Tips for Fighting Fall Allergies

It's back-to-school time -- a good opportunity to talk about allergies and asthma with your child's school nurse or new teacher. At home, it's time to rake leaves and prepare for winter.

Fall Allergy Tip: Stay safe doing yard work.

Rake leaves for recycling, but wear a face mask while you're doing it. Also, wear a face mask when working with mulch or hay.

Fall Allergy Tip: Keep mold under control.

A dehumidifier can help keep your basement drier and less inviting to mold. Clean your dehumidifier frequently. Wash bathroom tiles and shower curtains with mold-killing solutions

Fall Allergy Tip: Landscape to reduce pollen.

While temperatures are cooler, it's a good time to plant flowers and trees. Here are some ideas: Fir, pine, and dogwood trees produce less pollen than other varieties. Azaleas, tulips, irises, and pansies are also safe, colorful additions to the garden.