--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.