Allergies, Inside & Out

The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.

Anti-Allergy Gardening Gear

Reviewed by: Marc J. Sicklick, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI

Even the greenest of green thumbs won't do you any good without the right tools. When working in your garden, keep these gear tips in mind to get your garden growing and reduce your allergy symptoms:

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• Limit the area that pollen can stick to you by wearing a long-sleeve shirt, gloves and a hat while you garden.
  
  
• Wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, and consider investing in a face mask designed to filter allergens from the air. Masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are the best.
  
  
• Take your meds. Antihistamines and many other allergy medications work best when used before you head out to the garden. Talk to your doctor about when to take these for the best results.
  
  
• Buy better garden supplies. Wood chips and mulch harbor mold, so use gravel, oyster shells, vinca or pachysandra instead.
  
  
• Instead of keeping your own compost pile, buy fertilizer.
  
  
• Keep your gardening supplies outside. If you bring them inside, you’ll be bringing in allergens with them.
  
  
• You may want to consider keeping a pair of shoes and an outfit exclusively for gardening, and keep these things well away from your living areas.
  
  

What's Next: Create a Low Allergen Garden (download the PDF)

• Meet the Allergens
  
• Manage Your Allergies
  
• Home: Your Allergy-Free Zone
  
• Keep Your Pet!
  
• Love the Outdoors Again
  
• Sneeze-Free Gardening
  
  

Review date: 02-19-2008