2014 Spring Allergy Tips For Maryland
March 31, 2014
The end of one of the longest winters that we can remember is here (we hope!). Although we can jump for joy for the change of seasons, the spring does come with one concern – allergies. Recent allergy forecasts point to the 2014 spring season to become one of the worst allergy seasons in years. Why? The overly-long winter and the recent, and major, fluctuations in temperature provide the perfect breeding ground for many allergens.
“Allergy and asthma patients already have a chronic sensitivity to things like pollen, mold and other airborne allergens, but they can also be more susceptible to rapid changes in temperature and moisture,” Dr. Clifford Bassett, medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of NY and an ambassador for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, said in a statement. “A blending of the winter and spring means these patients are at risk of multiple symptoms simultaneously.”
If you are one of the 45+ million Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies here are some tips to help make this season’s intensity easier on you:
- Sunglasses. Be sure to wear them whenever you venture into the elements. They’ll shield your eyes from aggravating allergens.
- Take off your outerwear before you come indoors. Coats, shoes and hats are examples of outerwear pieces that can collect allergens and carry them into your house.
- Eat salmon and yogurt. Both have been proven to reduce allergy symptoms in recent studies.
- Shut your windows and doors. You’ll be tempted to let the fresh spring air into your home, but it won’t come in alone. Shutting your windows and doors will block an easy opening for allergens looking to get inside.
- Wash often. Keep yourself, your clothes, your bedding, and even your pets clean. Constant cleaning will remove allergens and increase your comfort.
- Become a night owl. Allergen levels are the highest in the morning. Try to schedule all of your outdoor activities for the afternoon or evening.
- Change your HVAC system’s filters. The filters help to clean the air in your home which removes allergens. (at Shipley we include swapping out filters in our HVAC system tune-up!)
If your allergies are still bothering you or a family member the best solution for in-home comfort is a whole house air purification system. These systems clean the air in your house while minimizing allergens. They also reduces illnesses and help to keep your home clean by eliminating dust and debris. Click here to learn more about how air purification systems can benefit your family!
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