Spring Has Arrived & Brought Allergies Along For the Trip

Did the polar vortex intensify pollen counts? The answer is yes! Now that winter is over, adults and children are trading in winter coats for tissue boxes because allergy season is in full force. Unfortunately, since this record setting winter was brutally cold, allergy season has arrived earlier and more severe. When trees undergo a wet winter, mold develops causing them to release high amounts of pollen. With high pollen counts in the air throughout the country, and flowers blooming, allergy sufferers are urged to prepare for a rough couple of weeks, and worse, possibly months.

Allergy sufferers begin to notice watery eyes, congestion, runny noses, sinus headaches, and sneezing. Common combat solutions?

             ·         Place air purifiers in the home

             ·         When pollen counts are high, use the air conditioners, keep windows closed

             ·         Shower before bed, remove access pollen off of the body

             ·         Use neti-pots to clear nasal passageways

In addition to using home remedies to fight allergy symptoms, don’t forget to check expiration dates on allergy medication and nasal sprays, and keep a ready stock. There is also a new allergy medication, Oraiair, made up of freeze-dried grass that helps with allergies (ask doctor before use). If over the counter medications don’t work, visit the doctor and let them prescribe a medication based on specific symptoms.

Rid Your Car Of Winter!

As one of the top three snowiest winters in recorded history, the harsh weather has consistently impacted commutes over the past couple of months. Slush, salt, sand, grime, and frigid temperatures have impacted vehicles from the tires to wiper blades. With the hope that winter is on its way out and spring on its way in, it's time for your car to have a once-over and undo what winter has done.

• A good detail will do the trick. Salt, sand, and grime can cause corrosion underneath cars. Visit the local detail shop and get the undercarriage thoroughly cleansed. While there, ask them to clean all carpets, window slots, vents, and interior seating to remove all winter debris. It's also a good idea to pop the hood and remove any leaves or frozen elements.

• Replace wiper blades. Between the rain, sleet, snow, and hail, windshield wipers have done their fair share of work. They have frozen and defrosted numerous times. With the spring showers approaching, it is recommended that drivers change their wiper blades to ensure safe travel.

• Keep your tires turning. Cold weather can cause tires to be under-inflated and the upcoming warm weather can cause them to become overinflated. Visit your local tire shop and have them inflate, or deflate, all four tires to the appropriate tire pressure standards. Before leaving, have the mechanic inspect tire treads to ensure proper traction support for the upcoming rain season. If the treads have worn down, it is time to replace the tires.

• Time to align. Once your tires are ready for spring, have your local mechanic perform an alignment. This will reinstate the balance in your car that has been impacted by the  numerous potholes. A typical alignment will average $80, though well worth it.  Proper alignment can catch tire and suspension issues before they become major repairs!

• Top off all fluids. The extra power needed to make it through the winter elements can pollute oil quicker than usual. While aligning and checking your tires, have the mechanic change your oil. Even if your mileage indicates that it is not time for a change, you want to make sure the oil is clean. Also check all break, transmission, and windshield wiper fluids.

Now that you're ready to hit the road in warmer weather, don't forget to make sure all insurance premiums, inspections, and registration renewals are up to date!

Surprising Seasonal Allergy Triggers

With spring rapidly approaching, allergic reactions have spiked as compared to the winter months. Allergy symptoms consist of sneezing, runny nose, watery or itching eyes, skin rashes, and common cold-like symptoms. To control these symptoms, many doctors prescribe seasonal medications or even yearly medical regiments to control allergy attacks. According to Prevention.com, the most effective way to decrease allergic reactions is to understand their triggers.

     Surprisingly, summer fruits are first on the list of agitators. Grass or ragweed allergy sufferers are advised to take precaution when eating apples, peaches, pears, and melons when these fruits are in season. Baseball parks, America’s pastime, overflow with an influx of families during the spring and summer months. Ironically, the dust and dirt from the field may contain high levels of spores, causing allergy symptoms to surface. Be aware and take precautions such as carrying allergy medications in case of an attack. After the baseball game, be careful of jumping directly into the pool to cool off. Diving into water instead of easing the body in can trigger asthma or allergy symptoms because of the sudden temperature drop. As the evening approaches, be sure to remain downwind during those late night camping adventures or bonfires. Smoke inhalation weakens the body’s immune system causing allergy symptoms to worsen.

     Lastly, on those beautiful summer days, think about the way heat traps pollen and diesel bringing allergens closer to the ground. It’s a good practice to always check the weather report for air quality. If quality is low, take precautions. 6 Surprising Seasonal Allergy Triggers