Outdoor Activities and Your Allergies

If you have seasonal allergies, you may shudder (and sniffle) at the thought of venturing outdoors for pleasure, but with the right care, you can go out and play a round of golf, take a run around the block, or do whatever it is you enjoy — while keeping your allergies under control.

Seasonal and environmental allergies have to be taken into consideration when you're playing outdoors. Spring, summer, or fall, you'll want to check the pollen count and the climate before heading out to tackle any sporting activity. (Check the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology's Web site — aaaai.org — for your neighborhood's allergy forecast,) Pollen counts are generally at their highest from 5 to 10 a.m. According to Dr. Clifford Bassett, a New York City–based allergist and vice chairman of the Public Education Committee of the AAAAI, the best times to exercise outdoors during allergy season are early evening, when pollen counts are down; on a damp, cloudy day; and, ideally, just after a seasonal shower, when the rain has temporarily washed the pollen and pollutants out of the air.

Allergy sufferers, who are often also asthma sufferers, should proceed carefully when trying any new sport or outdoor activity for the first time. Avoid exercising in overly wooded areas or heavy greenery; it's best to stick to the pavement when walking. Better yet, go for a dip: Water sports might be an allergy sufferer's best bet because they keep the pollen washed away. Beaches, lakes, and rivers also tend to be more free of pollen than pools. Cold-weather sports are usually where allergy sufferers excel, but asthmatics should be especially mindful of high altitudes (above 5,000 feet) and extreme cold, as both can trigger attacks. Conversely, if you suffer from eczema, a frequent side effect of allergies, hot weather and sun exposure can cause a breakout, so remember to protect yourself accordingly (with appropriate clothing and sunblock), even if you're just enjoying a sport as a spectator.

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