Navigating Seasonal Allergies in Santa Clarita’s Spring Climate
Spring in Santa Clarita, CA, is a lovely time of year. The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and flowers are in bloom. However, due to the area’s unique flora and fauna, Santa Clarita presents several challenges for local seniors who experience seasonal allergies. The region’s many oaks, cedars, and pines produce tree pollen. Additionally, Bermuda, Kentucky, and Timothy grass spread grass pollen, while ragweed encourages the growth of weed pollen.
Santa Clarita seniors diagnosed with seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, know the unpleasant symptoms all too well. Allergens can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, a sore throat, coughing, and other symptoms. Due to their weakened immune systems, older adults are more susceptible to these allergens.
As such, it’s important for seniors and their caregivers to know practical tips to limit their exposure, alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms, and stay safe and comfortable all spring long.
3 Tips for Santa Clarita Seniors to Reduce Their Exposure to Springtime Allergens
Use these three actionable tips to reduce your exposure to seasonal allergens and your symptoms in Santa Clarita, CA.
1. Avoid Areas with Trees, Grass, and Foliage
Seniors should stay up-to-date on local pollen forecasts in their area. Check your local news to learn about pollen counts in your region. If the pollen counts are high, limit your time outdoors. Older adults should also steer clear of areas where many oaks, grasses, weeds, and other plants produce pollen.
If you must venture outside, wear sunglasses and a mask to reduce exposure.
2. Make Your Indoor Space Allergy-Free
Unfortunately, seniors can still be exposed to allergens even if they stay inside. Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and other irritants can attach to your clothes and body, becoming unwanted guests in your home.
If you do go outside, change your clothes, wash your hands, and take a shower or bath as soon as possible. Seniors should also maintain a clean living environment to limit their exposure to indoor allergens. Regular vacuuming and dusting are crucial to enhance indoor air quality. Keep your home free of clutter to reduce the need for dusting.
Older adults can also invest in an air purifier and dehumidifier to reduce allergens in their homes. Be sure to change the filters regularly. Running your air conditioning can also reduce the amount of irritants in your home.
3. Stay Healthy
Healthy lifestyle choices, including a well-balanced, nutritious diet, can reduce seasonal allergy symptoms in seniors. Some foods that help curb allergies include local honey, kefir, tuna, pineapple, onions, pepper, berries, and kiwi.
How We Help Seniors Reduce Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita, CA, is proud to provide award-winning in-home caregiving solutions to older adults throughout Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley, CA. Our caregivers can help out with light housekeeping, including dusting and vacuuming, and help seniors prepare wholesome meals with ingredients that can reduce allergy symptoms.
Contact us today at (661) 263-2273 to learn how our in-home caregivers can help you stay comfortable and allergy-free this spring and beyond.