Page 51 - Real Rochdale Issue 17 Spring 2023

WHY SPRING CAN STILL GET UP YOUR NOSE

You would think that brighter, warmer made themselves manifest. That way, you
weather would herald the close of the can be prepared with medication such as
sickest period for patients and the busiest antihistamines, and even ready to alter
time for health carers. your routine accordingly.

Certainly, the surgeries and wards should Pollen is at its worst during the morning,
be less frantic, but it is not a time for and a check of the weather forecast may
doctors to rest easy or indeed for you to be predict if levels are going to be high. Limit
sedentary! doing any gardening near rural areas and
take a shower after being outside as pollen
Spring, as its apt name suggests, should be can adhere to your clothes. Those with
the time to rise-up, get motivated and be chronic hay fever may also want to keep
more active. windows and doors shut when the count is
high.
However, for one in four of us, venturing
out instead of loitering inside, brings with it I mentioned the common cold. What spring
a new problem – seasonal allergies. brings us is a natural shield against this,
through seasonal fruit and vegetables.
The most familiar of these is hay fever Make the most of these and keep your
provoked by pollen, a light powdery vitamin C levels boosted.
substance found in foliage. When plants
and trees are in full bloom, hay fever is at Exercise is the other best friend of good
its zenith too, making the eyes itch and physical and mental health. It has been such
stream, and the nose run, with endless a difficult winter period for so many of us,
sneezes and fatigue affecting the sufferer. but spring is nature’s way of lifting us back
into the light.
Most springtime allergies are cause by
the rhinovirus infection. This is another One of the chief causes of gloom has
suitable name, because like the rhinoceros been the cost-of-living crisis and so you
it is enormous and is actually responsible may feel that joining a gym or taking part
for around half of all common colds. in organised team sports is pricy. But all
you really need is a pair of decent fitting
Assuaging allergies can be achieved by a trainers or even shoes to walk in, to do your
visit to the GP or pharmacist, or by taking health good.
some responsibility yourself.
So, there is the challenge. Now, put that
Allergies follow a pattern, so diarise them spring in your step!
to see when they started and how they

ABOUT THE WRITER

Dr Chauhan OBE is a respected GP, health and social care
campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity.
As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his patients
and introduced innovative methods to improve their care.
His work mentoring and employing young people has won
national recognition and he was awarded an OBE in 2020 for his
creation of the Homeless-Friendly charity.

REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2023 50 51 REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2023