It is difficult but not impossible to enjoy outdoor adventures if you are allergic to most of the things you are likely to encounter in your adventures. However, outdoor allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold should not ruin your love for the outdoors. Taking the following precautions will allow you to continue with your outdoor adventures.
Know What You Are Allergic To
It helps to know what you are allergic to so that you can avoid those things. For example, if you are allergic to mold, you should avoid moist areas, since mold thrives where it's moist. If you are allergic to horse hair, don't pet horses or touch them and then touch your face. If you are going hiking, know the types of plants you are allergic to so that you can avoid them.
Choose When to Go Out
Go out at a time of the day when the pollen count is likely to be low. Although most plants release their pollens just after sunrise, it's the midday breezes that disperse the pollen most. Therefore, going out in the late afternoon is likely to reduce your exposure to the allergens. It's also advisable to pay attention to the reports on pollen counts and stay indoors when they are particularly high.
Take Antihistamine Before Heading Out
Taking your allergy medication before heading out may reduce the severity of your allergic reactions in case you get exposed to allergens. There are both over-the-counter and prescription medicines in various forms (such as nasal sprays and oral tablets) that can help. As should be the case with any drug, get your doctor's approval before using allergy medication.
Develop Protective Strategies
Take protective measures when going outside; this will limit the risk of exposure. For example, if you are going hiking, wear long trousers instead of shorts so that the plants don't rub on your bare legs. You can also wear gloves to protect your hands and sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes. Lastly, resist the urge to rub your eyes or touch any part of your face after touching other plants, animals, or any place that may be harboring allergens.
Despite your best efforts, you cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to the offending allergens in your outdoor adventures. Therefore, carry your allergy medication to help you in the case of attacks. Talk to an allergy doctor for more tips on how to minimize allergic reactions while touring the great outdoors.
Share24 October 2016
Seniors are like any other specialized group of people. They need services specific to their needs. Everything from nutrition to housekeeping to travel is different for seniors, and the services they receive should reflect that. I am a mental health care provider, and I work exclusively with people over the age of 65. My goal is to help educate the general population about the special needs of seniors and to inspire people to make their homes, businesses and lives more acceptable to the older generations. Seniors deserve our care and attention, and I hope that I can show others how to provide it.