It is my belief that South Carolina is the allergy capital of the world. No, I do not have scientific evidence of this. I do, however, know that I did not have an issue with allergies until I moved away and then came back. Now, I must take allergy medicine year-round.
We are now rounding out the first allergy season (fall begins the second for us) with the all too familiar yellow film of pollen that coats our cars and walkways. While it’s not as bad as it was in early spring, it’s still out there.
So when you visit our home, please remove your shoes.
My daughter was diagnosed with asthma and allergies at a very young age. Once she turned four, she began seeing an allergist. For about three years, she suffered from asthma and allergy symptoms at least two weeks of every month. Many recommendations were made of what we should do around the house to help alleviate her symptoms.
Among those were:
• Remove ALL carpet from your house
• Take off clothes that have been worn outside once you are home
• Use allergen reducing bedding
• Keep doors to closets closed
• Don’t burn candles or incense
• Wash linen (including curtains) at least once a week in hot water
• Use air purifiers
In addition to those things, I ask those visiting us at home to please remove your shoes when you come into our home. I don’t do this because I want to make your visit difficult. I ask you this because my child is allergic to pollen, grass, and many other things that are walked on and that can be transported by way of shoes.
In an effort to keep our sinuses and lungs clear, I have a sign at the door that says, “Please Remove Your Shoes.” I feel like because this is my house and I’m asking, it shouldn’t be a big deal. Just take off your shoes. I even provide a little basket of clean slippers that you can wear if the wood floor is too cold for you.
I am a single parent, working full time. Sometimes I barely have time to eat dinner. I don’t want to have to clean the floors every time someone visits. Please remove your shoes.
I am not a doctor, nor do I have a medical background. But, if you believe you or your children are suffering from seasonal or environmental allergies, please consult your healthcare professional. More information, visit the Asthma and Allergies Foundation website.
