Mattresses That Can Help With Allergies

If you are an allergy sufferer, then you understand how miserable an onset of symptoms can make you feel. At certain seasons, simply walking outside to the mailbox can leave your sinuses stopped up or your eyes watering incessantly. Dust in the house or the office is another trigger for allergy symptoms. But did you know that your mattress can be a major source of allergens, too? Have you noticed that you have trouble breathing when you wake up each morning? Fortunately, there are modern mattresses that can help you with your allergies.

Mattresses are important in dealing with allergies because dust mites are the most common cause of night-triggered allergy symptoms. The inner spring system of a typical coil mattress actually creates a sort of incubator for dust mites, as well as a dark place for mold and mildew to accumulate. Mattresses with pillow-or quilted-tops can also provide the perfect places for dust mites and their debris to accumulate. That means that allergy sufferers should consider choosing a different type of mattress to help alleviate their symptoms.

The Serta iComfort "Insight" Gel-Infused Memory Foam Full Mattress Set is a wonderful mattress for night-triggered allergy sufferers. The world's first memory foam that is infused with MicroSupport Gel gives you a supportive night's sleep that is also cooler than traditional mattresses provide. Serta's Cool Action material is infused with premium-grade memory foam to provide sleeper's with comfort as well as ease from the allergy symptoms that can arise from the accumulation of dust mites and their debris. The Ultimate Edge Support of this mattress provides added strength to the piece, reducing the tendency that older style mattresses have to allow sleepers to roll off the edge. That means that in addition to finding allergy relief, you will also sleep more securely than ever before.

The Serta Perfect Rest Two-Zone Airbed is another choice to consider when it comes to finding a mattress that helps you reduce allergens in the bedroom. This comfortable mattress features a two-zone air chamber system charged via an air pump with memory and auto-fill features. An external pump with two handheld controllers allows you to customize the support for your specific needs. A high quality damask fabric cover is durable well as comfortable, providing you with a relaxing night's sleep. And that mean you'll wake the next morning rested and clear-headed, with no troubling allergy symptoms to slow you down.

The Serta Perfect Rest Four-Zone Airbed provides you with the same great features as the two-zone edition. But it has four zones for even better comfort configurations. There is a head/foot zone as well as a torso zone on each side of this mattress that allows you to maximize your comfort and support via one of the two handheld controls. There are 65 comfort settings per zone, meaning this mattress can really be tuned to suit your body perfectly. Because this mattress and the two-zone version rely on air compartments instead of coils, there are fewer places for dust and pesky mites to hide.

Of course if you prefer an innerspring mattress, there are many choices in mattress covers that can help you prevent an accumulation of allergens. So you can happily take advantage of the features of the SertaPedic "Glee" Pillowtop Split Queen Mattress Set. The SertaPedic line brings the most supportive innerspring system to the bedroom, providing sleepers with comfort and durability. Knit Fabric/Ticking lays over Pillo-Fill Fiber, three layers of Comfort Foam, Zoned Convoluted Foam as well as the Verticoil Premiere Support System with 504 coil count. All of that means that you will experience the support and comfort you crave. And a simple mattress cover that is designed to prevent allergen accumulation will ensure that you will never waken sneezing from night-time allergies again.

The Serta Perfect Sleeper "Salvation" Super Pillowtop mattress is another offering that you can enjoy allergy-free with the simple addition of an allergen-resistant mattress cover. This mattress offers you Cool Balance Fabric Technology to help reduce temperature changes in your bed during the night. Heat flows from your body and down through the mattress, leaving you cool and comfortable, resting on the Advanced Comfort Quilt and Body Loft Fiber with Ultra Fresh. So tuck in that allergen-resistant mattress pad, lay on your favorite sheets and pillows, then drift to sleep with the knowledge that your allergies will remain at bay. You'll wake up tomorrow rested and refreshed from one of the best night's sleeps you've ever enjoyed.

You have so many choices in mattresses these days, but why not stick with a name brand that does more than ensure you a good night's sleep? Beat your allergies by putting a new Serta mattress set in your bedroom tonight. You'll wake up feeling better tomorrow morning, ready to face the day without the misery that your old mattress created.

Can An Allergy Free Diet Cure Your Arthritis?

Millions of people are affected by arthritis. Nearly fifty million in the U.S. alone. And, while arthritis can originate in children, in most cases it attacks people as they get older.

