I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.
For the past few weeks I have been monitoring my latest app, PONCHO. It is a text and email based weather service app that has come in handy given the high pollen count this year. The pollen count is so high, it has made the morning network news. Even as a non- allergy sufferer, I could not help but learn about seasonal allergy rescue with the wide coverage pollen has received. Occasionally my external nose itches as the seasons change. I consider this an environment heads-up that the Spring is here. But this year it seems that even people without allergies began seeing doctors for the first time.
On those early morning news segments the public was educated not only on how to cope with allergies but also on the reasons our rather long winter set off a natural process for generating a high pollen count. In turn this has created a Spring season that requires an excellent seasonal allergy rescue. As the snow melted here in the east, the trees absorbed the water and slowly has begun releasing pollen. The expert’s advice has been to avoid early morning jogging, close windows, change clothes after being outside, and to shower when you come inside if you suffer from allergies.
Take a look at the message above: “Days are hard and even harder if you have allergies. Luckily Duane Reade is here to help with a scannable $3.00 coupon for Nasacort 120 Spray or any Allegra 30 count or larger for days like today.”
One salient point I remember from the experts is that allergy medication should be taken in advance of high pollen count days. WebMD reinforced this point: “… if you take medications to control your seasonal allergies, the time to start them is mid-to-late February, not late March.” The reason is that “Allergies create an inflammatory response that is like a smoldering fire. If you can keep it smoldering rather than flaring, you’ll do a lot better…,” the WebMD post goes on to say. The bottom line is that if you have allergies, you should start taking medication early. The Poncho weather app functions like a personal assistant and makes this easier to do.
Otherwise, how would a lay person know what the expected pollen count was going to be. Once you download the PONCHO app, you enter your zip code and you begin to receive daily output based on where you live. In addition to the weather and pollen count, it includes a pithy message and (drumroll), a coupon for savings. My coupon is for shopping at Duane Reade and the offer is a $3.00 savings for either Nasacort 120 Spray or any Allegra 33 count or larger.
I headed to Duane Reade to use this coupon and am greeted by a plethora of over-the-counter allergy medications once I enter the Duane Reade aisle.
I was looking specifically for either Allegra or Nasacort because the PONCHO weather app has provided a considerable savings with the coupon. I failed to mention that I also always travel with an allergen because I never know when I might have an allergic reaction.
Duane Reade carries a variety of allergy relief. I am focused however and must make a choice.
I finally decided on Nasacort, the nasal allergy spray that is good for congestion, sneezing, sunny and itchy nose. I was happy to be able to discuss the two meds I contemplated buying at Duane Reade. There is always a pharmacist on duty to answer your questions. You will find Duane Reade on New York streets on almost every street corner. It is a walking city. I am not surprised that they have teamed up with PONCHO to address this very personal solution to allergy despair.
You can read more about the particular benefits of this app. They have been chronicled in TechCrunch who discussed Poncho’s monetization plan. Mashable also wrote about the coupons which offer a $3.00 savings. That kind of savings is always a big motivator.
Sign up for Poncho to get personalized daily alerts in the morning and afternoon via text or phone. The app currently only works in New York city but keep an eye out for its release in your city.
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Deborrah Davis says
Thanks for the heads up! I know lots of people who complain about their allergies! This app could be a great help to them! I will share this post and spread the word.
Patricia A Patton says
I did not know about this plan either Deborrah. Last summer when I lost my iphone I began to do a little research. And Voila, I learned about the Walmart Family Mobile plans.
Kristy says
I love that there is always someone to help you make a decision when it comes to med on staff at Duane Reade! #client
Patricia A Patton says
Walmart is great like that. Someone knowledgeable is always on staff for great advice.