Spring time is in full bloom down here in the desert and allergy season is in full force. If you are like many Arizonans you probably suffer from some type of allergy. Being an avid golfer I find myself out in the middle of pollen filled air frequently, so I have compiled a list of Do's and Don'ts to help combat allergy symptons.
DO'S:
1. Do wear sunglasses or glasses. Itchy watery eyes are caused by airborne pollen and other irritants. If 
you don't already own a pair of glasses or sunglasses, get a pair. Covering your eyes is not only important for protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays, but it is a huge help in keeping out those irritants. I have personal experience when it comes to this. The days I forget my sunglasses while on the golf course are always the worst when it comes to itchy eyes.
2. Pollen is at it's highest point during the afternoon. Avoiding the outdoors during these times can be a great way to reduce the risk of over exposure to pollen and other airborne irritants.
3. Wash your face frequently. If you should need to be outside during the afternoon when the pollen filled air is at it's highest, be sure to wear sunglasses, and wash your face frequently, with an emphasis around your eyes. I can't stress enough the importance of washing around your eyes.
4. Do wash your hands frequently. I know no one wants to admit that they bite their fingernails, but lets be honest, most people do. When doing so, you are putting your fingers in your mouth and consuming pollen and other irritants. There is no faster way to trigger an allergic reaction than directly consuming allergens.
5. Take a shower to remove any pollen stuck to your hair or skin, even if you fill you don't need a shower. Remember, pollen is airborne and can be stuck to you. So if you go to bed with it on your skin or in your hair, you might as well go sleep in a bed of flowers. If you have animals, keep them out of your room while you sleep, their fur can be littered with irritants.
6. Run your air conditioner. They say fresh air is key to a healthy life, but that is not always true. I remember my dad always opened the windows during the night to let the cool air in and to save money on energy costs. In theory this is a great idea. Who doesn't want fresh air and to save money? But at what cost does saving money really make sense? When we open windows, we are welcoming all of the allergy causing irritants into our homes, and then trapping them. This is a great recipe for allergy attacks.
7. Change out your air conditioner filters frequently. Be sure to change them out often. I would recommend every 30 days during the months with the highest pollen counts. There are also filters that you can buy that actually filter out the pollen. These filters have what's called a MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating the more effective it is at filtering pollen.
Don't:
1. Treat your allergy symptoms without knowing what type of allergy or allergies you have. Most allergy sufferers have year round allergies. An allergist can test you for all types of allergies and help you combat the ones most irritating.
2. Spend mountains of money on allergy medicines that may or may not work. An allergist can suggest
the right types of medicines to help or even cure your allergies. Yes, this treatment is called immunotherapy and it can actually cure allergies. Taking the wrong medication can make your allergies even worse. Example: Afrin is great for opening your airways to help you breath, but taking it for more than a day or two can make you plugged up and your body dependant upon it.
3. Hang dry your clothes outside. Drying your clothes outdoors can prove to be a big mistake as pollen and other allergy producing irritants can be chillin in the fabric.
4. Eat foods and produce that may trigger allergies. One third of allergy prone consumers are affected by "oral allergy syndrome." This is a condition where the bodies immune system sees similarities between the protiens of pollen and those found in food or produce. These foods can create an allergic reaction. I personally have some of these reactions to certain foods. I have found that some foods only bother me at certain times of the years. In some cases I can eat a food that has been cooked, peeled, or canned and I won't have a reaction. The best way to know for sure would be to contact an allergist.
5. Wait too long to take your medicaitons. If you wait until you start feeling the symptons you will suffer much longer than if you started before the season. A good check point for the correct time to start taking meds is to watch the weather. If the forecast is on the rise, then you can almost guarantee that pollen will be as well. Get on your meds before the weather warms up and you'll be happy you did.
We hope that these Do's and Dont's will help in some way. And as always, if you are looking for a home in the East Valley, we are your Gilbert real estate experts! Use the home search tool off to the right of this blog to view all active listings in Arizona. We are your one stop shop for up to date and accurate information.
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