If you want to keep your family healthy this spring, you should know that there are holistic ways to achieve your goal. It’s possible to minimize the odds of springtime illnesses, including allergies, by making a few simple lifestyle adjustments. When you follow these sensible tips, you and your nearest and dearest will be ready to enjoy everything that spring has to offer – without sniffles and sneezes.
Track Local Pollen Counts
When spring begins, flowers and trees bloom. Nature’s spring rejuvenation is a beautiful thing, but it sometimes triggers seasonal allergies. These types of allergies occur when a person’s immune system overreacts to environmental triggers, such as flower or tree pollen. One of the keys to keeping a family healthy during spring is tracking pollen counts and adjusting family activities accordingly. This preventative approach doesn’t require any prescription or OTC (over the counter) medications.
There are easy ways to track pollen counts, including ultra-modern apps which share information about local pollen counts. Features of pollen-tracking apps vary, but all offer users a convenient way to find out if pollen counts are low, medium, or high. There are also a host of websites that provide similar data.
If pollen counts hit the roof, family members who are allergy-prone should stay inside, with the AC (air conditioner) turned on and the windows shut. Dry, windy days are generally bad for allergy sufferers, as pollen gets blown around. A good time to go out is just after the rain finishes, as a lot of pollen has been washed away. Tree pollen is the most common allergy trigger during spring.
Schedule Thorough Spring Cleaning
During spring cleaning, lingering germs from winter can be eradicated. A range of allergens, including pet dander, pollen that’s been tracked indoors, and dust mite debris can be neutralized. To get things fresh and sparkling, wipe down surfaces and objects with a homemade, all-natural, vinegar-and-water solution. Mix one part vinegar with one equal part water to kill most mold, germs, and bacteria.
You should also arrange for regular maintenance of your air conditioning system. If necessary, an AC technician will replace your system’s filter to ensure that interior air is as pure as possible. He or she will also check out the whole system to make sure it’s working exactly as it should be.
Learn About Allergy Symptoms
Tracking pollen counts and doing spring cleaning will help a lot, but it’s also important to understand how allergies may affect you and your family. The main symptoms of seasonal allergies, also referred to as nasal rhinitis or hayfever, are sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, ear pressure, runny nose, and fatigue. If symptoms are mild, seasonal allergies may not require trips to the doctor’s office. If symptoms are moderate or severe, children should see their pediatricians. Grown-ups may want to see their family doctors.
Keep your family feeling well this spring by taking just a few simple steps. Once you use the suggestions shared above, you’ll know that you’re making every effort to protect your family from seasonal illnesses, including spring allergies.
