How successful you are at managing fall allergies depends on the plan you put in place. Here are 10 things you can do to make it through the season in great shape.

10. Stay out of Harm's Way-Avoid times when the count is higher and, if possible, enjoy time outdoors before 10 in the morning and after 4 in the evening. You are also more likely to inhale more pollen on dry windy days than on days when there is less wind.

9. Shut out Trouble-Keep car windows closed and choose to circulate air rather introducing new air into the car. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible at home and in the office.

Use air conditioning and heat to keep temperatures comfortable and minimize the amount of pollen that is introduced from outdoors.

8. Be Sensible-Know and accept the limits of what you need to do if you are to remain healthy. Choose to fore go activities at times that are most likely to spark a flare up.

Think outside the box and create or join groups or activities that allow you to make the best of the situation without putting your well being at risk.

7. Accept a Hand Up-Although using a lot of medication is only a good thing if it is absolutely needed, sometimes medication can make a huge difference in quality of life.

In some cases over the counter medications are enough to make a difference. Local drug store pharmacists are competent sources of information about products that are most likely to help.

If your problem cannot be resolved with medicine from the drug store, see an allergist who will most likely be able to prescribe something that is able to provide relief.

6. Keep Trimmed-Keep weeds trimmed in your yard. This won't eliminate all the pollen but for every plant you eliminate, you are also potentially eliminating one billion grains of airborne pollen. That's great motivation.

5. Get a Clean Start-If you have a central filter for air conditioning and heat, be sure to change it. The cleaner the filter the more room it has to take out airborne allergens. And every little bit helps.

4. Fuel Your Engine Well-The benefits of eating a healthy diet cannot be underestimated. Be nice to your body and give it the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs to maintain a strong and healthy immune system. And a healthier immune system more able to deal with allergies.

3. Give Yourself a Rest-Be sure to get adequate rest each night. You know best how much sleep you need to function well.

Make sure you get that daily particularly during allergy season. Not only will this help you cope better physically, but emotionally too.

2. Maintain a Half Full Attitude-Allergies are one of life's ways of making us think outside the box. My dad always used to say, "It could be worse".

Count your blessings and move through the day grateful for what you have. Always remember the power of positive thoughts.

1. Make Your Home Your Castle-Keep indoor spaces clear of pollen and other triggers that can cause a flare up and symptoms that can last for weeks, and the only way to do that effectively is to filter the air.

A high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) are best at removing airborne particulates like pollen. This is the same type of filtration hospitals use to keep the air clean and it can work for you at home or in the office as well.