But, particularly at risk are those over the age of sixty. In fact, by the time people reach sixty, nine out of ten will be affected by the disease to varying degrees.

There are basically two kinds of arthritis - osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is the most common and is usually caused by poor nutrition and/or lack of exercise. The latter type is an autoimmune disease which attacks the joints and can occur at any age.

Rheumatoid arthritis is very destructive to the body. It causes swelling of the joints and a great deal of pain. As of yet, medical researchers have not discovered a cure for the disease. At best, doctors will prescribe medications that can ease the pain and slow its progress. In many cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are also used to help with the pain and swelling.

The bad part about taking medications, however, is that they all have side effects that can sometimes cause a lot of distress as well. So, in many cases the choice comes down to suffering from the full effects of the disease itself or suffering the consequences of the medications.

A third option that rarely occurs to people is that the cause of their arthritis may be related to one or more food allergies. While it may seem far fetched, medical trials have definitively proven that if a food allergy is not a cause of rheumatoid arthritis, in some cases it is definitely a trigger. Furthermore, when tested among elderly people, the removal of foods from their diet, that they have allergies to, caused a dramatic improvement in the health of many of them.

However, it is worth noting that the removal of certain foods did not improve all cases of rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, an allergy free diet only caused an improvement in about nine percent of the test participants. That is why food allergens can only be classified as one of many possible triggers for the disease.

Still, if you were one of the nine percent that it did help, you would think that it was a life saver. The fact is that you won't really know if following an allergy free diet will help you or not until you actually try it. If you have been suffering with the disease for more than a year, you owe it to yourself to at least give it a chance.

Make Your Home Free From Deadlier Black Mold

Most of the people want to make their house of the living place clean and germ free. Molds and the mildews do not help their cause. Molds are the microscopic organisms that have tiny shape. Molds are mainly recognized as allergic infestations that are found in the environment around us and cause the irritation to us specially who has allergic syndrome and asthma. There are thousands of molds across the world and we do encounter maximum of those.

"More molds mean more agony for living a hygienic life ever after"- this is not the real thing. In the environment there are some useful molds as well like the penicillin. The toxic black molds are very hazardous and injurious to mankind. Toxic molds are that kind of mold that produces hazardous bi-products, called mycotoxins while the individuals with asthma and repiratory syndrome are affected by this type of molds too often. Mycotoxin or the black mold Stachybotrys Chartarum) can lead to the sick building syndrome for the healthier people as well.

Almost every home gets mold infestations. The trick is to stop them before they get big and harm both you and your home. In this article, we'll show you how to identify mold and eliminate the small infestations as well as the big ones that have gotten out of hand. Among the places of the molds infestation there are some places where mold are found too often like the toilet, kitchen, uncovered food stuff, plumbing leakage of the wall, pipe break down, paintings, adhesives etc. Mold is everywhere. It's a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air as we all know. It can grow almost anywhere that spores land and find moisture and a comfortable temperature, between 40 and 100 degree Fahrenheit. Typically that includes about every damp place in your home.

People can easily spot the most visible type of mold primarily with the while in color, called mildew, which begins as tiny, usually black spots but often grows into larger colonies. It's the black stuff you see in the grout lines in your shower, on damp walls, and outdoors on the surfaces of deck boards and painted siding, especially in damp and shady areas. A mildewed surface is often difficult to distinguish from a dirty one. To test for mildew, simply dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew. If the area remains dark, you probably have dirt.

It is important to try and prevent mold and mildew growth, and if it's too late, try mold remediation and mold removal. Because mold and mildew release mold spores in the air that can float throughout the house, it can cause severe allergic reactions such as watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion and fatigue, especially to those with a mold allergy. In fact, when mold starts to reproduce inside a home, it can eat away at the structure, cause thousands of dollars in damage and possibly make family members sick from mold exposure. However, the situation is not hopeless. There are several mold cleaning, prevention, and mold removal methods to deal with these persistent problems that really come up with good.

Most of the people want to make their house of the living place clean and germ free. Molds and the mildews do not help their cause. Molds are the microscopic organisms that have tiny shape. Molds are mainly recognized as allergic infestations that are found in the environment around us and cause the irritation to us specially who has allergic syndrome and asthma. There are thousands of molds across the world and we do encounter maximum of those.

