Identify the Allergens
Knowing the primary causes for outdoor allergies is an important step in keeping your symptoms down and your spirits up. With the changing of the seasons, different plants come into bloom, so there are new sources of pollen in the air to make you sniffle and sneeze. Ragweed is a common allergen in the fall, and it is one of the worst offenders when it comes to making allergies flare up. Learn to identify ragweed and make sure to remove it from your yard on sight. Other weeds and mold are also lurking around in fall, so removing weeds frequently will not only make your yard look its best, but will help you to breathe better in the long run as well.
Garden Smart
Make a plan before you get to work on your garden to ensure that you are protecting yourself as much as possible from allergies. Keep track of daily pollen counts to see when they are highest, and make sure you avoid spending time outdoors during those times, even if it means working during odd hours. Wearing the right clothing can help as well to keep allergens off your skin. Make sure to wear long sleeves and pants, and gloves to prevent as much contact as possible. If you know your allergies are more severe, consider taking an antihistamine before going outside so that you can help stop symptoms before you start.
Keep it Outside
Once your hard work is done, resist the urge to flop right down on the couch to enjoy a break. After being in the yard, you’ll be tracking in pollen and mold on your clothing, shoes, and even in your hair, and they will just transfer to any surface you touch. Instead, relax by taking a warm shower and wash allergens down the drain. Keep windows closed and sealed to keep pollen and mold from coming in, and run a good HEPA air purifier like our MinusA2 to eliminate any pesky allergens that do make it inside. With planning and awareness, you can keep your yard looking great and yourself breathing better all throughout the season.
