ALLERGY BASICS
Learn what causes allergies and how to help reduce your exposure and symptoms.
6 Party-Planning Tips for Seasonal Allergies
1. Time it Right
Pollen counts are typically highest from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., so try to plan your outdoor party early in the afternoon.
2. Mow Down Grass Allergies
Grasses flower and release pollen into the air in the late spring and early summer. If grass makes you sneezy, try cutting the grass short so it does not flower and release pollen into the air. Also, be sure to mow the lawn one or two days before the event.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wearing an inexpensive dust or painter’s mask can help reduce your exposure to pollen and mould spores while mowing the lawn, raking leaves and doing other pre-party yard prep.2
3. Find the Right Spot
If you’re looking for a location to host an event in the summer, ask the venue what type of grass they have so you can avoid the worst allergy culprits. Wherever you end up, ask the venue to mow the lawn one or two days before the event to avoid being around freshly cut grass.3
4. Make a Mould Move
Be sure to rake up mouldy leaves before partygoers arrive. And, if you see signs of mould in your mulch, consider replacing it with gravel.4
5. Pick Flowers Less Likely to Aggravate Allergies
Whether you’re planting flowers in your yard or choosing party centerpieces, pick flowers that produce little to no pollen . Daffodils, impatiens, lilies, pansies, petunias, roses, snapdragons, tulips and zinnias are all4 less likely to aggravate allergies.5
Beware of summer standbys like sunflowers, daisies and chrysanthemums that are in the ragweed family and can trigger pollen allergies.6
6. Dress to Protect
Wear a brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses to help protect your eyes and hair from wind-blown pollen and mould spores.6 You can keep some fun shades on hand for allergy -prone guests who may have forgotten theirs. You could even make them a party favour!
REFERENCES
- A Quick Guide to Party Planning During Allergy Season. Claritin Blue Sky Living. Accessed September 15, 2017.
- Fall Leaves Are Great for the Garden but Can Be Not So Good for Allergies. Claritin Blue Sky Living. Accessed September 14, 2017.
- Environmental Management for Allergies. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed December 23, 2017.
- The New Allergy Solution: Supercharge Resistance, Slash Medication, Stop Suffering. Dr. Clifford Bassett. Accessed December 24, 2017.
- Best and Worst Flowers for People with Allergies. WebMD. Accessed October 14, 2017.
- Spring Gardening. Claritin Blue Sky Living®. Accessed October 14, 2017.
