Sick of Spring Sneezes? by Airborne Allergens Expert, Max Wiseberg
www.haymax.biz
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f you’re one of the unlucky estimated 6 million who suffer with hay fever during the spring, tree pollen is usually a significant trigger for your symptoms. The peak of the tree pollen season is March and April and the main ones to watch out for are alder, hazel, elm, willow, birch, ash, plane and oak. The pollen from these trees can cause itching, redness, inflammation and other unpleasant hay fever symptoms. However there are some practical things you can do help ease all of this.
It stands to reason that if you’re allergic to grapes then you avoid eating the grape. So if you’re allergic to pollen, you avoid the pollen. But it’s difficult to do that when you’re outside because it’s everywhere. HERE’S SOME TIPS TO HELP… • Wash your face as soon as you get indoors on high pollen count days. This will wash away allergens so that they can’t cause a reaction, and a cool compress will soothe sore eyes (this also works well for dust and pet allergies). • Use HayMax. The organic, drug-free balm can be applied to the nostrils and around the bones of the eyes in the morning, throughout the day and at night to trap more than a third of pollen before it enters the body1. Less allergen, less reaction. • Wash bedding very regularly to remove allergens. Antiallergy bedding made from ‘intelligent fibres’ can be very helpful for those people who suffer from dust mite allergies. They limit the growth of dust mite allergens and also keep them away from the skin. • Vacuum the house regularly, especially beds and fabrics to remove pollen particles. • Tie your hair up and wear a hat or cap when outside to prevent pollen particles being caught in your hair. • Shower at night before sleeping to remove pollen particles, dust and pet allergens from your hair and body. • Dry clothes indoors rather than on a clothes line to prevent pollen particles being blown onto the clothes by the outside wind. • Stay hydrated and eat lots of fruit and vegetables to stay healthy and support your immune system.
• Close windows and use an air conditioner preferably with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter to capture the pollen and dust particles, cool and circulate the air.
• If you own a pet then ensure that it is well groomed and shampooed as much as possible to remove pollen particles. • Get plenty of exercise. If you are doing an outdoor activity be sure to avoid the morning or evening when the pollen count is at its highest. REFERENCE: [1] Chief Investigator: Professor Roy Kennedy, Principal Investigator: Louise Robertson, Researcher: Dr Mary Lewis, National Pollen & Aerobiology Research Unit, 1st February 2012.
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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE
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