Lakeland recently found itself at the top of a list, but there aren’t too many people who are excited about it. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the city ranks as the worst place in the south to live if you have asthma, and fourth of the top 100 metropolitan areas in the country, following Detroit, Cleveland, and Allentown, PA.
Now, we’ll be the first to tout the countless benefits of living in Central Florida. It’s the perfect mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, meaning we have something for everybody. Just as there are upsides and downsides in most scenarios, that mix can spell trouble for the 25 million Americans who suffer from asthma.
Our blooming flowers and lush trees mean pollen is out in force. On top of that, ragweed and mold peak in September and October, and the start of cold and flu season further compounds symptoms for those who struggle with asthma.
So what can you do?
The AAFA offers the following tips for staying healthy and mitigating asthma complications:
- Get the flu shot
- Know your triggers
- Use an air filter in your home
- Remove your shoes before entering your home
- Keep the doors and windows closed
- Get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy diet
- Stay on top of your symptoms so you can intervene before they get worse
The good news is that Central Florida is lucky enough to have many talented healthcare providers who are qualified to treat asthma. Take advantage of the resources in our area to stay healthy and manage your asthma.