You At Your Best

alleviate allergies, symptoms with BY SARAH HANEY NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Allergies affect people of all ages. Allergic rhinitis affects between 10 and 30 percent of the world's population. In addition, the prevalence of allergic diseases has risen in industrialized nations for more than 50 years. Seasonal allergies tend to be the strongest in spring and autumn. Allergies can be exacerbated by many factors, including in homes where improvements are being made. Regular housecleaning can remove many common allergy triggers and help alleviate symptoms. Knowing which common home improvement mistakes can aggravate allergies can help homeowners avoid them. Use exhaust fans Using an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce the levels of moisture in these rooms and fi lter out potential allergens and odors. Moisture can eventually lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which isn't healthy for anyone, including allergy sufferers, to breathe in. Launder with hot water When it comes time to wash linens, do so in hot water, which can kill dust mites residing in sheets and blankets. Employ mattress covers to further protect against dust mite allergies. Shampoo smart Shampooing a carpet may cause moisture to become trapped in the carpet fi bers, leading to increased dust mites or mold growth. Spot-clean stains instead. Otherwise, hire a professional cleaner who will clean and dry the carpet as quickly as possible. Damp dusting is better When cleaning up dust or home renovation debris, use a damp cloth or a vinegar solution to wipe down surfaces. This helps trap small particles instead of sending them into the air. Treat mold issues Mold can trigger allergic reactions, so it is best to keep it out of a home. Solutions that contain at least 10 percent bleach can be effective at killing mold, but it's best to prevent mold from growing entirely. That means keeping tabs of any moisture issues and addressing them immediately. Allergies can be problematic, but routine home cleaning in the right way can help alleviate symptoms. alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with alleviate allergies, symptoms with BY SARAH HANEY spring cleaning Suit up Before any cleaning begins, allergy sufferers should don face masks and rubber gloves to prevent themselves from breathing in allergens or having them touch their hands, where they can be transferred to the face or elsewhere. Those cleaning should also wear clothes that can be easily removed and laundered after a day's work. Clean windows singularly Prolonged exposure to outdoor allergens, such as pollen, mold or ragweed, can aggravate allergies. Therefore, if windows are being cleaned, do one at a time and then promptly close the window. Having the air conditioning running can help fi lter the air as well. Invest in a HEPA lter Vacuums with HEPA fi lters can trap allergens that are so small that they pass through regular vacuum fi lters. That means instead of containing them, these small particles are only being shot back into the air where they are easily breathed in. Vacuuming once or twice a week keeps carpets and fl oors as clean as possible. Plus, don't forget to vacuum upholstered furniture and drapes as well. 16 | YoU AT YoUR beST | nwADg.coM/YoUATYoURbeST ApRil - TAckling AlleRgieS | SATURDAY, MARch 31, 2018

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