Pollen is on its way—and not just from flowers. Trees, grass, and weeds will soon be sprouting and wreaking havoc on our allergies. Make the most of the nice weather by following these great tips from Children’s Minnesota:

Actions to Decrease Pollen in Homes

• Keep windows closed as much as possible.
• Use central air conditioning or set to “recirculate,” which will filter pollen from the air in your home.
• Shower and change clothing after outdoor activities to wash off pollen allergens and decrease indoor air levels.
• Change filters frequently as instructed.
• Consider a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particle air filter) in the bedroom.

Actions to Minimize Outdoor Pollen Exposure

• Avoid peak pollen times outdoors. This will lessen the amount of pollen you inhale.
• Consider a mask and sunglasses to mow the lawn during peak pollen allergen levels.
• Pollen.com is a reliable source of “pollen forecasts” in your zip code area. Click on “Forecast” to help you avoid outdoor time on days with high pollen levels.
• Plan indoor activities when the pollen count or humidity is reported to be high and on windy days when pollen levels are higher.
• Take a vacation to a lower pollen area during the peak pollen allergen level.
• Keep car windows closed when traveling.

In addition to the previous steps, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) options to prevent allergies from controlling your life. Visit your pharmacy team at Sterling to see which OTC option is the best for you.