Now that summer is in full swing, chances are that you’re spending plenty of time exploring the areas around Washington, D.C. And why not? It’s been absolutely beautiful in our neck of the woods lately. Whether you’re going for a bike ride around town, taking in a Nationals game at Nationals Park, or just lounging outside and taking in a bit of sun, there are plenty of reasons to be outside at this time of year.
What you may not have expected, however, is that allergies are making you suffer. You see, for many people, allergies are a reality of life that they don’t really expect to have to deal with in the summer. Unfortunately for many people, these allergies can keep them from experiencing all of the great things that summer has to offer.
After all, you can’t just stay indoors all summer, nor can you turn down the call to play with the kids in the backyard. Luckily for you, your primary care providers at Medics USA have a few tips on how you can make the most of your summer and keep your allergies in check. Keep reading to learn more!
How to Deal with Summer Allergies
No one likes to wake up with a stuffy nose or itchy eyes, but unfortunately all of the showers we get in April and the resulting flowers that come in May can cause quite a few allergens to be released into the air. We know what you’re thinking–”it’s July, so shouldn’t these allergens be gone?” One can dream.
Whether it’s pollen, grass, or weeds that are the culprit in your particular case, you don’t have to simply grit your teeth and bear it. Here are a few of our tips to make dealing with your allergies a little more manageable:
Check Your Air Filters
Probably the first thing you should do, and the one that could make the most difference, is swapping out your home’s air filters. This is a great line of defense against any of the particles in the air that are causing you to be itchy, stuffy, or anything else. Consider for a moment what happens when you open the door–you’re letting allergens into your home. Now consider what your home’s HVAC system is doing–circulating air throughout your home.
Swapping your air filter is an inexpensive and easy first line of defense against the allergens in the air that make their way into your homes. This change alone could cause a drastic decrease in how you are reacting to your allergies.
Keep Clean
Additionally, staying on top of maintaining your home’s cleanliness is another way of reducing the allergens that make their way in. This means that making it a point to shower regularly can help to get allergens off of your body. You should also make it a point to vacuum and dust on a regular basis, ensuring that any allergens that have worked their way into your home won’t be staying long.
We know that it can be hard to find time to clean during a busy summer, but trust us when we say that it’s in your best interest to invest in committing to keeping your home as clean as it can be.
Shut Your Windows
One incredibly popular thing to do during the summer is throw the windows open at night, allowing the cool air to sweep through your home, reducing energy bills and providing you with a comfortable temperature to wake up to in the morning. Of course the problem with this is that it also allows allergens to make their merry way right into your home.
Fortunately for you, one trick that is of particular help (especially if you keep a clean home and have replaced your air filter) is to take a look at your home’s temperature control unit. Chances are that it’s set to keep your home cool in the summer and you can take advantage of this even more so. Your unit should be labeled with a switch that alternates between “auto” and “on.” This switch, contrary to popular belief, simply runs your HVAC unit’s fan.
The cost to run the fan is relatively low, but the benefits are massive in that it works to constantly circulate the air throughout your home that you’ve already paid to cool with your AC. The best thing you can do is to open up your vents (yes, even the ones you aren’t using) and allow your system to work the way it was designed to. We can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be cooler without having to open windows and let allergens in.
We’re Here to Help!
Of course if none of these things do the trick, we are here to help. From antihistamines to decongestants, your primary care providers at Medics USA can help to find a solution that works best for you. We know that everyone’s allergies attack them in different ways, so if you’re looking for a solution, swing by your nearest Medics USA medical clinic and we’d be glad to assist you.
We have two different locations in Washington, D.C. and you can rest assured that your total wellness is our biggest concern. Whether you visit for an annual checkup or need some lab testing done, you can count on our team to provide you with friendly, attentive service. It’s as simple as that! Book an appointment with us today.