Spring is here! So are sunny days, clear blue skies, and warm balmy breezes. But wait. Was that you with that sudden Achooooo!

Spring brings a feast of good things, but also evil tidings for many. It is called Spring Fever, also known as Hay Fever, for once dating to when the harvests were cut and the air filed with the smell of freshly harvested hay.

Are you one of the tens of thousands who is suddenly plagued with itchy skin, irritable ear lobes, running eyes, itchy nose, dripping nostrils or dry throat. Probably with a wheeze thrown in when you exhale for good measure. Join the legion, but there is no need to suffer in silence. Here are some simple tips to cut down on the miserable symptoms.

GO GO GO

Drink lots of Water. This helps swish away histamine, the body produced chemical that causes symptoms. The more you drink, the less histamine, and the less symptoms will annoy you.

Cool is cool. Cold packs, a cool face cloth, or even ice wrapped in a hanky and applied to the affected parts can often impart relief. This shrinks dilated blood vessels. In turn, the hot throbbing irritation will often quickly subside. Pack into eye sockets and ears, spread it out and press into any irritable skin area, or mild skin rash, which is common. Repeat often.Paracetamol 2 x 500 tablets from time to time may relieved itch and irritation, which is carried on the same nerves as pain. Maximum three doses a day.

Garlge the throat with body warmth water. Show at body temperature, dab skin dry with a very soft towel. Do not rub for this aggravates.

Get inside before dark for pollens in the air drop and explode at evening when it cools releasing the stuff you inhale which aggravates symptoms. Tefast and claratyne are the over the counter non sedating antihistamines. Use carefully. Talk to the GP or pharmacist.

MUM AND DAD GRAN AND GRAMPS UNCLE AND AUNTY

If you are looking for a great spot for mum, dad, gran, gramps, uncle and aunts, give David a call at lovely Vimiera Village 02 9868 7544. Assisted living is available at modest cost (largely covered by pension and government rental assistance) Or walk through our web page at vimieravillage.com.au

Till next month, best wishes from your friend