OH! Magazine - Australian Version October 2015 | Page 7

( OH MY! )

TIPS & TIDBITS

Share in some surprising travel stats, and tips to deal with spring allergies.

THE HABITS, STATS AND FACTS OF TODAY’S TRAVELLERS

40%

of thrill-seeking Aussie tourists jump into action adventure
without travel insurance. More than

50%

of Australian travellers don’t check or heed official
government warnings when travelling overseas.
In a survey of over

1350
25%
Australians,

revealed that they would not pay extra to cover adventure
activities, while almost a third –

29%
11%
33%

– do not even check if they are covered. Over one in ten –

– do not buy travel insurance at all. One in three Aussies –

– say they would take part in adventure activities without
checking the safety record of adventure sport providers, while

25%

of respondents are happy to try adventurous activities while
on holiday, that they wouldn’t do at home.

TOP TIPS TO SURVIVING SPRING FEVER
One in five Aussies will endure hayfever this spring as
warmer weather and air-borne pollen lead to symptoms
including runny noses, inflamed throats and dry, itchy eyes.
According to Ana Sui, optometrist with personalEYES,
Australia’s leading network of eye clinics, surviving seasonal
eye irritations is possible with preparation.
1. Get friendly with fish: Ms Sui recommends including
plenty of fish in your diet to improve eye health and reduce
eye irritation. ‘Including plenty of omega 3 fatty acids in
your diet by eating oily fish like salmon, sardines and
mackerel is a great way to reduce eye inflammation and
symptoms and signs of dry eyes,’ says Ms Sui. ‘Fish oil
helps to improve the quality of our tears, easing dry eye.’
If you are not a fish eater, then opt for fish oil supplements
and flaxseed oil.
2. Rest your eyes: Remaining glued to your computer for
hours can strain and dry out your eyes. ‘The large and small
screens of computers and mobile devices are a part of daily
life; however, it has been demonstrated clinically that when
we use our screens, we blink less and this can contribute to
dry eye,’ says Ms Sui. ‘Try to make a conscious effort to
blink frequently while at your computer. You could even put
a reminder on your computer to take a five-minute screen
break every hour,’ she says.
3. Give your eyes a spring break: Temporarily swapping your
contact lenses in favour of glasses can reduce the
discomfort caused by spring allergens. ‘Airborne allergens
and chronic contact lens use can reduce the stability of the
tear layer which can cause dry eyes,’ says Ms Sui. ‘Consider
wearing glasses during spring or even disposable daily
contact lenses to avoid accumulation of allergens in your
eye.’
4. Don your sunnies: Sunglasses and broad brimmed hats
can be a great way to shield your eyes from airborne pollen
and allergens as well as harmful UV rays. Optometrists have
a range of great prescription sunglasses available for spring
and Ms Sui recommends wrap around glasses for protection
against pollen and UVA and UVB rays.
Source: www.personaleyes.com.au

Source: http://comparethemarket.com.au
( OH! MAGAZINE ) OCTOBER 2015

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