Practical Tips to Manage Allergies
 

1. Discover your personal allergy triggers. It's hard to avoid the things you're allergic to if you don't know exactly what they are. Don't guess - find out for sure, and be better equipped to battle the offenders! Skin testing is the one way to truly confirm what is triggering your allergies, and Wellness Concepts offers testing for environmental (and food) allergies. Once you've determined exactly what you're reacting to, Wellness Concepts also offers a few different safe, entirely natural, at-home treatment options that won't suppress your immune system like other antihistamines and drugs. See below, or visit http://www.wellnessconceptsllc.net/allergyservices.php for more information.

2. Allergy-proof your home. Keep windows and doors closed on days when pollen levels are high. Use an air conditioner to circulate and cool indoor air and be sure to change the filter every couple months. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is extremely effective for dust, mites, pollen and pet dander. You can also try mite-barrier covers for your mattresses and pillows, to reduce the effects of dust mites, and if you have carpets, consider replacing them with hardwood or linoleum.

3. Check the pollen count. Pollen counts are highest on hot, dry, windy days and pollen is most apt to bother you in the mid-day, when it is carried on the afternoon breezes. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or sunset, but make sure to check the count yourself daily for an accurate report. We post daily levels in our office during allergy season, but you can sign up online for daily updates to be sent directly to your email! Visit http://pollen.aaaai.org/nab/ to check out the levels or sign up.  

4. Clean house to reduce allergy offenders. Vacuum twice a week, and don't skip the couch! Furniture can be a major hang-out spot for allergens. Use a microfiber cloth, not a feather duster or Swiffer, to dust bookshelves, blinds and other surfaces that collect dust.
 

5. Rinse allergens out of your hair and clothes. Pollen collects on your hair and clothes, so after an outing on high-pollen days, wash your clothes and rinse your hair. Try to also choose clothing fabrics that hold less pollen.

6. Proactively treat allergy symptoms with natural treatment. See below for ideas. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll find relief (or avoid symptoms altogether)!