Are you one of those people who feel that you’re always sick? Do you wonder why you feel so tired and run down all the time? Not to mention the itchiness and sneezing you may be suffering from! Well, you might be surprised to realize it may not actually have anything to do with your sleep patterns or your immune system. You may have a problem with allergens around you. You can do whatever you can to get rid of them, scrub and clean until you feel your house is completely sterile, but the truth is that these allergens can remain in your air, causing you to suffer. Allergens can cause problems severe enough to require you seeing a doctor, even when you’re doing everything you can to rid your environment of these hidden culprits. Take a look at some of the more common allergen offenders:

Dust

The absolute worst allergen in any household is dust. It hides everywhere – your bed, carpets, plants, furniture, and floats around in the air you breathe. There are actually some simple measures to take which can help eliminate the dust in your home, such as:

• Getting rid of all carpets. If this is not possible, make sure you vacuum and clean your carpets regularly. And, if you’ve rugs on hardwood flooring, you need to remember to have them cleaned or washed frequently.
• Getting covers for mattresses and pillows. Covers can be cleaned easily, and can protect from dust build-up.
• Washing and steam cleaning sheets, drapes and blinds often.
• Using a HEPA filter in your furnace, and making sure to change it regularly.

Pollen

Pollen isn’t only found outside – it can be brought indoors on clothing, hair and pets. Take extra care to keep it out of your house, especially during peak pollen season.

• Bathe pets often.
• Again, use a HEPA filter in your home, and make sure it’s changed frequently.
• Don’t hang bedding and clothes outside to dry.
• Don’t leave windows and doors open.
• Keep the grass around your home mowed as short as possible, taking extra care to get rid of all weeds as soon as they appear.

Mold

You can find mold in many places in your home, but chances are there will be a lot more mold in your house than you’re even aware of. Mold can grow in places that you can’t see, but can cause a lot of problems for those living in the home.

• A HEPA filter is a must, in both your furnace and your vacuum.
• Keep the humidity in your house at a minimum, making sure to use a dehumidifier if it gets too high, (above 55%).
• Take care in your bathroom. Make sure you keep it clean and dry, cleaning tiles and shower curtains frequently. Always keep a window open or have a fan turned on when having a shower or bath.
• Use special mold-inhibiting paint in your basement.

Pet Dander

Many more people are actually allergic to their pets than they realize. And, an allergy can develop over time, so many times people don’t think that they are allergic, as they have never been before. There aren’t many pets out there that are “allergy friendly,” so if you’re determined to have a pet, you need to take extra steps to keep yourself healthy.

*Use a HEPA filter in your furnace and vacuum.

• Don’t let your pets go in your bedroom. You spend most of your time at home in your bedroom, so you need to keep the dander at a minimum in this room. Keep your door closed as much as you can, and if it isn’t possible, try using a baby gate or something similar to keep them out.
• Make sure you have a lint roller, and refills, at all times. As soon as you’ve hugged or cuddled with your pet, you can immediately roll your clothes. Go around and remove all fur and hair from furniture and blankets.
• Having male pets neutered will actually reduce the amount of dander.
• Don’t have carpets if at all possible, but if you can’t get rid of them, make sure you vacuum regularly.

Getting rid of allergens in your house can take some effort, but the improvement you’ll feel in your overall health will make it worthwhile. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel, and that tired feeling will be a memory. Taking these simple steps will have you feeling much healthier, without having to make drastic changes to your lifestyle.

Eat better, move more, and believe in yourself!

(About Me)