How the Wind Can Have a Negative Affect on Your Health

Depending on where you live, you might be more prone to windy days … or very rarely experience them. Either way, it's likely that you're wondering what the big deal is – either it's windy or it's not, Mother Nature's way of clearing out leaves. 

But windy days can actually affect us much deeper. Like with what it blows in with it.

Every time it's windy there are thousands of germs, allergens, and other microbes that make their way through the air. Pollens, molds, and more (even unpleasant scents) also get carried through the wind. In some ways, this can be considered a positive, by allowing your immune system to gain exposure to (and ward off) various triggers. However, if you suffer from severe allergies, this can cause an ongoing slew of symptoms. Even worse when you spend time outdoors during the changing season. Meaning that each time it's windy, you can develop cold-like reactions, allow further substances into your home, and even lower your immune system's efficiency.

In order to avoid the negative side effects of windy days, there are a few steps you can take. First of all, make sure you have a clean yard. Sure, neighbors' leaves and yard clippings can blow onto your property, but the cleaner it is outside in general, the fewer items that will be out in circulation (and adding air allergens). If you have severe allergies, remember to have someone else clean up; raking and bagging leaves puts triggers directly into your breathing space. 

Next, be careful about opening windows. Especially when it's blustery, which can let even more airborne germs into your home. And finally, gear up for some spring cleaning. The actual jump date to spring might be a few weeks off, but in our book, any nice weather qualifies. The earlier you start cleaning, the earlier you can start benefitting from an organized, wind-free home.