AFive Tips for Making This Holiday Season Allergies & Asthma Free

The holiday season is such a special time of the year. It’s a time when families celebrate both new and old traditions and make wonderful memories together. For those in the AllerMates community dealing with children with allergies and asthma, it should be no different.

But guess what! We’re here to help guide you as you take a few simple steps to ensure your child stays safe. See our quick tips below and learn how you can avoid this year’s fruitcakes and keep your tiny tot’s eyes all aglow.

#1:  BE AWARE, AND DECK THOSE HALLS WITH CARE! 

While making your home feel so cozy, holiday décor like wreaths, ornaments and candles are often scented by food and fragrances and can irritate your child with allergies and/or asthma. Also, if stored yearlong in dark attics, these items may be accompanied by dust and mold spores, so plan to clean before decorating.

#2:  YOU BETTER WATCH OUT!..

For a child with asthma, holidays bring several possible triggers, including the crackling fire, live trees, scented candles, Aunt Sheila’s perfume or Cousin Eddie’s overly enthusiastic use of body spray. Be sure to keep a close eye on your child for signs of trouble, especially if just being introduced to these things.

#3:  HAVE A BACK UP PLAN OR PLATE!

Not sure what your host is serving? Attending a potluck or eating from a buffet? Bring your child dessert or even a meal from home just to be safe. Or plan to visit before or after the meal is served, and avoid the situation entirely. With the hustle and bustle of families at holiday, it’s hard to be as diligent as you normally would, so better to be safe than sorry.

#5: Don’t travel empty handed.

No matter if traveling five minutes or five hundred miles, you should always have the following on hand: allergen-free food, an action plan and other important documentation, and necessary medications of course. It’s also a great idea to make sure your child is wearing something to alert others of their allergies or asthma, like AllerMates bracelets or dog tags.

Last but certainly not least… ’tis the season to be jolly, so once you’ve tackled these tips, remember to relax and enjoy this magical time of the year.

Have a tip to share with the AllerMates community? Feel free to post it on our Facebook page or send us a Tweet.