Decisive Living


The Allergy Sufferers’ Guide to Gardening

Actor and Gardening Enthusiast Dean Cain Offers Tips for Creating a “Sneeze-Free” Garden

(ARA) - According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, more than 35 million people suffer from allergies which may prohibit them from participating in many outdoor activities, including gardening. Notable film and television star Dean Cain is one of them. "I love spending time outside, especially with my four year-old son," comments Cain, "but my allergies prevent me from enjoying some of our favorite outdoor hobbies. One of our favorite things to do every morning is to pick fresh oranges from our orange trees and cut fresh flowers from the garden. By creating an allergy-friendly environment and taking a proven effective medication like Benadryl to relieve my allergy symptoms, I can enjoy outdoor activities without any problems."

Dean offers the following advice for gardening enthusiasts to help them get down and dirty in the garden, while minimizing their allergy symptoms:

Check the Pollen Count -- Avoid gardening between 5:00 and 10:00 a.m., when pollen levels are at their highest. Visit www.benadrylusa.com daily to check the pollen count in your local area.

What’s the Weather? -- Avoid spending time in the garden when it is windy outside. The wind stirs up pollen and spreads it throughout the garden, which can exasperate your allergies.

Arm Yourself -- Allergy sufferers should have a proven effective medicine, such as Benadryl Allergy, on hand to relieve their worst symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and itchy throat.

Protect Yourself -- Wearing a mask and protective goggles when gardening will help protect your mouth and eyes from coming in contact with allergens in the air, such as tree, weed and grass pollens.

Use the Right Plants -- Avoid using plants that have small flowers; they tend to produce more pollen. Try using tulips, begonias, roses or daffodils. Refrain from using male trees and shrubs in your garden since they are the only sex that produces pollen. Consult your local gardening shop to determine if a plant is male or female.

Water Frequently -- Regularly water the garden’s soil to keep allergens from rising. Also, replace straw with black plastic mulch, rocks or gravel.

Wash Away Allergens -- After spending time in the garden, be sure to thoroughly rinse your hands, clothes and hair. Allergens from outside can easily be carried into your home continuing to aggravate your allergies.

For more of Dean’s gardening tips, please visit www.benadrylusa.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content