Keeping Allergies at Bay
Allergies can get the best
of us, with some 36 million people being irritated
just by grass and tree pollen every year. Allergy-proofing
your home is the first and most important step
in dealing with allergies. Medication can help treat allergy symptoms only after they
strike, the best way to prevent
allergies all together is to keep them out
of the environment you live in.
At Home
- Keep windows closed and use air
conditioning if you're allergic to pollen. The
same applies when you are in the car.
- Filter the air by covering air
conditioning vents with thin cloth to keep pollen
away and use a high efficiency particulate air
filter (HEPA).
- Clean air filters frequently.
Also clean air ducts at least once a year.
- Keep the humidity in your house
below 50% to prevent mold growth.
- Avoid areas where molds may collect,
including basements, garages, crawl spaces,
barns, and compost heaps.
- Install dehumidifiers in basements
and other areas of the house where molds tend
to collect.
- Air out damp clothes and shoes
before storing.
- Don't collect indoor plants as
soil encourages mold growth.
- Store firewood outside.
- Use plastic covers for pillows,
mattresses, and box springs.
- Use synthetic non-allergenic pillows
instead of feather pillows.
- Do not allow smoking inside the
house.
- Vacuum twice a week.
- Use hardwood floors instead of
carpeting, as carpets attract dust and mites.
Outdoors
- During pollination season
minimize walks in wooded areas or gardens.
- Avoid extreme temperature
changes as they can trigger asthma.
- Wear a mask while gardening,
as flowers and weeds release pollen that can
aggravating allergy symptoms.
- Avoid raking leaves or working
with hay.
- Don't hang clothes or linens
out to dry, as pollen and molds may collect
in them.
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