How to Deal with Your Spring Allergies at Work

Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans each year and are the 6^th leading cause of chronic illness in the US, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Spring here in Little Rock, Arkansas is a beautiful time of year with all of the blooming flowers and lush greenery. However, springtime also brings allergens and pollen. Irritated allergies can make the work day drag on and make it hard to focus. Our office cleaning experts here at ServiceMaster Twin Cities want to help you manage your allergy symptoms at the office this spring.

Prepare Before the Workday

While your allergies may act up the most at work, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself before you walk in the office Monday morning:

Start Medication Early

Don’t wait until your symptoms show to start taking preventative steps. Begin taking allergy medication a couple of weeks before allergy season appears to drastically reduce the effects that the allergens can cause.

Steer Clear of Pollen

It’s no secret that we have pollen here in Arkansas, which can make it hard to avoid. Keep windows shut in your car and at home. Shower at the end of the day so you don’t drag any pollen into your bed. Wear sunglasses and a hat when you have to go outside to protect your eyes.

Stay Healthy this Spring

Make sure you are treating your body right this spring. Eat nutritious food and start exercising regularly. Begin to incorporate allergy-fighting foods into your diet – like green tea, spicy peppers and fruits and vegetables rich with vitamin C. If necessary, you may want to consider getting allergy shots from your physician.

Check Your Office

There are a variety of allergy triggers that may be the cause of your symptoms. Take a look around your office and try to eliminate the triggers affecting you:

• • Pollen
  • Mold Spores
  • Dust Mites
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Animal Dander
  • Perfumes and scented lotions

If you find dust mites, pollen or mold spores in your office, be sure to let your employer know so they can take the proper steps to remove them. The best way to combat your allergies in the office is to eliminate as many allergens that are affecting you. A regular commercial cleaning service can get the job done! Contact the exert janitorial team at ServiceMaster Twin Cities today to get started.

Minimize Office Allergies

After identifying your specific allergy triggers you should take some time to eliminate the triggers around your office space. If eliminating those aren’t helping, here are some other tips for reducing office allergies:

• • Make sure your workspace is well ventilated
  • Keep office windows closed at all times
  • Bring your lunch to eliminate going outside during peak pollen times
  • Regularly wipe down your desk space with disinfectant wipes
  • If your office has high humidity, run a dehumidifier
  • Alert maintenance at the first sign of water or mold damage
  • Avoid bringing in soft items that collect allergens, like chair pillows
  • Protect yourself with sunglasses and hats when coming into the office

Allergy season can be difficult, but with these tips, you can still enjoy the beautiful spring here in Little Rock! If you need commercial cleaning services for your office, healthcare facility,  education building or manufacturing facility, we can help. Call ServiceMaster Twin Cities today to get a quote!

Photo by © Ronnie Wu | Dreamstime.com