Relieve Spring Allergies With These 6 Tips

While the spring pollen count isn’t as high here in New York City as it is in the south, the potential to suffer from seasonal allergies is still a real possibility. No matter if your symptoms are minimal or major, pharmacies have geared up for the influx of sniffling, miserable sufferers looking for some relief. Here are 6 tips to help you find relief and allow you to enjoy the splendor and beauty of the spring season:

  1. Shower after outdoor activities – Pollen is floating everywhere outdoors and it loves to cling on clothes, hair and skin. Although you may not see it, showering immediately after outdoor activities can help minimize the pollen brought into your home.
  2. Wash your sheets – Wash bed sheets once a week to help reduce pollen and other allergens from invading your bed. Even if you are showering before you get into bed, some pollen may still find its way into your sheets.
  3. Change HVAC system air filters – The filters in your HVAC system are meant to trap allergens and keep them out of your home. If the filters are dirty and clogged, this process won’t happen properly. Change filters out monthly during high pollen and allergy season.
  4. Close windows – As much as we love to invite the fresh air inside, if the pollen count is high and you are an allergy sufferer, this isn’t a good idea. Keep your windows closed and turn on the AC if necessary.
  5. Wear a mask – Sometimes we can’t avoid outdoor activities such as lawn or landscaping work. To help keep you from ingesting grass, pollen and allergens that can cause you to suffer, wear a mask that you can find at your local pharmacy.
  6. Talk to your doctor – If your allergies are interfering with your everyday routine, you many need to make an appointment to meet with a doctor. You can purchase allergy medication over the counter, but it is always a good idea to speak with a medical professional before starting any medications, especially if you have certain allergies to medications or if you are taking medicine for another medical condition.

We hope that these 6 tips will help you find some relief this allergy season. For more information regarding Sentry Window Guard products, contact us at 718-389-1777.

Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

While most expect poor indoor air quality (AIQ) to be at its worst “seasonally,” poor IAQ is actually a year-round issue that needs to be addressed. Poor IAQ can cause problems such as headaches, nausea, and eye and throat irritation. More serious risks can include asthma and allergies. Unfortunately children and the elderly are more at risk to experience symptoms of poor IAQ. Here are some common sources for poor IAQ and solutions to reduce the risks to help keep you and your family safe in your home:

  1. INTERIOR PAINT & NEW CARPETS: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gasses released by many household products such as interior paint and new carpets. Try to use a low concentration of VOC-paints and leave windows open and a fan running while painting. Choose low-VOC carpet to also help reduce the amount of VOC gasses emitted.
  1. CLEANING PRODUCTS: Try and avoid cleaning products containing chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine. Replace with hot water, baking soda and less-toxic cleaning products.
  1. HVAC SYSTEMS: Systems with cracks, dirty air filters and poor ventilation can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Maintain your HVAC system on a regular basis by scheduling annual inspections and changing out air filters. Also make sure your carbon monoxide alarm is properly working with fresh batteries.
  1. GAS STOVES: Improperly installed or vented stoves can dangerous. Vent the stove with a fan that blows properly and make sure burners are adjusted correctly.
  1. CIGARETTE SMOKE: If someone in your home is a smoker, the best solution is to have the smoker smoke outside. Also keep in mind that second hand and third hand (smoke that lingers in clothes, cushions and carpets) smoke can be especially harmful to children and the elderly.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of safe air quality in homes. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!