Stress Awareness Month
Tips for Alleviating Springtime Allergies
Hay fever—also known as allergic rhinitis—affects 1 in 5 people at some point in their lifetime, according to NHS inform. Although the hay fever season occurs at different times depending on the allergen type (tree, grass or weed pollen), it’s typically worse between late-March and September, especially when weather conditions are warm, humid and windy. Additionally, allergens beyond pollen can cause symptoms in spring. For instance, mould can develop during wet spring weather, creating havoc for those with mould spore sensitivity.
If you struggle with allergies during warmer weather, consider the following tips for alleviating symptoms:
· Monitor pollen levels. Spring allergies caused by mould and pollen can fluctuate depending on the weather. As such, stay abreast of daily pollen counts on the Met Office website to anticipate when your symptoms may be worse. This way, you’ll be ready to take proactive remedial action.
· Avoid going outside in the peak of the day. According to Allergy UK, pollen levels rise with the warming air. As such, they are typically highest first thing in the morning. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home and venture outside when pollen levels are lower; typically in the middle of the day. On your return, take a shower, wash your hair and change clothes to rid yourself of accumulated pollen.
· Rinse your sinuses. To prevent symptoms, proactively wash pollen out of your nose using a nasal saline rinse. Additionally, apply an effective allergen barrier balm around the edge of each nostril to trap or block pollen when you’re outside.
· Conduct regular cleaning practices. Remove allergens from your home through rigorous cleaning practices. Specifically, wash bedding weekly, vacuum regularly and limit the number of throws and soft furnishings to reduce dust and mould. Additionally, consider allergen-proof encasements for pillows and mattresses.
Finally, remember to take any prescribed medicine regularly, paying close attention to dosage instructions. However, if you’re still experiencing troublesome symptoms, contact your GP for further advice.
For additional health and well-being tips, contact us today.
Improve Your Mood With Spring Cleaning
Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce
A third of Britons (32%) give their home a thorough, top-to-bottom deep clean when the days start getting warmer, according to market research firm Mintel. A growing body of research has found that spring-cleaning
has several health benefits. In fact, more than 8 in 10 adults believe cleaning has a positive impact on their mental health and well-being, according to research by cleaning technology company Kärcher. Bolster your well-being this
April by leveraging the following three spring-cleaning tips:
1. Create a schedule. Having a plan can help you stay focused on the task at hand. Scope out your home and decide which areas need the most attention. Begin with any areas that are missed during usual cleaning practices and then clean room by room. If needed, utilise an online spring-cleaning checklist.
2. Set yourself a declutter challenge. Determine a realistic decluttering goal. For instance, try to get rid of 50 things in one weekend. Place items into three boxes—“put away,” “give away” and “storage,” and have a large rubbish bag close by for anything else. Avoid sentimentality and be firm and decisive when purging items.
3. Remember neglected areas. Remember to
clean often-forgotten areas, such as blinds, carpets and radiators. Additionally, vacuum your mattress to rid it of dust mites and launder duvets and bed linen.
Take Control of Your Stress
April is Stress Awareness Month, an annual event seeking to raise awareness of the causes and cures for the modern-day stress epidemic. While short-term stress can increase alertness and improve performance in certain situations, long-term stress can be bad for your health. Specifically, stress can cause several health concerns, including digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
According to recent Health and Safety Executive statistics, 914,000 workers are currently suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety. To help address the UK’s stress levels, this year’s campaign encourages individuals to pick one action for their physical, mental and emotional well-being to carry out each day. By taking part in April’s campaign, participants can maximise their chances of achieving positive behavioural change.
To lessen your stress levels, consider taking part in Stress Awareness Month; visit the Stress Management Society website for further details. Additionally, address stress year-round by taking time out to relax and learning to say no to people and events when you’re overwhelmed.
For additional stress-management resources, contact your supervisor or speak to your GP.
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed or finely chopped
- 400g chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 350g dried spaghetti
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, to garnish
Method
1. Heat the oil in a saucepan or frying pan. Add the onion and cook over a medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until soft.
2. Add the garlic, and cook gently for another minute. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée and mixed herbs. Season with pepper and simmer gently, stirring every now and again for 15 minutes or until the sauce is thick and rich.
3. After the sauce has been simmering for 8 to 10 minutes, start cooking the spaghetti according to pack instructions.
4. Drain the spaghetti and serve with the sauce. Top with fresh basil or other chopped herbs, if you like.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Kcal 343
Saturated fat 0.3g
Protein 12.5g
Salt 0.2g
Dietary fibre 4.0g
Carbohydrate 72g
Source: NHS
