Spring and summer mean flower buds and blooming trees – but if you’re one of the Ringgold County area residents who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. Let’s face it: seasonal allergies can make you miserable! Before you settle for plastic flowers or artificial turf, try these simple strategies:
- 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 and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
- Don’t hang laundry outside. Pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
- Wear a pollen mask if you do outside chores.
When there is a lot of pollen in the air:
- Start taking allergy medications 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.
- And remember, it won’t last forever!
