How to Perform Outdoor Activities during Allergy Season

Spring allergies affect many people, and can especially be a nuisance for those with hay fever and asthma who want to be active outdoors. The sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing and coughing may prevent you from enjoying an outdoor sport such as your morning jog.

By taking a few precautions, you can enjoy outdoor activities during the allergy season:

• If you have asthma, use your rescue inhaler about 15 minutes before you exercise, and take the extra time to warm up slowly. Don't overdo it. If your asthma symptoms prevent you from exercising, see your doctor.
• Try not to exercise outside when the pollen is at it's highest - the early to mid-morning hours. Exercise in the evening hours or after a rain, which washes pollen out of the air.
• Take your allergy medication everyday, or as needed allergy medication (such as an oral anti-histamine pill) a few hours before you go outside.
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses to decrease the amount of pollen that gets into the eyes.
• Consider wearing a mask or bandana to decrease the amount of pollen that gets into your nose and lungs.
• Carry a clean towel with you to wipe any sweat (and pollen) away from your face during exercise.
• When finished exercising, shower immediately and put your exercise clothes in the wash (they're likely to be covered with pollen).