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The crisp fall weather is here and it has many of us eager to head outside to enjoy the multi-
colored leaves. Of course, the downside to this sea of leaves- many of us have to rake it up!
This chore can be a nightmare for folks who suffer with allergies. Ragweed is the number
one cause of fall hay fever. It's pollen can travel as far as 400 miles, so even if it doesn't grow nearby, you can still get the sniffles! Some other common fall allergens include pollens from trees, grasses and molds. Outdoor molds become plentiful this time of the year in gutters, soil and fallen leaves.
If you have allergies and are planning on doing some cleaning up outdoors, it's a good idea to
wear one of these face masks. Pollen and mold spores are easily stirred up when mowing or raking up leaves.
Some other tips to help you this fall avoid the headaches, runny nose and itchy swollen eyes
that come along with allergies: rake leaves while they're dry, don't wait until they become damp and moldy. After working outside, wash your work clothes right away-so you don't contaminate the inside of your home with plant pollens. Also, make sure to take a shower and wash your hair. Keep in mind, if you're trying to avoid pollen, any outside activities should be planned after 10 a.m. If you're trying to stay away from mold spores, the morning is actually the best time to do any sort of outdoor activities.
Now, if you're an allergy sufferer, you may just need to hire someone to do some of your
outdoor work. Also, make sure to talk to your doctor to see which allergy medication is best for you this fall allergy season. |