Top 10 Cities With Worst Seasonal Allergies

“Aaahah, Choo!”
Did you know that Jackson is among the TOP 10 cities with the worst spring allergies?
The city’s #8 ranking is up from last year’s #13 spot.

There is no place safe from allergies in America, and some cities are more problematic than others. The Allergy Capitals is an annual research project of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to identify “the 100 most challenging places to live with allergies” in the spring and fall seasons each year. The rankings are based on scientific analysis of 3 factors for the 100 largest metro areas in the U.S. To see the complete list click here.

The data measured and compared each year includes:

Pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores)*
Number of allergy medications used per patient
Number of allergy specialists per patient

Although summer is almost here, that doesn’t mean the springtime sniffles and sneezes are gone.
Angie’s List, the nation’s premier consumer ratings and review site offers tips on how keep those pesky allergens at bay!

Angie’s List Cleaning Tips for Allergy Sufferers:
Wash your bedding weekly: Toss your sheets in water that’s at least 130 degrees and place dust-mite covers on mattresses and pillows.

Choose a solid surface: Replace carpet with a solid surface such as hardwood – this can eliminate 90 percent of dust mites. If you must have carpet, get low pile – not shag.

Clean up the mold: Mold is caused by moisture and can hide out in your bathroom, kitchen and basement. To avoid mold buildup, keep things dry as possible and fix leaky plumbing. Consider paint or tile instead of wallpaper.

Ventilate your bathroom: It’s a good idea to keep the humidity in your home below 50 percent. Too much moisture can lead to mold, mildew and dust mites. Run the bathroom fan to pull moisture from the air or open a window to help the air circulate.

Avoid upholstered furniture: Upholstered furniture traps allergens and is difficult to clean thoroughly. Instead, opt for leather, vinyl, wood or furniture with removable slipcovers that can be laundered.

Control animal dander: Keep pets out of the bedroom and bathe them on a weekly basis.

Eliminate cockroaches: Cockroaches can trigger asthma symptoms. It’s best to hire a professional exterminator to get rid of the pesky pests. In the meantime, caulk all areas where the roaches can enter.

De-clutter: Get rid of excess knickknacks. The clutter just collects dust.

Check filters: Every month, check the filters on your air conditioner, furnace, and dehumidifiers. If they are dirty, replace them.