"More molds mean more agony for living a hygienic life ever after"- this is not the real thing. In the environment there are some useful molds as well like the penicillin. The toxic black molds are very hazardous and injurious to mankind. Toxic molds are that kind of mold that produces hazardous bi-products, called mycotoxins while the individuals with asthma and repiratory syndrome are affected by this type of molds too often. Mycotoxin or the black mold (Stachybotrys Chartarum) can lead to the sick building syndrome for the healthier people as well.

Almost every home gets mold infestations. The trick is to stop them before they get big and harm both you and your home. In this article, we'll show you how to identify mold and eliminate the small infestations as well as the big ones that have gotten out of hand. Among the places of the molds infestation there are some places where mold are found too often like the toilet, kitchen, uncovered food stuff, plumbing leakage of the wall, pipe break down, paintings, adhesives etc. Mold is everywhere. It's a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air as we all know. It can grow almost anywhere that spores land and find moisture and a comfortable temperature, between 40 and 100 degree Fahrenheit. Typically that includes about every damp place in your home.

People can easily spot the most visible type of mold primarily with the while in color, called mildew, which begins as tiny, usually black spots but often grows into larger colonies. It's the black stuff you see in the grout lines in your shower, on damp walls, and outdoors on the surfaces of deck boards and painted siding, especially in damp and shady areas. A mildewed surface is often difficult to distinguish from a dirty one. To test for mildew, simply dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew. If the area remains dark, you probably have dirt.

It is important to try and prevent mold and mildew growth, and if it's too late, try mold remediation and mold removal. Because mold and mildew release mold spores in the air that can float throughout the house, it can cause severe allergic reactions such as watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion and fatigue, especially to those with a mold allergy. In fact, when mold starts to reproduce inside a home, it can eat away at the structure, cause thousands of dollars in damage and possibly make family members sick from mold exposure. However, the situation is not hopeless. There are several mold cleaning, prevention, and mold removal methods to deal with these persistent problems that really come up with good.

Do You Need to Dehumidify Your Basement?

What do you do with your basement? Some folks pile up stuff they want to save, shut the door and forget the room exists. There are some that do their laundry in the basement. Others just don't go in their basements. For the most part, one does not stop to think that the basement is damp. If you do not have a dehumidifier for basement, your basement is wet and contains mold. Ever see black on those cardboard boxes of car parts? Your basement has that musty smell like a lot of basements. Over time, there is a desensitization of the smell of mold; you just don't smell it anymore.

Mold grows in dark, damp and warm places. Sounds like most basements. The most common place mold exists is the basement. Because they are located below grade, are subject to water pressure on the foundation, flood out, and have improper grading against the foundation, there is water and mold in basements. More causes are not insulated pipes, dirt crawl spaces, and lack of a dehumidifier to lower moisture in humid months, plus just being old and deteriorating with owners not aware of the problems lurking downstairs.

Mold is a serious health hazard that is only starting to gain attention. Mold causes allergy like symptoms,like sinus congestion, body aches and pains, headaches, (can be like migraines), asthma, other breathing problems like emphysema, cognitive impairment, brain fog, sensitivity to light, fibromyalgia symptoms, chronic fatigue which gets worse over time. It also causes more serious problems like pulmonary edema, brain damage, and even death. People end up getting very sick and many doctors do not know why. Mold can destroy the quality of life to the point of not being able to work anymore, disabled.

It cannot be understated: you must dehumidify your basement with a dehumidifier for basement. Dehumidifiers remove humidity from the air to where mold will not grow. Optimally, moisture needs to be around 50% to keep mold from growing. To dehumidify your basement is the first step in killing mold. You cannot start to kill mold until you reduce the humidity level. The size of the dehumidifier is important. If too small it will not sufficiently pull enough water out of the air to reduce humidity.

The basement needs cleaned of all materials that mold grows on: (any organic material that decays), wood and paper products, drywall, cardboard boxes of junk, cloth, even food which is stored in a paper lining like dog food. Clean out the basement of the fuzzy black, white or blue mold. Sweep with a HEPA vacuum and wipe all the surfaces of a mixture of cleaning product, borax and peroxide.

The dehumidifier has to keep running for most of the year. The only time of the year when it is not humid in the Northeast is the winter. Some places humidity occurs at different times. Remember that if there is mold in the basement the second you open the basement door, mold just escaped into the upstairs...but that is another topic. Dehumidify your basement for the health of your family.

