Tips for Fighting Allergies That You May Have Never Tried

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I remember the first time it happened. After over 20 years in New Jersey, I was always told it was bound to happen eventually, but I didn’t believe it until I saw it. Or rather, I felt it quite powerfully. I was out at one of my first paid photo shoots of all time – the beginnings of my (hopefully) lifelong career. In fact, I even have a photo from that outdoors shoot!

(Obviously it was a cosplay photo shoot and I didn’t travel back in time!)

After I got home and at some point the next day, I came down with what I thought was a full-fledged cold. It was late March at the time, and a bit chilly, but it was becoming more springlike over time. In like a lion, and out like a lamb. I still went to work all that week, but for ten days straight, I had a runny nose and itchy eyes with no other symptoms. Finally, I got the spring allergies diagnosis and my first reaction was to say, “Allergies? Me! No way. That happens to OTHER people.” I was wrong because that was just the beginning. Since then I’ve moved cross country twice before settling down in Massachusetts.

There are places that don’t give me spring allergies. When I lived in California, I think I had allergies for ONE DAY. When I visit Cape Cod, they’re virtually gone. That said, whether it’s western Massachusetts or New Jersey, I know they are going to hit by early spring. Generally, I’m ok about it because I love spring so much, but they have gotten me down for the last few years. Then it occurred to me that just because I’m going to have allergies, doesn’t mean I have to suffer allergy symptoms.

1 – Why not try something new and powerful? Allow me to introduce you to Xyzal® Allergy 24HR – now available over the counter at CVS! I have the 35 count bottle, but it also comes in 10 count, 55 count, and 80 count sizes as well.

People in the northeast are often told to accept their allergies, but I’m afraid I can no longer do that. I want to manage them! Like many of you, I’m a young(ish) working parent, and I need to be my best, rested, healthy self. Also, I LOVE spring. Have I mentioned that? Three out of our four New England seasons make me happy, but I’m such a sucker for spring and I don’t want anything – like sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, nose and throat – to get in the way of my enjoyment.

Xyzal, now available at CVS, is for the 24 hour relief of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes, nose or throat. It’s full prescription strength, and provides clinically proven relief in 60 minutes. I take it before bed so that the Xyzal relieves symptoms while I sleep and I wake up ready for the morning ahead. Xyzal relieves indoor and outdoor allergies and gives better symptom relief with continuous use. As with any medicine, it’s important to read the product labeling and use accordingly.

2 – Try houseplants that help instead of hurt. Most flowering plants are pollinated by insects, but your indoor plants don’t have the same luxury and can grow mold spores. Keep plants to a minimum – avoid shrubs, trees and pollen-producing grasses.

3 – Control your humidity. Mold thrives in moist areas. We have central air-conditioning, but it’s not common in New England. You can also measure indoor humidity with a hygrometer, and invest in a dehumidifier. We keep one in our basement.

4 – Wear those sunglasses. Yes, really! It keeps pollen out of your eyes! Not to mention that allergy-prone eyes are more sensitive to harsh daylight, so sunglasses will help with eye irritation AND getting pollen out of there!

5 – Road tripping for spring break or summer vacation? Consider going places with a low pollen count – like the beach (more on that below). If you’re going through high pollen areas, travel with the windows closed and during early morning or evening.

6 – Windows, curtains and blinds are great hiding places for allergens – clean these areas regularly and vacuum often.

7 – Rethink how you do laundry. One of the biggest indoor allergy causes – and Xyzal treats indoor allergies too – is the dust mite. They love stuffed animals and sheets, both of which we have in droves. It’s advised to wash your bedding in hot water and dry it in a hot dryer to kill dust mites. Wash bedding weekly, at least.

8 – We already have indoor pollens, so make sure you keep the outdoor ones where they should remain – outside! Remove work clothes and boots when entering the house, and it’s a good practice to shower right after yard work.

9 – Eat well and drink water often! Vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins are never a bad idea (unless you have food allergies) but there’s no doubt they make your whole body healthier. Drinking water thins mucus and is good for all-around health.

10 – Take a break. As I said above, my northeast allergies are non-existent in Florida, California, or even Cape Cod – close to home! Apparently, the beach is a great place to escape from pollen. So that’s a great reason to get to a beach!