Seasonal Allergy Mistakes You Might Be Making
By Sara Butler
If you’re like millions of other Americans right now, you’re probably suffering from seasonal allergies. Pollen and other environmental allergens seem to get worse every year and many people are desperate to find relief. But in the pursuit to relieve itchy eyes and a runny nose, they may be making mistakes that make their suffering worse. Here are a few seasonal allergy mistakes you want to avoid!
Mistake No. 1: You Don’t Shower Every Night
Your body, especially your hair, picks up all kinds of allergens while you’re out and about during the day. If you don’t take the time to rinse your body and hair once at home, you’re inviting these irritants to spend the night -- even in bed -- where they’ll cause you problems.
Mistake No. 2: You Don’t Change Your Air Conditioning Filter
A home’s air conditioning unit uses filters to trap pollen and other allergens before they even enter your living space, but people neglect to change them as often as they should. The result is increased problems with allergies. Avoid this by simply changing filters every month.
Mistake No. 3: You Wear Your Shoes Inside
Your shoes track all kinds of things into your home, and we’re not talking about dog poop. Take off your shoes as soon as you get inside. If you don’t, the allergens that hitched a ride on your sneakers can be tough to get out; this can provide an environment for your allergies to act up for weeks. It’ll be worth your time to remove shoes and clean your floors weekly, including your carpet about once a month when allergies are really severe.
Mistake No. 4: You Don’t Change Your Clothes
If you’ve been outside -- mowing the lawn, hiking a local trail -- you must change your clothes right away. Just as your hair and shoes carry in allergens, so do your clothes. Continuing to wear clothes inside can transfer allergens to furniture, where they’re sure to cause you problems. Definitely wash any clothes that were outside; putting them back into the closet will transfer allergens to your other clothes, too.
Don’t give annoying environmental allergens a chance to invade your home – be smart and you can keep them outside where they belong. All you have to do is use your head, which will hopefully be free from a runny nose and itchy eyes when you use these tips!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.