Dogs and Allergies

We as humans can have a variety of allergies, allergies to food, pollution, dust and just about anything else imaginable. Well, our wonderful family dog can be allergic to things too and it may take us a while to finally figure it out.

Pets that scratch a lot may be allergic to something, sometimes you may find that your pet scratches significantly only at certain times of the year. It is possible that your dog, like you, can have seasonal allergies. Dogs can be allergic not only to food, but to pollen, grasses, trees, dust, fleas, wool, tobacco smoke and even, believe it or not, to other pets.

A dog can have an allergic reaction simply by coming into contact with whatever substance it is allergic to (wool/fleas), by inhaling the substance (smoke/pollen), and from food.

Any dog that spends most of its time scratching and possibly chewing on itself is showing signs of a possible allergy or at least a condition that requires some type of treatment. Constant scratching and chewing leads to skin disruptions and ultimately bacterial infections. Most people think the constant scratching is a problem with fleas (possible), but more than likely it is an inhalant allergy.

Another sign of a dog with an allergy problem is a respiratory condition; coughing, sneezing/wheezing, runny nose or even runny eyes, and a third symptom may show up in the digestive system, as diarrhea or vomiting.

There are certain breeds that are more predisposed to respiratory allergic conditions than others, these dogs can suffer the same as their humans when the air is filled with grass and tree pollen, dust, mildew, ragweed and mold. Such breeds as Schnauzers, Irish Setters, Boston Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Cairn Terriers, West Highland Terriers and wire-haired Terriers are among the most common affected with air type allergies.

Females for some reason are affected more so than males and it usually occurs between the ages of one to three years.

How are dogs tested for inhalant allergies?

Diagnosing an allergy suffered by a dog is not really an easy matter. Much is done on a hit and miss basis. To complicate matters a thyroid condition could even enter into the picture. In order to find the culprit and if the allergy is not fairly evident, like a flea problem or even or a new food, a dog will have to go through a fairly lengthy and systematic diagnosis. There is no magic way to figure out the problem.

The last and most costly thing that can be done is the hyposensitization testing procedure using specific antigen injections. The cost is extremely high, the age of the dog needs to be considered as re-testing may be necessary in the future and the success rate runs about 50 percent, which is just about the success rate found when testing humans.

What kind of treatment can be given to help the problem?

The dog may be given Omega-3 fatty acids, gamma linoleic acid and/or certain vitamins and natural anti-inflammatories. Natural anti-inflammatory drugs and along with the vitamins and Omega-3 is usually a good first try in helping to alleviate the symptoms.

Antihistamines and other therapies do work, but often times make the dog a wee bit groggy. Any type of steroid drug should be used only as a last resort. The use of steroids, along with supplements and antihistamines will control the allergy, but will not come up with an overall treatment of the condition and it will return.

Corticosteroids reduce itching by calming the inflammation, however, there are side effects that can cause problems. Not only does it cause thirst and increased appetite, increased need to urinate and behavioral problems; it can cause diabetes, lack of resistance to infection and a susceptibility to seizures. It should be used as a last resort and only for a short time.

Shampoo therapy will work in some cases as bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos has helped many dogs. It seems that some allergens can be absorbed through the skin and frequent bathing reduces the exposure.

Bathing the dog with Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal with also give temporary relief and will have to be done frequently. Be careful using sprays and ointments that are not recommended by your vet, they could contain harmful substances.

Antibiotics can be used when the dog has been biting, scratching and chewing on its skin. The constant irritation creates opportunities for bacteria to cause infection and the antibiotics should be used to control it.

There are vaccines available for dogs, just as there are for people, they do work, but they are slow to work and can be costly. It is said they work about 70 to 75 percent of the time.

Environmental allergies can be handled as best you can; air conditioning in the house can reduce the chance of outside airborne allergens coning in. Dehumidifiers can reduce the problem of mold. An air cleaner with a HEPA filter will reduce dust and pollens within the household.

One important thing to keep in mind if you have a dog with serious allergies and you are considering breeding it, please Do Not. You will just be adding to a situation that will cause not only other dogs' a problem, the owners who love them too.

How can you handle the common allergy problems?

