I have never had allergies, but looks like that has changed. I have developed some sort of hay fever, and I thoroughly do not enjoy it. Even after taking some allergy medicine, my nose was still stuffy and runny.
So this whole allergies thing is new to me? Anyone want to comment on their allergies or experiences with them?
As a side note, I am curious somewhat about the development of allergies. That is, how am I allergic now, where I wasn't before? Perhaps it's because I haven't been living here for a long period of time, and in my absence my body has become unaccustomed to the environment.
I recall seeing reports that the number of kids with allergies is on the rise. I think I can tie this all together. Kids today are spending less time outside. Less time outside and exposed to the elements means your body is not used to dealing with the foreign objects that you would breathe, feel, or bump into.
I think spending more time outside as a kid helps build up somewhat your "immunity" to various things. Sort of like vaccines. I have nothing to back up this idea, but it seems to make sense. There are certainly some allergies that people are born with that no amount of early childhood exposure will cure. Indeed, everyone is allergic to bee stings, but some are more allergic than others.
Some things can't be changed, but I believe there is something to be said for allowing your kids to play outside in the dirt, in the bushes, with the bugs, and whatever else may be in the great outdoors (or the great sidewalk, depending on your living situation). Sure it's not the cleanest of environments, but perhaps time spent therein could do some good, just as you shouldn't pick up a child each time they fall, lest you inhibit their growth.
Unfounded ideas, but maybe they have some merit. Any thoughts there?
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I completely agree about the immunity thing, if we would stop wiping down everything with lysol wipes and using hand sanitizer on kids hands and just let them eat more dirt, I think they'd end up a whole lot healthier.
ReplyDeleteAs far as allergies go... I had pretty nasty allergies before the mish, and they peaked when we were in Post Falls, but to be honest: since then I have not had any really upsetting reactions to things that used to cause me major grief. Including cats, dogs, spring, and fall. I thought this was a temporary blessing to help me live and teach in houses with pets, and that my allergies would re-assert themselves when I got home. Apparently not. I also don't get motion sick like I used too. I give most of the credit of my lack of allergies to Bro. Carling. He gave me some natural remedy, "Antronex" and it worked great! It was either that, or somehow I transferred them to you somehow. If the latter is true, don't bother giving them back. I'm good. :)