spring allergy savings

Spring allergies have started - my biggest one is tree pollen, and the interesting thing about it is that I feel the effects before you see the leaves. The pollen starts coming out when the branches look nubbly. The weather's been wierd, but spring allergies have begun all over. Here's a little help saving money on your comfort during the season.

Nasonex.com offers a free pollen forecast - it comes daily to your e-mail & you put in up to 3 zip codes to watch. It's very interesting to learn which ones are more active when & monitor your symptoms during those fluctuations.

Nasonex offers $15 off of your perscription, as well - you need to request a different coupon code each time, but I believe there are an unlimited number you can get.

Zyrtec is an effective product for more than just myself in this house. I haven't seen the children's product on the shelves again, yet, but the adult version is out there. The kids variety was recalled because of some sediment in the product & not because anyone had a reaction to it - it was precautionary, but I'm glad they're careful. If you do swagbucks (see link on this page) check out the NOSO from the earn drop-down. On the screen that asks if you have allergies, click yes, and you'll get a screen offering you a $2 off coupon toward your next purchase. There are usually Zyrtec coupons available regularly on the printable coupon sites, as well. My favorite is mysavings.com because they list the most - using coupons.com, smarsource and redplum all on one site. Zyrtec.com also offer coupons regularly.

Finally, try a neti pot. I know, they are scary & wierd. I put it off a long long time! However, they are extremely effective. As of yesterday, mysavings.com had a link for a free neti pot and a couple of packets of solution mix from one of the makers. I bought some "special salt" for my neti pot when I bought it. Be smarter than me, and use table salt - it works just fine!

Have kids? Neti pots don't seem like a great option for kids, in my opinion - I'm not anxious to show my daughter how to do it, even though she has asked. They do have saline sprays available at Target (and other places, I'm sure). We tried the squeeze one, which worked great until the liquid level went down (which didn't take very long), then it was hard. I would recommend an aerosol can for effectiveness. Little noses offers one, and that company is pretty natural, so I'm assuming the pollution potential is minimal with that one.

Using the nasal rinses immediately after coming in from outdoors is most effective, and washing hair (or at least pulling it back) is helpful, as well as changing clothes after being outdoors. I realize this sounds extreme, but our allergies are extreme. Be aware that using a clothes line also brings pollens into your home, although this is probably obvious. You can also use an air-drying rack indoors for the green benefits of line drying. I got a simple wooden one many years ago that folds up and fits behind a door when it's not in use.

Good luck with your allergies! Hope you can keep the effects and the costs minimal!