Asthma and Allergy Holiday Tips - 5 Ways to Avoid Allergy and Asthma Flare-Ups During the Holidays - By: Debbie Davis

Managing allergies and asthma well through the holidays can be as possible as it is during the rest of the year. These 5 tips will help you navigate safely through the holidays in good spirits and good health.

1. Stay on track with your normal pattern of exercising, eating, and sleeping. Of course this is easier said than done particularly during the holidays.

But if you make a checklist for yourself that you keep by your bed, on your desk or computer, or on the breakfast table that has daily cues about physical activities, meals and snacks, social events, and a reasonable to-do list, you'll find yourself feeling much more in control of your schedule and less stressed throughout the holidays.

2. Choose your celebrations carefully. Most restaurants and homes are now smoke free, but call to confirm this before you attend. If there are other known allergens such as pets, or potpourri, or candles and you know the hostess well enough, ask if the pet could be confined to another area during the gathering, or that she consider not using the scented products that might possibly cause a reaction.

If it is impossible to have these triggers removed during the party, explain why you cannot attend and offer to get together on more neutral ground at another time.

3. Always carry medicine for emergencies that can provide relief quickly. Whether you use a nebulizer, antihistamines, epinephrine or some other rescue drug, knowing you have it for "just-in-case" will allow you to relax and enjoy yourself wherever you are.

4. Keep your schedule relaxed. To paraphrase...the holidays shouldn't be a race, but a journey. So remember, there is life after the holidays. In fact most people experience a let down after the holidays because the pace has been so frantic.

Be reasonable about the number of things you commit to being a part of and schedule some real quality time with friends, neighbors, and extended family in January while many of the lights are still lit, but the time pressure is gone. You'll find it can be a lovely and relaxed time to reconnect.

5. If you plan to travel, plan ahead. Ask for a smoke-free, pet-free room. Traces of smoke and pet dander can remain in a room long after the occupants have gone.

Take an allergy-free pillow covered in an allergen free pillow case, and if you really want to insure fresh air take a portable air purifier and leave it on in your room throughout your stay.

About the Author

An excellent resource for a portable HEPA air purifier to remove airborne allergens during the holidays and throughout the year is offered by PurerAir.com at http://purerair.com/allergy_machine.html

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Debbie-Davis/66841

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