Allergies: Aches of Fall

Are you experiencing symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchiness, watery eyes, headache, migraine and cough? I know I am since Fall is the reason for the sneezing.

As the excitement build up to enjoy the colors of autumn foliage, we have to keep in mind that the season brings with it weed pollen and other allergens carried by the winds. Fall has always been the return of allergy season from Spring and here in the High Desert, our main contributor to these allergies are the ragweed, sagebrush plants.

Here are some measures you can take:

• As the mornings start to get colder, we need to remind ourselves that sweaters and pull-overs are our best friends. They keep us warm until the day catches up to us and can easily be removed once the heat catches on. I love the feeling of the cold air in my face and knowing that my pull-over is keeping the rest of my body nice and warm.
• Get rid of the weeds around your home during the summer months to eliminate the sources of pollen around you.
• Inform the school about your child’s allergies so that they can be aware of his or her symptoms as they arrive and warn you to take steps to help your child thru this.
• Tell your children not to share food with anyone since that child may be already sick or perhaps on the verge of getting there.
• Encourage your kids to change clothes and wash hands when they return from school.
• Hand Sanitizer/Disinfectant will go a long way in helping disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
• Always wear a facial mask when conducting any outdoor activity.
• Keep your windows and doors closed at all times.
• Purchase a high efficiency Air Purifier to filter, trap and hopefully remove these allergens from the air (dust mites, mold spores, pollen, etc!).
• Remove the wet, fallen leaves around your home as soon as possible the formation of mold.
• Change your air conditioner and furnace filters at least once a year.
• Stay indoor as much as you can.
• Talk to your doctor as soon as you have concerns.

You can read more about these allergies here.