The Bright Side
with Gail Northgrave
Allergy relief
My pillows and blankets are in the freezer for the next eight hours. No, I haven’t lost my mind, in fact I’ve been making good use of it. It all started when I received my weekly newsletter from the Mayo Clinic and one of the articles stated ways to allergy-proof your home.
Like many, I suffer from a host of allergies. However, there is a bright side. Thanks to medical science and treatment I no longer spend most of the morning sneezing, scratching itchy watery eyes or having nasal congestion. Besides maintaining precise housecleaning duties we purchased an air-purifier. In addition, for the last four years I have been getting two allergy shots every month, one for trees, grasses, moulds and dust mites, while the other one is for dogs and cats. However, on a recent visit to my doctor, I’ve been told that I could eliminate the monthly needle routine for a period of six months and perhaps forever.
This is why, the prevention of allergy reactions from the Mayo Clinic caught my attention. Even the cleanest of homes are often reservoirs for common allergens such as dust mites, mold and pet dander. Apparently, bedrooms host the largest percentage of these dust mites, with our beds containing anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million of them. Not a pleasant thought. Was there something else I could do to make our home free from those pesky microscopic organisms?
Although the cause is unclear, medical findings show there is an 11% increase in the number of people suffering from allergies. Another bright spot in the concern of allergies is that, unless extremely severe, we do not need to get rid of our pets. In fact, many years ago when I asked about getting a cat, my allergist said, “the benefits you get from a pet will outweigh any detriments”.
Consequently, if you are subject to allergies, check with your family physician who may refer you to a specialist. Perhaps you too will not only be covering your pillows and mattress in dust-proof or allergen-impermeable covers but also freezing non-washable bedding in a chest freezer. Eight (though some suggest 24) hours in a plastic bag in the freezer will get rid of the dust mites.