As we swing into spring, the promise of longer days and lighter coats can get us in a freeing frenzy. But before we can get a chance to revel in the sunlight, the “stings” of spring are ready to pounce in a variety of forms.
From ticks to bees, flowers and trees we need to prepare ourselves to stave off the potentially harmful aspects to the warmer weather. With just a few precautionary measures, we can continue to enjoy the sunlight with little to no interruption. It just takes a little preparation.
Tree Pollen:
If you have allergies (like most of us), then stopping to smell the roses can be more hazardous than uplifting. Allergists break down the worst outdoor allergy offenders to three main groups: trees, grasses, and weeds. Trees are the main culprits in the beginning of spring; maple, cedar, oak and elm trees send out billions of microscopic pollen grains, making allergies miserable. Be sure to wash your hands first thing when you come indoors and take a shower just before bed. If you can’t completely stave off the pollen outside, at least you can lower the pollen count in your home!
Bees:
Although they are crucial to the pollination and evolution of plant life, no one likes to be stung. There are a few easy steps you can take to avoid being the center of their attention. The National Institute of Health recommends avoiding floral perfumes, dark colored clothing and drinking sugary beverages outdoors. It may not keep all the bees at bay but it will make you a less likely target.
Pollen Season Overlap:
Although trees are the main culprits in spring, as the weather gets warmer grasses begin to flourish as well, making those of us who suffer with Hay Fever miserable. General hygiene can reduce the pollen count in your home but there are other steps you can take to reduce the impact of your allergic reactions. Peppermint tea and saline solution are natural decongestants, with no side effects (unless, of course, you’re allergic to peppermint)!
Ticks:
“When it’s warm enough to go outside, it’s warm enough outside for those ticks to become active and wait for animals to come by,” says Richard Pollack, a public health entomologist affiliated with Harvard University. To avoid these hopping health hazards, the CDC recommends being mindful of your outdoor activities; stay in the center of a hiking trail, use bug repellents before venturing out, and do a full body check after venturing outside.