Dealing with Seasonal Allergies

Spring means flower buds and blooming trees – and if you’re one of the millions of people who have springtime allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. Springtime allergies can make you pretty miserable, especially if you’re prone to the variety of culprits here in Oregon. I’ve found these simple strategies keep springtime allergies under control:

Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days – the best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.

• Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
• Remove clothes you’ve worn outside; you may also want to shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• Don’t hang laundry outside – pollen can stick to sheets and towels.

Take extra steps when pollen counts are high

• Check the Internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels. I’ve seen this as part of the TV news broadcasts during the weather segment as well.
• If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications or booking consistent acupuncture appointments before your symptoms start.
• Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high.
• Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest

The best way to deal with allergies is to be pro-active. You might also consider getting tested to see exactly what causes your allergies. Sitting in the sauna may also help. Of course, I’m no doctor- just someone, perhaps like you, who has suffered from allergies for most of my life. I have lived in the Midwest, on the west coast, and here in the Pacific NW, and I can tell you- Portland definitely takes the prize for me and my allergies! May and October are my strongest months for allergy symptoms and my best defense is to be prepared when the pollen comes! Good luck, and keep those aloe tissues close.

– Maggie Palmer, Marketing Director