Spring and summer are not the only seasons that allergy sufferers dread. Winter months can be brutal for those of us that suffer from allergies to mold spores and dust mites.
We all tend to spend more time indoors in the winter, and we have additional exposure to allergens, dust, smoke, and other air pollutants that otherwise would not affect us.
While we are in the midst of the cold, dark winter months, there are some things that we can do to reduce exposure to allergens and make life more bearable while we are hibernating.
Grab some Kleenex, drink lots of water, and follow these tips for avoiding excess discomfort with winter allergies:
1. Use those exhaust fans
Regardless of whether you live in a home or in an apartment, you’ll find that there is excess moisture that hangs in your closed-up space following cooking or showering and bathing.
Use exhaust fans while engaged in these activities, and if you are able to, crack a window open from time to time to release some of this pent up moisture that could contribute to mold and mold spore growth.
2. Clean floors well
Lots of dirt, dust, and grime can live in carpets and even on hard floors. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter certified carpet cleaner will help to reduce the number of allergens in fabric.
Also, regularly cleaning hard surfaces will reduce the amount of dirt and dust that are kicked up into the air while moving around. Reducing the number of allergens floating around will reduce their effects on your home and ultimately, on your health.
3. Manage pet dander
If you have pets, you have additional allergens floating around your home. Keeping your pet’s coat clean at this time might not be easy, but it is necessary for your health.
Regularly wash bedding and surfaces that your pet comes into contact with, and wash dogs and cats with pet shampoo and conditioner to reduce the amount of dander floating in the air.
We love our furries, and taking care of them well is not only good for them, but it improves our health as well.
4. Install a high-efficiency furnace filter
A high-quality filter in your furnace is going to be essential in order to weather the winter months without allergies. A good filter will almost effortlessly improve the quality of the air you breathe, promoting better health overall.
You need only to look at a dirty, outdated filter to see what this type of device will do for your health. Head down to your local home construction store or hardware store and make the small investment needed for clean air all season long.
5. Wash bedding and clothing in hot water
Washing bedding, blankets, and clothing in hot water will help to kill harmful pathogens and dust mites that can naturally take up residence in these fabrics.
Regularly wash bedding, blankets, clothing, and slipcovers on furniture; this will reduce the potential for allergy triggers as you attempt to warm yourself this season.
Rest assured—there is no need to move, there is no need to use harsh or abrasive chemicals to strip down all of your belongings. You can use these tips for ridding your home of excess allergens and triggers. They will help you all to coexist as you are waiting for the snowplows to come and rescue you.
We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity “Get All A’s” questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. In that way, and as a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.
We’ve accepted all of your stories, tips, and expertise over the years. We accept all that comes with the challenges of running an online magazine.
2. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?
We appreciate all of our readers, writers, and collaborators. Without all of you, we wouldn’t exist today. Thank YOU!
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.
We are proud of Identity Magazine and the opportunity to support so many writers, authors, business owners, moms—WOMEN. Let’s all continue to Get All A’s.
Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash
