HEALTH
Expert tips for managing asthma and allergies during the holidays
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TIMESLEDGER | QNS.28 COM | NOV. 19 - NOV. 25, 2021
than traditional candles which produce smoke
and can cause an asthma flare.
While you can take steps to limit allergy and
asthma triggers in your own home, you have less
control when traveling. Whether it’s an afternoon
celebration or week-long escape, plan ahead by
bringing everything you need, including allergy
medicine and asthma inhalers. Some people opt to
travel with their own allergy-proof pillow or pillow
case and other personal items to ensure comfort
if staying overnight.
Plan a paws-itively fun holiday
Whether it’s cozy snuggles, playing games or
capturing a special picture, pets can help make
holidays bright. However, when pets are around,
dander is a concern. Even if pets spend much of
their time outdoors, they may be inside more as
temperatures drop, and this means increased dander
throughout your home.
To help with pet allergies, try to keep your pets
only in certain rooms rather than giving them access
to the whole home. It can be especially effective
to keep them out of bedrooms to facilitate better
sleep. If you’re staying at someone else’s home
with a pet, close the door to the room where you’re
sleeping. You should also be mindful of limiting
how much you pet your cat or dog, and when you
do, wash your hands immediately afterward.
Food allergies don’t bring good cheer
If you or a loved one has a food allergy, it’s
important to remain vigilant in asking about ingredients
before trying foods. Never assume that
just because you cook something without certain
ingredients, other people will do the same. People
with severe allergies might be sensitive to even
trace amounts of certain foods, so it’s important to
ask. When in doubt, pass on a treat with unknown
ingredients. And always carry two epinephrine
auto injectors in case of an emergency.
When visiting someone’s home for a gathering,
make sure they are aware of your allergy so
they can plan accordingly. To ease the ask, offer to
bring a dish to share that you know is safe to eat.
That way if options are limited, you know there
is something you can enjoy. And remember, if you
are hosting an event in your home, extend kindness
by asking if any of your guests have allergies
so you can prepare a thoughtful menu.
It’s the most sniffl e-fi lled time of the year
In addition to the ongoing pandemic, the holiday
season aligns with respiratory illness season.
If you have asthma, it’s particularly important to
wash your hands regularly. The best way to eliminate
germs is to wash your hands with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds. That’s about the time
it takes to sing the chorus of Jingle Bells twice.
If you haven’t already, get a COVID vaccination
and your annual flu vaccination. It’s OK to get
them at the same time, according to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’ve been
invited to other people’s homes, you may want to
ask in advance if they are vaccinated against COVID.
Some people choose to wear masks indoors
and at private gatherings, so continue to do this if
it makes you more comfortable.
— Courtesy of BPT
What’s in those delicious holiday cookies? How
come it’s hard to breathe while decking the halls?
Is that adorable puppy in the big red bow causing
you to have a big red nose?
“The holiday season is full of fun festivities and
beloved traditions, many of which present unique
challenges to people with allergies or asthma,” explained
Dr. Mark Corbett, president of the American
College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
(ACAAI). “Fortunately, with a thoughtful mindset
and proactive approach, you can enjoy a season
full of merriment and good cheer.”
Corbett and the experts at ACAAI share tips for
managing asthma and allergy triggers throughout
the winter holidays:
Don’t let achoos interrupt celebrations
Indoor allergens are often invisible. When rotating
holiday decor in your home, make sure to
wipe down items to remove triggers like dust and
mold. Additionally, whether you’re decorating for
Hanukkah or Christmas, opt for allergy- and asthma
friendly decorations to set the holiday mood.
Try battery-operated flameless candles rather
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