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Posted by Todd Parker Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if you're allergic to pollen. Don't use fans since they can stir up dust. Keep windows closed and set the air conditioner to use re-circulated air if you are allergic to pollen. Minimize walks in wooded areas or gardens. Eat in smoke-free restaurants. Discuss your child's allergies with school personnel.
on 5/15/2005, 11:12 pm
Allergy-Proof Your Environment
Medicines help treat allergy symptoms once they strike, but there are several steps you can take to prevent symptoms altogether. The following recommendations can help you avoid allergy triggers whether you're at home, outdoors, or out on the town.
At Home
Filter the air. Cover air conditioning vents with cheesecloth to filter pollen and use a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) if you have a forced air furnace. Replace air filters frequently and clean air ducts at least once a year.
Avoid areas where molds may collect, including basements, garages, crawl spaces, barns, and compost heaps. Have someone else clean these areas often.
Air out damp clothes and shoes (in the house) before storing.
Remove laundry from the washing machine promptly. Don't leave wet clothes in the washer where mold can quickly grow.
Don't collect too many indoor plants as soil encourages mold growth.
Store firewood outside.
Encase your pillows, mattresses and box springs in impermeable liners
Wash your bedding every week in hot water.
Don't allow smoking in your house.
Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning, vacuuming, or painting to limit dust and chemical exposure.
Limit throw rugs to reduce dust and mold. If you do have rugs, make sure they are washable.
When possible, choose hardwood floors instead of carpeting. If you must have carpeting, choose low-pile material.
Remove street shoes when entering your home
Avoid dust-collecting Venetian blinds or long drapes. Replace old drapes with window shades instead.
Make sure there is an exhaust fan in the bathroom and over the stove to remove excess moisture
Avoid feather and wool bedding. Use washable blankets, quilts and pillows (preferably cotton). If you use feather wool pillows and comforters, make sure they are encased with impermeable liners.
Use one or more room air purifiers – the HEPA (high efficiency particulate arresting) kind for your bedroom and any other room in which you spend a lot of time. Do not use devices that generate ozone as their primary purpose or as a by-product. This includes so-called “ionizers.”
Avoid using humidifiers and, if necessary, use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture in your home. The humidity should be kept below 50% and preferably less than 40% to prevent mold growth. Use a humidity gauge and monitor humidity levels.
Clean the house regularly with a HEPA vacuum and with a damp or specially treated dust cloth.
Avoid dust-catching clutter. Use enclosed places to keep books, toys and clothing and keep the closet doors closed. Keep surfaces free of knick-knacks.
Inspect and remove major sources of mold growth such as wet carpeting, rotting flooring, water-damaged wallpaper and firewood.
Regularly clean the base of your refrigerator which is a haven for decaying food, insects, dust and mold.
In the Car
Don't permit smoking in the car.
Outdoors
Check the forecast. Stay indoors as much as possible on hot, dry, windy days when pollen counts are generally the highest.
Try to avoid extreme temperature changes -- they are triggers for some people with asthma.
If possible, stay indoors between 5 and 10 a.m. when outdoor pollen counts are usually highest.
Wear a mask when mowing the lawn if you are allergic to grass pollen or mold. Avoid mowing and being around freshly cut grass if possible.
Wear a mask when gardening, as flowers and some weeds release pollen and can cause allergy symptoms.
Avoid raking leaves or working with hay or mulch if you are allergic to mold.
After being outdoors, take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes to remove pollen that may have collected in your clothes and hair.
To protect yourself from insect stings, wear shoes, long pants and sleeves, and do not wear scented deodorants, perfumes, shampoos, or hair products.
Don't hang clothes or linens out to dry, as pollen and molds may collect in them and can make your allergies worse.
Dining
For food allergies, avoid the foods that cause your allergy symptoms by carefully reading ingredient labels and asking about the food preparation methods when dining out. Choose fresh foods rather than prepared or processed foods. If you have severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, carry an epinephrine injection kit with you at all times.
For Children in School
If your child suffers from food allergies, discuss them with school officials, teachers, and lunchroom staff.
Educate your child about his/her allergies early, so your child can learn to avoid situations where he or she may eat a food that will trigger an allergic reaction. Arrange for an epinephrine kit to be left at the school, and make sure school officials (and your child when they are old enough) are able to use it correctly.
Inform school personnel about the medicines your child is taking and make arrangements to leave necessary medicines at school.
Encourage sports participation, but inform coaches of medicines that may need to be taken before activities.
Todd Parker
http://www.cleanairplus.com
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