Spring….the long awaited warmth of a sunny day……the respite from winters cold embrace……and there there's the pollen…….allergies…….sneezing…….coughing and hacking - almost enough to drive you back into hibernation!
Spring, without a doubt, is (just about) my favorite time of year, less the latter of the aforementioned. While I'd love to open up all the windows and let the fresh breeze blow through my house, I know that in doing so I've just invited a mess of trouble inside. To reduce my reaction to the pollen I practice a few things that might just help you too:
*Bathe before bedtime – A lot of people shower in the morning, but bathing at nighttime actually 'washes' off the pollen from your hair and skin. If you've been outside, working in the yard, take a quick shower to rinse off the pollen, as well.
*Change the HVAC air filters once a month during springtime. Even though you might think once every three months is adequate our HVAC fan needs the switch more often during this time of year. Just remember: most filters don't eliminate odors but reduce air flow, so changing them often is important.
*Invest in "allergen" filters for your HVAC air vent. A little more expensive but well worth it, the "3M Filtrete 2020 Allergen filter" is highly rated and can be purchased online. If you buy filters in bulk (usually six to a package) you'll save anywhere from 10-15%. Investing in a filter rated for "allergens" usually presents additional features with the filter (grocery stores and hardware shops are usually the most expensive places to buy filters).
*Nasal rinse kits. I cannot stress this recommendation enough! What a difference I can feel once I rinse my nose! The hacking, coughing, nasal dripping……all come to a stop and automatically I feel so much better. I recommend rinsing a few times a day. Visit your local pharmacy and talk with the pharmacist about the best products available and then buy the generic or store label brand. Or if you want to invest in a brand name product, "Ayr", "Neil Med" and "Neti Pots" are reliable brands that make excellent nasal rinse kits. Rinsing out your nasal passage ways rids you of allergens that cause various symptoms (nasal drip, coughing/hacking and sneezing). You'll be surprised how much relief you will receive once you "rinse out" your nose!
*Dust every other day with an "allergen" type product (Febreeze makes a great allergen free product that cleans and remove allergens). If you open up the windows then prepare to dust every day.
*Stock up on anti-histamines.
Your sneezing and coughing are a combined result of an allergic reaction to pollen. Zyrtec is an excellent brand but generic products (with the same content) are usually half the price.
*Have all carpets and window treatments cleaned professionally (unless you can throw it in the washing machine). Professional cleaning equals deep cleaning. Allergens like to "dig deep" into upholstery and carpet, so get those drapes cleaned as well while you're at it! Allen's Dry and Clean, 495-3626, clean my carpets and upholstery; I highly recommend them. They're professional, reliable and competitively priced. Right now they have a three room special (call for details). Tell them "Pat" sent you!
*Drink plenty of herbal tea and distilled water. Peppermint, green tea or anything with a squeeze of lemon are great choices for soothing your throat and opening up your passageways. Lemon in your tea or water adds extra antioxidants which help fight toxins.
*Avoid certain types of fruit for certain types of allergies.
According to www.livestrong.com, if you are allergic to ragweed, avoid cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and bananas. If you have a variety of allergies and want to know more about which fruits to avoid, visit their website to learn more about the interaction between allergies and fruit (http://www.livestrong.com/article/368714-fruits-to-avoid-with-pollen-allergies).
*Use coupons to save money on all your "allergy" needs. My dear friend, Lori Clayton (aka "The Coupon Consultant") is an excellent resource for all things related to "couponing". Her website, www.thecouponconsultant.com, provides a continuous feed for the best places to save money and where to use coupons for the best deals. If you don't see the coupon you're looking for, she has a section on her site that allows you to ask a question (http://www.thecouponconsultant.com/about). Let Lori know I sent you!
Quick tip: The first wave of spring is always the toughest part. Just practicing a few things each day will make surviving the pollen much easier.
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