Allergies, Inside & Out

The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.

Exercising Outside

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

With a little care, exercising outside is possible for people with allergies. Follow these tips for a more enjoyable workout:

• Pay attention to your local pollen reports. If allergen levels are high, it’s probably an indoor exercise day.
  
  
• Choose the right activities. Continuous exercises (long-distance running, soccer) often trigger more allergy symptoms than stop-and-go activities (swimming, tennis, basketball).
  
  
• Don’t exercise when you’re sick. Let your body rest and recover. If you force yourself, your allergy symptoms are likely to be much worse, and you’ll take longer to feel better.
  
  
• Cover up. Wear eyeglasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from airborne irritants; if pollen counts are high, wear a mask designed to filter allergens from the air. A mask or scarf can also be useful on cold days, because it warms the air that you breathe in.
  
  
• Find good locations. Avoid areas with traffic and air pollution. If you know that plants you’re sensitive to grow nearby, find another place to exercise.
  
  
• When you’re finished, wash up. Wash your hands and face as soon as you finish exercising, and wash your hair and bathe as soon as possible. This will get the allergens off of you, so you’re not carrying them around.
  
  
• Exercise safely. Warm up and cool down for at least 15 minutes before and after any strenuous activity. Pay attention to your body and allergy symptoms. If it feels like you should slow down or stop, do so.
  
  

What's Next: Sneeze-Free Gardening

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

Review date: 02-19-2008