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.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.