It’s spring — here come pollen, ticks and lead
Published: 5/14/2021 8:51:37 PM
Spring has sprung in New Hampshire. More sun and higher temps mean blooming trees, fragrant flowers, and more people out and about. Spring also rings in the annual arrival of some irritating and potentially dangerous environmental hazards – pollen, ticks and lead exposure. Fortunately, there are ways of avoiding the effects of all three.
Pollen from trees, plants, flowers and grasses cause symptoms ranging from itchy eyes to full blown asthma attacks. To minimize adverse effects first, know the pollen count in your area and limit your outdoor activity on high pollen days. Also, keep your windows closed to keep pollen outside. Most pollen is produced between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Plan your outdoor time accordingly. The masks we have been wearing have the added purpose of shielding us from pollen. After outdoor time, change your clothes and take a shower to rid your body of as much pollen as possible. Finally, treat your symptoms with either prescription or over the counter medicines, preferably before you go outside.