Have you no idea what changes to make? We suggest a list of 10 tips. All it takes is a little willingness and effort. Choose at least one resolution that you will pursue in the coming year.
1. Make time for visits to an allergist
Visits to specialists are often postponed because of a lack of time. That is why it is worth designating “Health Days” in the new year, during which visiting an allergist will be a priority.
2. Do not eat foods you are allergic to
If you are certain which product causes an allergic reaction, you must not consume it under any circumstances. Some people do not follow this rule—they believe that, for example, one strawberry will not do any harm. It is not worth taking such a risk. It is better not to endanger your health and to refrain from tempting foods that trigger allergies.
3. Get ahead of an allergy attack
A resolution for people allergic to pollen. In January, it is worth planning how to combat a spring allergy attack. Starting desensitization earlier may alleviate undesirable reactions in the body. In the case of an allergy to weed pollen, desensitization should be carried out in April. Weeds release pollen from mid-August, sometimes even until mid-October. For an allergy to tree pollen, treatment begins in October or November, and one should apply for an individual vaccine at the end of September.
It is a good idea to resolve that, six weeks before the expected pollen season, we will take the antihistamines prescribed by our doctor.
4. Eliminate mould and fungi from your home
Excessively high humidity encourages the development of dust mites and mould fungi. This problem is often downplayed because solving it requires considerable effort. Therefore, in the new year it is worth resolving to take care of your home and maintain a constant, appropriate level of humidity.
5. Create the perfect wardrobe for an allergy sufferer
A resolution for allergy sufferers with sensitive skin. Carrying it out involves:
- throwing away old clothes that have not been worn for a long time—they unnecessarily take up space in the wardrobe,
- getting rid of tight-fitting items and those made from synthetic materials that do not allow air to circulate—wearing them will certainly irritate delicate skin,
- filling the wardrobe with allergy-friendly clothes—airy items made from natural fabrics, such as cotton and silk, are recommended.
6. Declutter your home and remove unnecessary items
The new year is an excellent opportunity to throw away unnecessary things from your home. The most cluttered rooms are the attic, basement and garage. This is where unused furniture, carpets, books and trinkets bought at flea markets can be found. We keep some of them as mementos—for example, an armchair bought by our grandparents. All these things are huge habitats for dust mites, which can get into other rooms, for example through ventilation. That is why it is worth considering getting rid of them from the home. However, if sentiment prevents us from throwing something away, it is a good idea to store it somewhere that is visited only occasionally.
7. Plan a holiday in a place where allergies will not catch up with you
You can escape an allergen, for example, by travelling to a different climate zone. Before going on holiday, you can ask an allergist or check online services to find out which places are recommended for allergy sufferers. For example, a trip to tropical countries may benefit people allergic to plant pollen allergens.
8. Fulfil your dream of having a dog
A somewhat risky resolution? No, if, for example, we choose a hypoallergenic dog that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Dogs suitable for allergy sufferers have little undercoat and rarely shed. Recommended breeds include Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, hairless Chinese Cresteds and Basenjis. Breeder Edyta Gajewska, in the film “A Dog for an Allergy Sufferer”, talks about the Australian Labradoodle—a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle.
9. Start exercising
An allergy does not mean that you should give up physical exertion—quite the contrary. In the new year, it is worth taking care of your fitness. Ask your doctor which form of physical activity will benefit your health. For example, walking with poles is increasingly used as a way to improve the body’s fitness. R. Kurasiński, a physiotherapy technician, talks in the film “Therapeutic Pole Walking” about the positive effects of Nordic walking. Appropriate physical fitness helps control allergies.
10. Introduce an effective cleaning schedule
A resolution particularly recommended for people allergic to house dust mites. It is worth starting the new year by introducing a home-cleaning schedule. The duties can be divided among all family members—then everyone will have a chance to fight dust mites.
Here is an example schedule:
Monday
Thorough cleaning of the rooms, including:
– dusting furniture, picture frames and trinkets
– cleaning floors and carpets
Tuesday
– cleaning the bathroom, toilet and kitchen
Wednesday
– dusting furniture, picture frames and trinkets
– cleaning floors
Thursday
– dusting electronic equipment
– cleaning the bathroom, toilet and kitchen
Friday
– changing the bed linen
– cleaning floors and carpets
Saturday
– washing windows and changing net curtains and drapes
– dusting furniture, picture frames, trinkets and electronic equipment.
This article may be useful when carrying out this resolution: “Keeping Clean”.
Choosing the right resolution is not the easiest task. However, carrying it out can be even more difficult. Therefore, we wish all allergy sufferers strong willpower and perseverance in their New Year’s resolutions. May the coming year, 2010, bring much joy and pleasant surprises. Happy New Year!
information Anna Włoszek, Dariusz Młynarczyk
The “Everything You Want to Know About Allergies” series is published in cooperation with the video portal www.JaAlergik.pl.