By The Federal Citizen Information Center
Now that winter is over, there is nothing more exciting than finally being able to get outside again and enjoy the weather.
With higher temperatures, longer daylight hours, the trees growing back and flowers springing up, what could change your good mood?
Stepping outside and suddenly sneezing, you realize your allergies are back too.
Whether you suffer from mild allergies or more serious reactions, these tips from the Federal Citizen Information Center can help you get control of your seasonal and household allergies.
With spring in the air, opening windows and doors to enjoy the fresh air can also cause the stirring of pollen which can bring allergens inside your house. Allergies to pollen, known as hay fever, affect more than 35 million Americans a year.
You can’t avoid going outside all spring and summer, so do your best to prepare for allergies. But you can do some simple research and try over-the-counter remedies for this time of year. Or a doctor can run blood or skin tests to find out exactly what you’re allergic to and can recommend whether an oral medicine or an allergy shot is best for you.
As temperatures rise, humidity can as well, which leads to mold and other bacterial contaminants that can affect your allergies. The EPA suggests that for most small mold contaminations, you can take care of the problem yourself. Severe water damage can also lead to mold, and worse allergies, so make sure to stop the spread of mold as soon as you notice it.
Allergies can really put a drag on your day. Check out a full list of resources that can help you avoid future allergy problems, and discover if you have other food or animal allergies. Once you’ve tamed your allergies, you can get back to smelling the flowers and enjoying the spring weather.
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The Federal Citizen Information Center connects people with government benefits, services and information through its family of websites, including Pueblo.gsa.gov, USA.gov, GobiernoUSA.gov and ConsumerAction.gov; by phone at 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636) and with publications by mail from Pueblo, Colorado. FCIC is part of the U.S. General Services Administration’s Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies.
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Comments welcome.
Posted on April 6, 2011