Keep your allergies at bay

Spring is in the air, and that means that those nasty pollens will soon follow, causing untold cases of sniffles, sneezes and runny noses. Trees pollinate first, followed by grasses, then weeds. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the average pollen particle is less than the width of a human hair. Here are some tips from AAAAI to lessen your exposure to the pollens and molds that can trigger allergy symptoms:

DO keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens or molds from drifting into your home. Use air conditioning instead, which cleans, cools, and dries the air

DO minimize early morning activity - between 5:00 and 10:00 am - when pollen is usually emitted

DO take a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea

DON'T mow lawns or be around freshly cut grass; mowing stirs up pollens and molds

DON'T hang sheets or clothing out to dry. Pollens and molds may collect in them

DON'T grow too many, or over-water, indoor plants if you are allergic to mold. Wet soil encourages mold growth