The prime time for sniffles and itchy sinuses has arrived, when thousands of us battle daily with hay-fever symptoms. The numbers of those allergic to pollen, animal fur and dust mites rose by a third between 2001 and 2005*. Some believe this rise is due to a combination of longer pollen seasons, sanitised environments weakening our immune systems and
poor diets.

Experts agree that you can help keep symptoms at bay by shutting doors and windows, wearing wraparound sunglasses, washing hair at night to banish allergens from the bedroom and using a pollen-blocking cream such as Vaseline inside the nostrils. Other tried but not fully tested approaches include wheat-free diets, eating hot chillies, honey or onions, wearing acupressure bands and even getting a furry pet.

From May, selected Tesco Pharmacies around the country will be offering an allergy testing service, which can assess you for airborne allergies such as pollen, animal furs and house dust mites with a small fingerprick blood test. Expert help, and a wide range of products, are available to help you manage your symptoms (visit www.tesco.com/health for your nearest; test not available if you’re under-18
or pregnant).

Driving less dangerously

Studies estimate that one in seven motorists regularly drive with poor eyesight. Blurry vision may not matter much at home, but it’s another thing if you’re behind the wheel. It is actually an offence to drive without being able to see clearly. Eyesight deteriorates with age, so it’s good to get yours checked every two years.

For more information and to find your nearest optician, go to
www.tescoopticians.com or call 0845 601 3479. Visit www.dvla.gov.uk for
medical standards required for drivers.