Outdoor Allergens

1. Keep the grass short, but have someone else do the mowing. If you can’t avoid the yard duty, wear a mask when you mow.
2. Don’t rake leaves, as this also stirs up molds.
3. Don’t dry clothes outside.  Pollen bonds to fabric.
4. Allergic to molds? Plan outdoor activities when the weather is hot and dry.
5. Ban smoking at home and at work. Smoke only aggravates allergies.
6. If you have hay fever, stay indoors when pollen is high.  Avoid parks, woods, and gardens during the allergy season.  Save errands for late afternoon or after it rains.  Pollen is worst during early hours and on dry windy days.
7. Wash the pollen right our of your hair – shower and shampoo frequently.
8. Consider your allergies when planning a vacation.  Ask your doctor to suggest a spot where the source of your allergy isn’t in bloom during your holiday.
9. Do not move just to avoid allergies, you may develop new ones in your new home.
10. If you garden, avoid choosing plants, trees, grass, and weeds with tiny flowers, such as goldenrod.
11. Try to keep windows closed at home or in your car.
     
    Indoor Allergens
     
12. When choosing a pet, a dog is safer than a cat – but fish are even better.
13. If you must have a dog or cat, choose a shorthaired breed without a  thick undercoat.
14. Wash animals frequently and try to keep them out of your bedroom.
15. Avoid pillows, comforters, and other products filled with feathers or down.
16. Indoor molds and mildew thrive in humid environments.  If mold is found use a cleaning solution containing 5% bleach and a small amount of detergent to easily eliminate molds and mildew once you discover them.
17. To reduce humidity in your home use air conditioning to clean, re-circulate and dehumidify the air in the home.  You may also consider using in-home Hepa Filters to help reduce indoor allergens.
18. If you are allergic to Dust Mites, reduce the humidity in your home, remove carpeting as much as possible and replace with hard flooring such as tile and wood.
19. Enclose Mattress, box springs, and pillows in plastic barrier cloth.
20. Change the air filters monthly in heating an air conditioning systems, and/or install an air purifier, preferably with a HEPA filter.