There's no season more beautiful to enjoy the great outdoors more than Spring! When Mid-March comes, it’s like clockwork. Some children start sneezing, coughing and suffering from a runny nose. However, we have some fun activities and tips to help make their allergy symptoms a thing of the past! Instead of worrying about sneezing and coughing, it's time to encourage your child to fully embrace nature. From enjoying a round of miniature golf to celebrating the return of the sun with a picnic in the park, keep reading to discover what a spring free of allergy symptoms looks like.
Spring into summer: Tip number one- Be Prepared
Did you know? One in ten children suffer from respiratory allergies in the United States, and pollen is not the only culprit. Children can also be allergic to grass, dust mites, mold spores, and many other elements. Thus, it is crucial to have a spring success kit to prevent pesky allergy attacks!
Watch the Pollen Count
Check for pollen counts in your area or county. This information is easily accessible either by a simple web search or a downloadable web app. Based on this information, plan your spring activities when pollen counts are low. Also, be aware that plants release the most pollen in the morning.
Have Access to Antihistamines
Antihistamines can prevent the release of histamines when taken before symptoms start. Additionally, they target the histamines released by the immune system and can relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing.
Spring into Summer: Tip number two- Reduce Indoor Allergens
When your children get home, have them wash up and change their clothes to reduce outdoor pollen exposure. It’s inevitable that pollen will come into your home, but the allergy sufferer should change clothes and wash their hands and face when they come in the house. However, we encourage everyone in the household to do the same, because everyone could be a pollen-carrier. It is imperative that you try and keep your house a pollen-free zone. It is particularly important to keep your children’s bedroom as pollen-free and clean as possible. Also, we recommend trying to keep your children out of their bedrooms during the day and have them properly bathe before bed. In addition, keep your windows closed! It’s tempting to open the windows with North Carolina’s pleasant weather, but don’t — because that fresh spring air brings pollen in with it. Likewise, it is better to use an HVAC air conditioning unit for children with allergies.
Spring into Summer: Tip number three- Select Pollen-free Activities for your Kids
Indoor Swimming Centers
While swimming indoors isn’t quite as fun as swimming in an outdoor pool, most local outdoor pools aren’t even open yet. So, enjoy the classic childhood activity of swimming in a pool without any risk of outdoor allergies year-round.
Venture to the Beach
Spring pollen is a great excuse to travel to the beach! On average, pollen counts are much higher in places where trees, grasses, weeds, and other plants pollinate. It can be difficult to completely escape all signs of the N.C. foliage; however, you can get to a place where there’s less pollen in the air! The beach is not only a ton of fun, but the sea breeze will do wonders for your family’s allergies by blowing away that pesky pollen. Even if the ocean isn’t quite warm enough to swim in during the springtime months, kids will always enjoy playing in the sand.
Spring is a gorgeous season to experience with your family in North Carolina, but it’s important to prepare your children for the symptoms that come with the season. Here at Primary Beginnings, we approach every child as an individual and are proud to be a part of a child’s educational foundation. To discover the Primary Beginnings difference, call 919.790.6888 (Spring Forest) or 919.785.0303 (North Hills) to schedule your center tour today.
