Spring is making its welcome as we say “so long” to what has been a legendary winter for much of the country. The trees are blooming, the days are longer and brighter, and people are putting away their coats and re-entering the outdoor world.
At the same time, eyes are watering, noses are running and heads are throbbing.
This is the unfortunate tradeoff of spring for many people: allergies.
Between 40 and 50 million Americans are affected by allergies, and at least 35.9 million have seasonal allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Those types of numbers obviously will have a major impact on your workforce.
Here are a few tips we’ve compiled to soften the blow of allergy season, and help you and your employees enjoy the spring.
1. Keep your windows shut.
While it may be tempting to open your windows and let some of that fresh spring air into your home or office, you’re actually letting in thousands of allergens that may be carried inside by the wind. For a fresh breeze, run your air conditioning system on circulate, and let the filter do its job. Additionally, the use of high-efficiency filters can trap more pollen and keep your air cleaner than conventional filters.
2. Stay inside on dry, windy days.
Rain and humidity help suppress airborne particles, while high wind and low humidity are prime contributors to the spread of pollen. If you suffer from airborne allergies, stay indoors on days like these. Don’t be tempted by lunch at patio restaurants. And follow your local weather forecast for updates about ozone action days.
3. De-clutter your work and living space.
We’ve all heard the term “spring cleaning.” It turns out there is some truth behind that common phrase. Piles of papers, dusty bookshelves and even that well-used telephone harbor unwanted germs. Clear your clutter, and dust around the office. Wipe your phone and keyboard frequently, too.
4. Check pollen reports daily.
There are an abundance of online sources for regular, up-to-date pollen level information. The Weather Channel provides a daily report for every American city, while pollen.com will show you precisely when allergy season starts in any given area.
5. Consider removing gluten and dairy from your diet.
Gluten allergies can sometimes be confused with lactose intolerance. Other than the similarity of the symptoms, however, there is a significant difference. Unlike lactose intolerance, a gluten allergy can have a long-term impact on your health.
If you’re experiencing fatigue, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, a sore throat, itchy and watery eyes, or any other common allergy symptoms, don’t try to tough it out. At Star Wellness, we offer allergy testing at reasonable prices.
If there is an issue, a physician or a specialist can prescribe much-needed medication. He or she can also scrutinize the results for the possibility that your symptoms are not allergy-related, but are indicative of other health conditions.
