It's that "Lime Green/Yellow" Time of Year Again

Spring! Flowers and trees blooming, warmer weather approaching, and pollen, allergies and misery!

We can all see how our cars our covered with a light green film that does nothing but irritate our allgeries. It's in the air, as well and carried inside, all which keep the symptoms going.

For some it seems like there is just no relief and they are tied to allergy shots or medications. Itchy, swollen, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, hives, rashes, scratchy throats and more come full force this time of year and make such a beautiful season, just miserable.

Here are some tips to help eliminate your exposure to pollen and allergens and also tips to minimize or alleviate your symptoms. 

-Keep all windows and doors CLOSED in your home. Regardless of how beautiful and breezy the weather may be oustide, don't open them! This will only allow all of that "lime green/yellow film" to come into your house and land all over your furniture, carpets, bedding, clothes and more.

- Do NOT spend a great deal of time outdoors if you don't need to.  

- Take your shoes OFF before entering the house. Wash/wipe off your shoes. You will see a green/yellow film on them, especially the bottoms and you will be glad you did not track that into your home and all over your floors and carpeting.

- When in your car, keep the vent setting on "recycle the air inside the car." Do NOT leave it open to bring in fresh air, as this will only suck in more allergens into your vehicle to irritate your symptoms again. Again, keep the windows and sun roofs closed!

- Wash your face, your eyeglasses and hair after being outside. It is covered with pollen and other irritants and will continue to bother you while indoors. If you do not do so, you will be transfering it onto your furniture or bedding, where it will continue to trigger your symptoms further.

- Change your air filters in your home at least every 30 days during allergy season.

- Use an air purifier in rooms you spend the most time in. This will help eliminate free floating air particles that can cause symptoms. You can purchase these at fairly reasonable prices at your local home store, such as The Home Depot or others.

-Be sure to dust off and wipe down your ceiling fans. If these are coated with dust or pollen, it will only continue to blow around the irritants if not cleaned off.

- If you do need to garden or do yard work, or spend a lot of time outdoors, you can also wear a mask to prevent inhaling as much as possible.

- Talk to your dr about what over the counter allergy treatments may be right for you. From saline nasal spray to allergy eye drops, antihistamines, decongestants, and more, be sure you choose the best option for your symptoms and something that will also not interact with any other medication you may be taking or medical condition you may have.

It's not an easy time for sufferers, so here's wishing you all good luck and as "symptom free" a Spring as possible!