Outdoor Activities and Allergy Management in Vaughan

Allergy Management in Vaughan - The Key Takeaways

• Vaughan's peak tree pollen season usually runs from late April through early June, while grass pollen peaks in June and July and ragweed is a real problem come late summer and fall.

• Before you go out, check the pollen forecast for Vaughan on ca.klarify and The Weather Network - this can save you from a world of trouble.

• Take a few simple precautions: get out early in the morning or after 7 p.m., wear some sunglasses and a light mask, and you'll be amazed at how much better you feel.

• Your doc can also prescribe some over-the-counter meds and give you some tips on how to stay ahead of the allergies, including over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops, which can really help if you start taking them at the right time.

• And if you want to get some personalized advice on how to tackle your allergies, book a visit with the folks at the Eagle’s Landing Medical Centre.

  
  

Spring Allergies in Vaughan: Why They're a Real Pain

A sunny May day in Vaughan is usually the perfect time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, go for a hike at Boyd Conservation Area, take a walk around Mackenzie Glen, or just enjoy a stroll near Canada’s Wonderland. But for a lot of people, all that blooming stuff just makes life miserable, including itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and a runny nose.

Unfortunately, pollen is just a normal part of life, the stuff that plants produce as part of their reproductive cycle. But for people with allergies, it's like their worst nightmare. And in Vaughen, where we live, maple, birch and oak pollen usually hit their peak in late April and early June, followed by grass pollen in June and July, and then that nasty ragweed comes in in the fall.

And the thing is, it's not just the pollen itself that's the problem. It's also the fact that it can travel a long way and affect people even if they don't live near the plants that are producing it. And of course, if you're one of those people who's been lucky enough to avoid allergies your whole life, you might not even realize that there's a problem.

Allergy Season FAQ

How do I manage allergy symptoms while hiking or camping?

When you're planning a trip into the great outdoors, it's a good idea to check the pollen forecast before you leave, take any necessary antihistamines or nasal sprays ahead of time and wear protective gear like a hat, sunglasses and a mask. Try not to touch your face, and as soon as you get back home, get cleaned up and change your clothes to get rid of all that pollen and allergens.

What are the top-rated allergy relief products for outdoor activities?

Some of the top-rated products for allergy relief when you're outdoors include oral antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra, nasal sprays like Flonase and Nasacort, eye drops like Zaditor and Pataday, and saline nasal rinses, which can help flush all the allergens out of your nasal passages.

How do I reduce pollen exposure when gardening outdoors?

If you're planning on doing some gardening, then it's a good idea to do it after it's rained or later in the day when pollen counts are lower, wear a pollen mask and gloves, choose plants that are less likely to trigger an allergy (like ones that are more likely to be pollinated by insects) and keep your garden weed-free. And don't forget to wash your skin and change your clothes as soon as you get back inside.

What is the best outdoor gear for people with pollen allergies?

If you're allergic to pollen, then some of the best gear for you includes pollen masks or N95 respirators, which can help filter out airborne allergens, wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes, wide-brimmed hats to keep pollen off your face and hair, and clothing that's made from tightly woven, smooth fabrics that won't hold onto pollen.

Keeping an Eye on the Pollen Counts

Checking the pollen counts and air quality is a simple thing to do. All you need to do is access the web or open up your weather app. And the difference it can make to your life is huge.

Use the Canadian site or app on ca.klarify to check the pollen levels for where you live or wherever you plan on going. You can also use The Weather Network’s forecast page and app to get the same information. They have a section on pollen counts as well as air quality.

And don't just check once. Check every day. You'll start to see patterns emerging, like high count days after warm, dry, windy weather, and low count days after it's rained a lot overnight. It's worth doing, trust us.

Best Times and Places for Being Outdoors in Vaughan

When you go out is just as important as where you go when it comes to allergies. If you check the pollen counts, you'll find that it's usually best to get out early in the morning or late in the evening, when levels are lower.

In Vaughan, the pollen levels are usually at their highest mid-morning through to mid-afternoon, so try to avoid going out during these times if you can. Instead, try taking a walk at the Humber River trails, or Mackenzie Glen District Park, or North Maple Regional Park early in the morning before 9, or after 7 p.m. in the evening.

