HealthTip: Allergy Season

As the allergy season slowly approaches, many of us will begin to experience symptoms including sneezing, rashes, itching, and, watery, red, irritated eyes. A few tips on how to protect yourself from outdoor allergens are listed below:

• Get a head start and begin your allergy medication 1-2 weeks before the allergy season starts
• Avoid scheduling camping or outdoor trips during high pollen counts (May and June for allergies to grasses, and September and October for ragweed)
• Avoid activities such as raking leaves and mowing the grass
• Wear sunglasses to help keep pollen out of the eyes
• When you come back indoors, shower and wash your hair to remove pollen
• Close doors and windows during pollen seasons
• Ask your pharmacist about a saline nasal rinse to help control sinus symptoms
• Ask your pharmacist about natural tears (such as Genteal) for dry eyes

If you suspect that you may have allergies, you may want to consult your physician to help you find out what allergens you may be allergic or sensitive to.

Information Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_109696.html