May - Overcoming Allergies and Pollen

Tips for Allergy Sufferers  

• Dew keeps pollen counts low before 6am and after 7pm. Pollen levels are highest between 6 - 10am and 4 - 7pm. Avoid outdoor activities during peak times.
• Trees pollinate in the morning, while grasses and ragweed pollinate in the afternoon.
• Rain washes pollen out of the air, but pollen counts will be especially high on a clear, windy day after it rains.
• After being outside, be sure to shower before bed, as pollen adheres to your hair, skin and clothing.
• Allergy medicine should be taken an hour and a half before outdoor workouts. Some medications are more effective when taken over a period of 5 to 7 days.
• For itchy eyes, try wearing protective glasses or applying antihistamine eye drops.
• Allergy shots are an option for individuals whose reactions cannot be controlled with antihistamines.
• When pollution and pollen counts are high, exercising indoors might be the best option.
• Research shows that diesel exhaust and ground-level ozone can worsen allergic reactions.
• More allergy tips from NIH

Other Allergy Resources:

- 100 Worst Metropolitan Areas for Allergy Sufferers
- Top 10 Best/Worst Places to Live with Allergies
- Create your own Allergy Action Plan based on these tips