How to Cope with Seasonal Allergies

Donna Nichols • May 24, 2023
A woman is blowing her nose with a napkin in a field of flowers.

If you are anything like me, allergy season will kill you; I’m not looking forward to it. I’ve had the worst allergy problems since January and it’s not even allergy season. How about this one . . . I live in Florida, and I am allergic to tree and grass! HA! It is great for me during allergy season. I thought this blog may help some of you (and myself) deal with these terrible allergies we all seem to have.


My allergies come with sneezing, congestion, coughing, runny nose, itchy throat and eyes, and whatever other symptoms Mother Nature wants to throw at me. Short of a self-induced coma until after allergy season is over, here are some things we can try.


•        It’s recommended to stay indoors on dry, windy days and to go outside after a good rain. That’s pretty much impossible in Florida as most days are dry here and I love to be outside.

•        Do not hang your laundry outside. As pollen can cling to your clothes.

•        Do not mow your lawn or pull weeds. This can stir up the allergens in the air. Have a lawn service or ask a friend to mow for you during this time.

•        If you must work outside, try to wear a mask so you don’t breathe the pollen.

•        If you were outside, take off your clothes and shower immediately to rinse off any pollen that may be on your body.


Make sure you know what’s blooming and when. You can check the local news or if you have an Alexa or Google device, just ask what the pollen report is for the day. This is also a good way to narrow down what you are allergic to instead of spending money on testing and being poked with needles.


If pollen counts are expected to be high, take any medication before symptoms start and make sure your windows are closed. Also, stay inside during the early morning hours as that is when the pollen count is at its highest.


Keep the air inside your home clean. Use air conditioning in your house and make sure your filter is clean. Also, use air conditioning in your car, which is hard for me because I drive a convertible. The drier the air in your home the better, so you can get a dehumidifier to help dry it out. Use an air filter in your bedroom and clean your floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.


There are so many over-the-counter remedies out there and you don’t need a prescription for them, but they all work differently.


Antihistamines help with the sneezing, itching, stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. These are your regular allergy pills like Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin and many of these have a generic equivalent that works just as good.


Nasal sprays help with your nasal symptoms. These include Flonase and Nasacort and a few others.


Oral decongestants such as Sudafed helps with nasal stuffiness. You may need to use an antihistamine with a decongestant but talk to your doctor first.


Rinse your sinuses with a saline nasal spray. This will flush out any mucus and allergens from your nose. You can purchase these kits and they are pretty inexpensive or you can make your own. If you make your own solution, use 1 qt. water (bottled), 1.5 tsp. canning salt, and 1 tsp. baking soda. Make sure you rinse your device after each use.


If you don’t want to take medications for your allergies, there are many natural remedies out there. Check with a health food store, but know that these are not proven to work. You may want to try acupuncture as well.



If none of the above works, you may need to get shots for your allergies (I hope I don’t have to go this route). Whatever you need to do, do it and take care of yourself. Word is this will be the worst allergy season yet.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.