Don’t say “resolutions” – just assign yourself a few tasks
We’re a few weeks into 2023, and your New Year’s resolutions might already be feeling overwhelming and guilt-inducing. Instead of grand resolutions, what about assigning yourself a few tasks to keep your allergy and asthma symptoms under control in 2023 while taking steps to protect yourself from COVID-19 and the flu? Making small, manageable adjustments is a great start to getting on a healthier path towards improvements in controlling allergy and asthma.
Here are five New Year’s tasks from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology that those who suffer from allergies or asthma may want to consider for keeping symptoms under control in 2023:
- It’s tried and true – get smoke out of your life – If you or your kids suffer from asthma, you need to rid your house and your life of cigarette smoke. Secondhand smoke is particularly harmful to kids’ lungs, and studies have shown children with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home have nearly double the risk of being hospitalized than children with asthma who aren’t exposed.
- Try to avoid COVID-19 and the flu – With these viruses still circulating, there are precautions you can take (including vaccination, boosters, and masking in crowded indoor spaces) to avoid you or your family members getting the COVID or the flu. Anyone with a respiratory condition like asthma needs protection because you don’t want to end up with complications.
- Pay attention to your mental health – The stronger your emotional health, the better your body will feel and the more efficient you’ll be at staying healthy. Studies have shown stress can cause negative health effects, including more symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers. Try calming therapies to improve symptoms. Consider downloading a meditation or relaxation app to use at night before bed. Soothing music can be beneficial, as can doing activities you enjoy that lift your spirit.
- See a board-certified allergist – Did you know that most people think their asthma is under control when it’s really not? You may also not know that allergists are trained to diagnose and treat asthma symptoms. An allergist can develop a plan tailored to your allergies and asthma to help you lead the life you want. The new year is the perfect time to set up an appointment with an allergist in your area, or to check in with your allergist if you haven’t seen them recently. You can book an appoint with us here.
- Make healthy eating a priority – If you have food allergies, you already know to watch what you eat and avoid foods you’re allergic to. You might also want to confirm – for both you and your kids with food allergies – that you always carry two epinephrine auto injectors with you, and that they are up to date. Teens and college kids sometimes avoid mentioning food allergies, so they won’t stick out among their peers. Encourage them to continue educating their friends and enlisting their help in the battle to stay allergen-free.