How to carry on gardening - and stay healthy

HAYFEVER and asthma are inextricably linked and it can be irritating for keen gardeners who want to make sure their beds are under control — but not at the cost of their health.

Help is at hand from the Asthma Society Of Ireland who have created a checklist for gardeners who suffer with allergies and asthma:

Check the pollen forecast at asthma.ie before venturing outside. Try to stay indoors if the pollen count in your area is high.

Shut all your windows before gardening to keep dislodged pollen and dust out of your home.

Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.

Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen.

Make sure your asthma is well controlled and take your regular prevention medication, as prescribed.

Wear a hat to stop pollen getting caught in your hair and brush your hair after gardening.

Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outside for an extended period.

If you have a skin allergy, keep your hands, arms and legs covered when gardening.

Pollen can cling to animal fur. Keep furry pets out of the house during hayfever season and wash or bathe them after being outdoors to remove any pollen from their fur.

Using an air purifier indoors can help reduce the airborne allergens present inside the home, even when the pollen count is high outdoors.

For more asthma information and advice see asthma.ie or call the adviceline on 1800 44 54 64.