Beware?Allergy season is here!

Are you one of 50 million people in the United States with allergies? If so, here are some important precautions?

1. Simple tasks like vacuuming can stir up dust and other irritants and can make you feel allergy-type symptoms.  But the good news is that you can limit exposure to these and other airborne allergens such as animal dander and pollen by using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters can be effective for people who have problems with airborne allergens and irritants such as animal dander, pollen and dust.

2. Try to avoid any outdoor exercise or gardening during peak pollen-release hours (6 a.m. to 10 a.m.). When gardening or mowing the lawn, wear a particle mask.

3. Wear sunglasses to keep pollen from getting into your eyes, and don't rub your eyes while you are outdoors. After being outdoors, bathe, wash your hair and change your clothes to remove pollen. It is especially important to wash your hair before going to bed. Otherwise, you bring pollen into bed with you and inhale it as you sleep.

4. Check local television or newspaper weather reports for pollen counts and forecasts. The National Pollen Network offers national allergy forecasts daily. For pollen counts in your city or town, go to Pollen.com.

5. You will also want to eliminate dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic creatures related to spiders that thrive on moisture. When moisture gets trapped inside a home, dust mites settle in and reproduce rapidly. Pillows and mattresses are prime habitats for these dust mites, and the bed is the main source of exposure. So think about purchasing allergen bed casings that are made from tightly woven fabrics. They can be purchased on the web or at stores carrying allergy-related items.

Do you know the best places to visit if you have allergies? - Hay fever sufferers should flock to the beach where the wind blows in from the sea or the mountains, and pollen counts tend to be lower. Find out when the plants that trigger your allergies are in bloom and avoid visiting at that time of year. Time your trip to coincide with low levels of pollen and, if you are traveling by car, close the windows and use the air conditioner. Bottom line: Allergies occur when a person's immune system reacts to these seemingly harmless particles?another reason to maintain your health with proper diet, exercise, and chiropractic care!
:-) Dr.D.