And if you can, try to avoid areas with a lot of grass or weeds, especially if it's been recently cut, this will reduce grass allergies emerging when you least expect it.

Add a Few Extras to Your Outfit for a Safer Day

There are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself from pollen and other allergens when you're out and about. For a start, try wearing sunglasses, especially if you're going to be out for a while. Wraparound styles are best.

A mask can also be a real help. Look for one that's designed to filter out small particulates. It's especially useful when you're out in the yard, doing some gardening or whatever.

A brimmed hat can also help keep allergens out of your hair, and smooth, tightly-woven clothes are a good idea too. Try a lightweight windbreaker, for example. And don't forget to wash your clothes as soon as you get home.

Medication and Allergy Busting Strategies For Seasonal Allergies

There are a few things you can do to help your allergies, and they're not all medication.

For a start, your doctor can give you some tips on how to stay ahead of the game and recommend some over-the-counter meds that can really help. And if you're really struggling, you can also ask them about prescription medication.

But there are also some simple things you can do to help yourself. Try keeping a diary of when your symptoms occur, for example, and see if there are any patterns. And if you can, try to plan your activities around the pollen count. Many Vaughan residents manage their spring allergies with a combination of medication and home routines. Modern non-drowsy antihistamines, such as cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine, to name a few, can cut down on sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes when you take them as directed once a day.

Taking over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can give you some relief from allergy symptoms while you're out and about. For the best results, talk to a doctor about starting your medication a couple of weeks before your symptoms usually kick in. That's often around mid to late April in Vaughan. Steroid nasal sprays can help with persistent congestion if a healthcare provider recommends them.

Changing your clothes, taking a shower, and washing your hair after being outdoors can help cut down on the allergens you bring into your home. When you've been out, it's a good idea to change your clothes, take a shower, and wash your hair to minimize bringing allergens into the house. And don't forget to give your pets a wipe down, especially dogs that love running through the grass.

On extremely high pollen days, keep your windows and doors shut, use the air conditioning and consider getting a HEPA purifier for your bedroom. Staying indoors for part of the day or avoiding the worst of the pollen isn't giving up - it's just smart.

Staying Active Outdoors in Vaughan Without Making Your Outdoor Allergy Symptoms Worse

Most people with allergies can still enjoy being outdoors if they plan ahead a bit. Here are some tips to help reduce your allergy symptoms without avoiding the spring season entirely.

Schedule your workouts for the morning or evening and check the air quality on The Weather Network before you hit the gym. Try to warm up gently and breathe through your nose when you can. That way, the air gets filtered before it reaches your lungs.

Low-impact activities like yoga, tai chi and stretching are generally kinder to people with allergies than high-intensity sports. With a bit of planning, people with allergies can still enjoy being outdoors by choosing low-impact activities that keep pollen inhalation to a minimum and planning their excursions at the right time. Nature photography and bird watching are good options if you want to get outside without getting too close to all the heavy foliage that's so full of pollen.

Playing tennis on an asphalt court is a safer bet for individuals with allergies compared to playing on a grassy court. Generally, pollen counts are lower at higher altitudes, so if you enjoy hill climbing or hiking, try to head to those elevations. If you find that exercise triggers wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing, or any other severe symptoms, it may be worth talking to a doctor about asthma.

Know When to See a Vaughan Doctor About Outdoor Allergens

If your allergy symptoms are hanging around for more than 4 to 6 weeks, or if over-the-counter medication isn't cutting it anymore, then it's definitely worth talking to a local doctor. If your symptoms are affecting your sleep, you keep getting sinus infections or finding it hard to breathe, get yourself booked in.

A doctor can help figure out whether your symptoms are just allergies or if it might be something else, like asthma, chronic sinus issues or another type of allergy altogether. Looking for a particular doctor? Check out our doctors hours list. If you've got kids who are coughing, wheezing or seem to be allergic during the spring sports season, get them checked out early.

For help making a personalized plan to manage those pesky allergy triggers, head on over to Eagle's Landing Medical Centre in Vaughan.

Book An Appointment Now