As I write this, the birds are chirping, the sun is out, the trees are flowering, and you know what that means…POLLEN. With all spring’s beauty comes that inevitable coating of pollen, the seen and the unseen. It’s like nature is teasing us, it is one of the most beautiful times of the year, but for many of us, it’s too torturous to get out there and enjoy it.

We can’t go for a run or play tennis if all we do is sneeze and cough. We can’t even walk the dog if yellow clouds of pollen engulf us and make us our eyes water and itch. And it’s not just bothersome for those with allergies, but also the pollen exacerbates asthma symptoms. Is there a way to get a little exercise with the spring pollen? After all, bathing suit season is coming up right behind pollen season!

Here are some tips for getting outside for a little exercise in the spring if you have asthma or allergies from About.com:

• If you have asthma, use your rescue inhaler about 15 minutes before you exercise, and take the extra time to warm up slowly. Don’t overdo it. If your asthma symptoms prevent you from exercising, see your doctor.
• Try not to exercise outside when the pollen is at its highest – the early to mid-morning hours. Exercise in the evening hours or after a rain, which washes pollen out of the air.
• Take your allergy medication everyday, or as needed allergy medication (such as an oral anti-histamine pill) a few hours before you go outside.
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses to decrease the amount of pollen that gets into the eyes.
• Consider wearing a mask or bandana to decrease the amount of pollen that gets into your nose and lungs.
• Carry a clean towel with you to wipe any sweat (and pollen) away from your face during exercise.
• When finished exercising, shower immediately and put your exercise clothes in the wash (they’re likely to be covered with pollen).
And a few extra tips:
• Wear a hat; it will keep pollen out of your hair.
• Keep eye drops with you for relief for your eyes.
• A wet cloth is good, too, for wiping your face and hands.
With these tips, maybe you can get out there a little more to enjoy the beauty of spring despite the pollen. Remember, though, on those really high pollen count days, it may just be best to enjoy the spring from the window and do a few stomach crunches in your living room.