribe the right allergy medicine for you.

When it comes to medicine, the earlier you start, the better. It’s best to even start taking your medication before your first signs of symptoms. This way you can limit yourself to just minor allergic reactions during peak months.

There are also free, natural ways to limit your allergy symptoms through the warmer months.

Simple things, such as staying inside and using air conditioning, can help. Keep your windows closed at night to prevent dust, pollen or mold from entering your home.

It’s wise to check your local allergy forecast. This will let you know which days are expected to be better than others to enjoy some time outside.

Wearing a mask outside can also prevent allergens from getting into your mouth or throat. The same goes for wearing sunglasses. This will help block pollen, ragweed or mold from getting into your eyes.

Things to avoid

You should try to avoid several activities.

Having somebody else mow your lawn, or avoiding freshly cut grass in general, can help. However, I found wearing a mask while cutting my parents’ lawn helped.

Try not to hang your clothes up outside, since pollen can collect on your clothing and you’ll feel the effects until you wash them again.

One you may not think of: Don’t over-water your indoor plants. Over-watering can lead to mold buildup in the soil, giving you a reaction without even knowing it!

Last, but certainly not least, is to clean your home frequently.

I hope these tips help you this spring and summer! Good luck and enjoy the warmer weather.

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