Health Tip: Exercise With Allergies and Asthma

Exercise is a good idea for anyone, but it poses special challenges for people with allergies and asthma.

The American College of Sports Medicine offers these suggestions:

• Talk to an allergist before starting an exercise program.
• Take all medications for allergies and asthma as prescribed by your doctor.
• Breathe through the nose while you exercise.
• Exercise indoors when outdoor pollen counts are high. Keep windows and doors closed, and exercise on a mat instead of on carpeting.
• Keep rescue medications on hand, don't exercise if symptoms are flaring, and take extra time to warm up and cool down.