Spring is here . . . sort of !

It’s Spring – at least that’s what the calendar says! Although it was 19 degrees this morning here in Fort Collins, CO, pretty soon things are going to be in full bloom. For some of us with seasonal allergies, that means our noses and watery eyes will agree with the calendar. According to WebMD.com:

one in five people in the U.S. have either allergy or asthma symptoms;
55% of Americans test positive for one or more allergens; and
allergies rank #5 among chronic diseases. Allergies in those statistics include pollen, cat dander, or food. Not great news, particularly if you’re a singer!

If you suffer from allergies, particularly seasonal allergies, here are a few tips that will help you get through the tough times:

Rinse out your sinuses: using a neti pot or Neilmed sinus rinse is a quick, natural way to flush out mucus and allergens so you can breathe easier.
After being outside: toss your clothes in the hamper and take a shower/bath to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
If you’re taking medication, start early before the pollen hits: some allergists suggest starting treatment a couple of weeks before symptoms actually hit.
Be careful of OTCs: some nasal sprays should be used for only a few days.
Increase your H2O intake if you are taking any medications.