Temperatures in the low 80s, low humidity, lots of sun. And more allergy-igniting pollen than I can remember since … well, since last spring.
When it comes to me vs. pollen, it’s no contest: Pollen wins by a knockout. And I’m not alone: an estimated 35 million people suffer from seasonal allergies. However, allergist types say there are ways that we can minimize the Green Cloud. Not laugh in its face and continue on our merry adventurous way sniffle free, mind you. But it least try and keep our heads from exploding by simply walking down the driveway to get the paper. Their suggestions:
- First, wait until after 10 a.m. to run down the driveway and fetch the paper. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the worst times for pollen sufferers to be out and active are from 5 a.m. to 10 am.
- Find a non-allergic neighbor kid to do yard tasks such as mow the lawn, which stirs up pollen and molds. Also, do not forget to give the best respirator mask for mold so that the kid can do a good job.
- Keep your windows closed and if possible, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air.
- Vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area — the beach, for instance.
- When you come in from being outside, wash your clothes immediately and take a shower. Keeps the little green boogers from following you indoors.
- Don’t think that just because you can’t see pollen emitters that you are immune: Pollen can travel for miles, according to the AAAAI.
- Avoid activities in which you move fast and thus increase the number of incoming pollens and mold spores bombarding your facial orifices. Activities such as running and biking.
That is, the two things I do. Grr.
And achoo!