How to Handle Allergy Season
Spring can be a beautiful and uplifting time of year, but it can also be challenging for those with allergies. Tree pollen typically becomes a common trigger during these months, and grass pollen follows in late spring and early summer.
Try the following tips to manage your allergies this spring:
- Check pollen counts just as you would the weather forecast.
- Stay inside in the morning and early afternoon, when pollen tends to be most prevalent.
- Limit time outdoors in windy conditions, as this may create particularly problematic environments.
- Wear a respiratory mask and sunglasses to help protect your airways and eyes from exposure.
Recognize Clean Air Month and Do Your Part
Since 1972, every May in the United States has been recognized as Clean Air Month. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about the impact clean air has on our lives and the world around us.
Clean Air Month also encourages people throughout the United States to implement positive steps in their own lives to support and improve air quality.
This year, do your part during Clean Air Month by considering the following steps:
- Consider alternative transportation. Consider using more environmentally friendly options, such as public transportation and bicycles. Carpooling can also reduce your overall impact on air quality.
- Maintain your vehicle. If you do need to drive your own car, make sure you keep up with maintenance to minimize harmful exhaust emissions.
- Reconsider chemicals. Choose nontoxic cleaning products for your home and limit or completely cut out the use of pesticides on your lawn.
- Plant trees. Planting trees and supporting nature preservation can help, as plants naturally filter air and can cultivate long-term positive effects on air quality.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can contribute toward a healthier environment.
Commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month by Improving Yours
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As its name suggests, this annual campaign emphasizes the importance of dispelling the stigma regarding talking about mental health. Even in recent years, as discussing mental health has become more common, recognizing and participating in this initiative remains important.
How to Manage and Improve Your Mental Health
Although May can be a great time to start, improving and maintaining your mental health requires constant effort and consistent habits. Specifically, you should consider the following lifestyle choices:
- Prioritize a healthy diet. Eating a balanced, healthy diet can help improve your energy levels, mood and focus. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Limiting your consumption of caffeine and alcohol can also be helpful.
- Stay active. Physical activity can generate endorphins and significantly affect good mental health. Even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day can make a big difference. Additionally, an active lifestyle may improve your self-esteem and, subsequently, your mental health.
- Stick to a sleep schedule. Not getting enough rest can adversely impact your mental and physical well-being. Prioritize a healthy and consistent sleep schedule and avoid sleeping in, staying up late or napping excessively, even on weekends.
- Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends and medical professionals regarding your mental health. There’s no shame in admitting you may need assistance with your mental health.
Learn More
Click here to learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month.
Key Safety Tips for Enjoying Your Bicycle
May 16 is National Bike to Work Day, encouraging you to take a break from your car and enjoy a ride in pleasant spring conditions.
While cycling can be an enjoyable, efficient and environmentally friendly means of travel, it can also be dangerous. Before hopping on your bike, remember the following safety tips:
- Wear a helmet. Without a helmet, even a small bump in the road or momentary slip of a tire could have fatal or lifelong implications.
- Obey traffic laws. Never run stop signs or go against traffic lights and use hand signals appropriately.
- Stay visible. Wear bright colors and equip your bike with reflectors and lights, especially if you plan to ride at night.
- Maintain your bike. Ensure your bike’s chain, gears and other components are in good working order. This may be especially important if it has been in storage for the winter.
Contact us today for more information.
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical purposes. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.