Fleas are not the earth shattering problem they were a few years ago, thank heaven, the invention of the flea spot on products have reduced the headaches of banishing fleas. We have for the most part rid ourselves and our pets of fleas, just check with your vet to see which product is the best for you to use on your pet.

Food is a common allergy for dogs, however, believe it or not, it is only a 10 to 20 percent common problem. A food allergy is rarely ever fatal, but it can be most annoying. The constant itching can lead to serious bacterial or fungal infection. If the allergy causes gastrointestinal problems you are faced with vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.

An allergy to the food your dog is eating will not cause both; it will cause an itching problem or a gastrointestinal problem. The most common problem is the itching, which in turn, not only makes your dog and you miserable, it creates a very unsightly looking dog.

Certain breeds such as golden retrievers, schnauzers, and West Highland White Terriers are thought of by some vets, to be the most at risk for food allergies, though this has not been proven conclusively.

Protein is generally the biggest culprit in causing food allergies in dogs. The most common sources of protein are, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, and eggs. Since we all need protein as part of our everyday diet, it is hard to eliminate it from your dog's diet. A food allergy takes time to show its ugly face, unless it is a new food that was recently added to your pet's diet.

Determining what food is causing the problem, especially if you are like me, and offer a mixed variety of foods to your pet, it will take time, patience and due diligence. It is important for the dog to be on a hypoallergenic diet for at least 4 to 6 weeks. A hypoallergenic diet consists of protein that has been predigested into very tiny bits, so the immune system does not recognize that it is there. This food can only be purchased at your vet's and is fairly expensive. Along with the special food, the whole family must be aware that the dog is not to have any other food or treats while the 4 to 6 week period is in progress. Now, this can really be a challenge, when looking into those big brown eyes.

The itching should gradually disappear while the dog is on the diet, once the itching is gone and the dog has recovered. Next comes what is considered the challenge and requires patience, you restore the dog to its original diet and watch what happens. If the itching starts again, it is back on to the special food until the itching is gone again and then you begin to add your dog's other foods, one by one.

This means that whatever your dog normally has been eating, you add it one food at a time and watch for a reaction. It will take several weeks for a reaction to show up and during that time, you do not feed the dog anything else, but the current food (no treats or table food). If it does not cause a problem, if is fairly safe to think that food is okay, then you add another of your dog's foods and go through the same process. Your vet will advise you as to the best way to do this, you also will be feeding the hypoallergenic food, too.

Allergies in dogs can also be tricky, as your dog cannot only suffer from a food allergy, but from an inhalant allergy also. The secret here is to find the culprit that is causing the problem for your dog and ultimately and hopefully end it forever. This is not a problem that you alone can solve; allergy problems need the help of your vet, so at the first sign of an itching problem, see your vet at once. Your dog will appreciate it and so will you.

Do Allergy Air Purifiers Really Give Allergy Relief?

In my search for a natural allergy treatment I asked: "Will an Air Purifiers or Air Cleaners really help?"

Air Purifier Sales Soar As Allergy Victims Increase

In a Nationwide health survey 54% of American's aged 6- 59 were allergic to at least 1 of 10 allergens. That's 5x higher than surveys from 1976-1980.
Allergies were the #1 reason people looked for a purifier, with childhood asthma (up 60% over the last 10 years) a close second .

As a result air purifier sales were over $400 million dollars in 2006.

How To Prevent Allergy Attacks

According to clean environment expert Dr. Robert Masto:

" Allergy sheets, vacuuming, and an air purifier to reduce airborne pollen, dust, mites, mold, and chemicals - can reduce the load on the immune system. This allows the immune system to rest which can often reduce allergic reactions. It is not a cure, but a step in the right direction"

The Top 8 Air Purifier Technologies Recommended For Allergy Prevention

In Order of Effectiveness:

1. HEPA - for animal dander, pollen, dust. A must for allergies - HEPA filters operate like a screen, capturing large airborne particles. Air Purifiers without HEPA (heavily promoted as needing "no- replacement filters") are not effective for reducing allergens.

2. UV - kills mildew, mold, viruses, bacteria etc. Even if not allergic to these Immune system stress is a reason anyone allergic should include UV in their allergy plan..

3. TiO2 -enhances UV about 1,000%.

4. Washable Pre-Filter -captures hair and saves the life of the HEPA filter. .

5. Activated Carbon - for chemicals and odors. Especially helpful for chemically sensitive people. .

6. Timed Ozone - kills mold, mildew, odor. Ozone is nature's method of cleaning the air. Use a low dose in the room a few hours before bed. (Use timed ozone, and at low levels as high levels can irritate the lungs).

