During warm weather, most everyone is drawn outside where plants, grasses, and trees are producing and dispatching their pollen. Inevitably, you will inhale pollen, wear it on your clothes, and carry it to your face on your hands. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to minimize the effects of certain air-borne allergens.

• Take note of the weather and which allergens are likely to be at their highest levels at any given time. For example, keep an eye on pollen counts. Local radio and television stations may broadcast daily pollen counts for your area. Local newspapers may list pollen counts as well. Although symptoms can occur even when the count is low, they are less likely to be severe on those days. Pollen counts are usually lower on days that are rainy, cloudy or still. At the same time, if you are allergic to mold spores, you may have reactions right after a rainstorm and at night since that's when spore counts are highest. In fact, by noting which allergens are likely to be at high levels, you may be able to develop a greater understanding of your particular allergy pattern.

• Limit outdoor activities in the morning when pollen counts are at their highest. In general, stay indoors if you can between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. with windows closed during peak season.

• Avoid drying clothes and linens outside where they can collect pollen and molds that can trigger allergies later. Instead, use your clothes dryer.

• Have someone else tend to the activities that stir up pollens and molds – mowing the lawn, for example, or cleaning out gutters. If you choose to garden or engage in other outdoor activities, wear a pollen mask or take an antihistamine 30 minutes before going outdoors.

• Learn which plants, grasses and trees plants are less prone to trigger allergies. For example, showier plants that are pollinated by insects have pollen grains that are larger and generally less irritating. Plants that have smaller pollen grains and rely on the wind for pollination are more likely to cause allergies through inhalation. Talk to people at your local garden center or conservation district to learn which plants and trees tend to be less problematic.

• Use plastic sheets instead of straw to hamper pollinating weeds and mold growth in flower and shrub beds.

• Do a thorough spring cleaning – or better still, have someone else clean windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents where dust, mold, and pollen tend to collect over the winter.

1996-1999 The Johns Hopkins University. All rights reserved. Source: Inteli-Health Inc. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to InteliHealth's disclaimer and the terms and conditions.