If you’ve noticed that your child has been sneezing like crazy and their nose is constantly running, you can probably guess that allergy season is just around the corner.

With global warming, the temperature increase produces more pollen and can cause allergic reactions for you and your children (Global, 2021). Although the pollen levels in Calgary have been in decline since 2021, it’s still a good idea to be prepared to combat any allergy symptoms your child may have (CBC, 2022). Signs of allergies are usually related to sinus issues like sniffling or coughing while other symptoms may include itchy skin or lack of sleep from dealing with allergies overnight (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2022).

Most of you are already aware of allergy medications like Allegra and Claritin, but there are other ways to fight against pollen related allergy symptoms (Parents, 2020). Washing your child’s face and hands throughout the day can help avoid any further ingestion of pollen and your child can take a bath at the end of the day to remove any excess pollen on their skin (Hospital of Philadelphia, 2022). Other prevention methods include closing the windows to your car and house and using an air conditioning unit to filter out any pollen (Hospital of Philadelphia, 2022).

If you have plans to go outside for the day, be sure to check the weather network for pollen levels before going out. If there are days where the levels are too high, there are plenty of fun activities that you and your child can enjoy indoors.

A few activities include indoor swimming pools and leisure centers and indoor playgrounds.

Check out the websites below, featuring lists of different indoor activity locations:

• Indoor swimming/recreation centers: https://www.calgary.ca/csps/recreation/pools/pools-fitness-
  and-leisure-centres.html
• Indoor playgrounds: https://calgaryplaygroundreview.com/calgarys-indoor-playgrounds/
• Other indoor activities: https://vrkade.com/
  https://monsterminigolf.com/calgary/
  https://flyingsquirrelsports.ca/south-calgary-alberta/

This year, the pollen count has been much higher, so much so that it is noticeably affecting even the least-allergic bodies out there. We hope these tips help to keep the runny noses and itchy eyes at bay, and ensure your little ones are having the time of their lives this summer.

Written by Naomi Parkins

Resources:
Parents https://www.parents.com/health/allergies/seasonal/seasonal-allergy-treatment-for-kids/
Global https://globalnews.ca/news/7908550/pollen-allergies-canada-2021/