7. Negative Ion - Captures some toxins and pollutants. Only mildly effective at allergens, dust, or pollen.

8. Photo Catalytic - similar to ion it attracts and capture toxins .

6 Money-Saving Tips When Buying An Allergy Air Purifier

o Ask for square footage and 'Room Cycles" .Room Cycles means how many times it clears all the air in the room. Look for 4 or more per hour (most manufacturers don't tell you)

o Avoid the infomercial units - they're generally over-priced with fewer technologies for allergies

o Find an air purifier whose replacement filters are under $30 before you buy (anything more is a ripoff)

o A Multi-stage air purifier is preferable, as many things impact the immune system affecting the allergic response

o Ionic air purifiers alone are not adequate.

o HEPA filters offer the best purification of allergens.

Conclusion

My allergy air purifier was just one of 3 things I did to cure myself of allergies. Even after you cure your allergies consider an air purifier as a way to prevent the return of allergies and a way to maintain better health.

Many Blessings To Your Health,

3 Easy Strategies to Surviving the WORST Allergy Season Ever

Ah, spring is here.

While April brings an official welcome to a fresh, new season, experts predict this spring will be one of the most uncomfortable of all time when it comes to allergies.

The reason? We didn't have much of a winter. The mild conditions most of us experienced have brought forth a lovely display of early budding and blooming of trees and flowers (and shortly, grass)--and also encouraged more pollen to circulate in the air while shortening those freezing periods that normally kill off many mold spores and other allergens.

Nature's "feast for the eyes" brings an invitation to come out from the winter months and spend more time outdoors. But it also brings a sharp increase in suffering with the symptoms of seasonal allergies: itchy and watery eyes, runny and stuffy nose, scratchy throat, sneezing...you know the list well by now.

I like to arm my patients in the Park Avenue Center for Wellbeing, as well as my coaching clients across the country--and now, YOU--with a few quick and easy steps to win the allergy war with more ease and comfort.

Strategy 1: Don't let them in!

- Remove your shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in unwanted allergens. Remember, protecting your home from invasion by pollens and mold spores is the first step in creating a more allergy-free existence.
- Change or empty your home's HEPA filters, and don't forget about the filters in your AC and clothes dryer, too. When they're clear and work well, they will eliminate 90% of airborne allergens.
- Take a warm shower as soon as you get in to remove pollen from your hair and skin. This is especially important before sleeping so irritants don't get into your pillow. And don't forget to do the same for your pet, too.
- Wash bedding often, but use the dryer instead of line-drying. Beautiful spring days make it tempting to air dry clothes outdoors, but that's an invitation to pollens and molds to move in.
- Need an excuse not to work on your yard? Inform your family that I said that someone else--someone not allergy-prone--has to perform mowing, weeding, and gardening tasks during the spring. (You're welcome--wink.)

Strategy 2: Exercise and get around wisely.

- Avoid going outdoors at the highest pollen times, typically early morning to midafternoon, or when it's dry and windy.
- Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from pollen and give them a break from itching.
- Pay attention to weather conditions, such as rain storms (which can lower pollen counts) and heavy downpours (which can hasten pollen release).
- Pay special attention to your breathing, especially if you are asthma-prone.
- Drink lots of fluids. It's always a good idea to hydrate during exercise, but in this season, extra H2O also helps keep you more comfortable by thinning congestion.

Strategy 3: Avoid packing your allergies when you travel.

- Look up your destination's local high pollen counts online before you go. Also get a rundown of allergens common to the area, which may be different from those you encounter at home.
- Bring your own dust-mite pillow covers to use at your hotel. (I do.)
- Need the AC in the car? Switch to the "recirculate" setting for better pollen control, close the windows, and take fresh air breaks only every few hours.
- Arm against dust mites and molds in hotel carpeting and bedding by asking for an allergy-proof, no-pet, or non-smoking room.
- Ask to switch rooms if yours is near the indoor pool area where higher mold counts are likely.

Keep these tips in mind--better yet, begin putting them to work today. A few changes can go a long way to ease your symptoms. I wish you more than just good luck in tackling one of the worst allergy seasons in history.