Shake hay while the sun shines...
HOW TO BEAT POLLEN COUNT WHILE EXERCISING
AS TEMPERATURES increase and the days get brighter, more people will be looking to exercise outside.
However, with pollen counts typically increasing at this time of year, hay fever sufferers may find exercising outdoors difficult.
With this in mind, the experts at fitness equipment supplier Mirafit have shared their top tips for exercising outdoors if you suffer from hay fever.
They include the best time of the day to work out if you want to reduce your symptoms.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME OF DAY
If you want to avoid being bombarded by pollen, then the best time to exercise outdoors is between 4am and midday according to one study.
That is when pollen levels tend to be at their lowest.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, higher levels of pollen occurred between 2pm and 9pm.
Allergist Dr Stanley Fineman said in the report: “I see patients every spring and fall who are really suffering due to their pollen allergies.”
He said that in order to diminish the impact of pollen during the allergy season, sufferers should close windows, take off their shoes and clothes when you come inside, and immediately throw their clothes into the washing machine.
Dr Fineman explained: “If you are someone who enjoys outdoor activities, you need to be aware of when pollen counts are lowest, and what times are best for you to be outside.
“Weather apps and websites are a good way to monitor pollen levels in your area.”
WATCHING THE WEATHER
Try to avoid working out outdoors when the weather is warm dry and windy, as these conditions will allow pollen to circulate more easily.
Dr Fineman revealed: “Instead, consider going out after heavy rain, as the humidity that follows can help to keep pollen grains down”.
The medic also suggested that checking the pollen count before you head outdoors can also help you decide whether it’s worth braving a run, or whether it’s best to use the gym for that day.
OPT FOR NON-DROWSY MEDICATIONS
If you decide to exercise outdoors, consider pharmaceutical intervention before leaving the house, to decrease the severity of hay fever symptoms later on.
Look for over-the-counter medication that contain loratadine, cetirizine, acrivastine, or fexofenadine as these are considered non-drowsy antihistamines.
Hay fever treatments containing chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine or promethazine on the other hand, are likely to make you feel drowsy and therefore are not ideal if you want a productive workout.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY While it may sound obvious, try to avoid exercising in areas where flowers are in bloom, or where you will pass through grassy or heavily wooded areas.
Instead try to exercise in urban areas if possible or near to a body of water, as pollen levels are typically lower here.
WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHING
Wearing appropriate clothing can also help with preventing the effects of pollen.
Wraparound sunglasses can be helpful at shielding your eyes from pollen, whilst wearing a hat can prevent pollen from sticking to your hair fibres.
If you severely suffer with pollen, wearing a face mask can limit the amount of pollen you are being exposed to.
Applying a small amount of Vaseline around your nostrils can act as a barrier, preventing it from entering your body.
WASH OFF POLLEN AFTER EXERCISING
Showering after a workout is especially important after exercising outside if you suffer with allergies.
Pollen can stick to your body and clothes, so ensuring that you shower and wash clothes after exercising outdoors, reduces how much enters your home.
If you are still suffering with symptoms, try using a nasal rinse with a saline solution.
These are normally available at your local pharmacy, but you can also make your own solution by following these helpful steps:
- Boil one litre of water on the hob for five minutes to eliminate bacteria.
- Add two teaspoons of non-iodized salt and one tablespoon of baking soda, stir and then allow it to dissolve.
- Allow the solution to cool to room temperature before using with a nasal syringe.