Holiday season is here – and so too is the desire to get some badly-needed sun on our bones, somewhere foreign preferably. But while your passport, SPF and the all-important holiday wardrobe have been top of your list of travel essentials, it’s advisable to safeguard against some of the most common holiday pitfalls also.

DRY EYES:
From long-haul flights, to air conditioned hotel rooms dry and itchy eyes are a common problem for summer travellers. So eye drops are an essential handbag addition this summer. Make sure you get one that has no preservatives such as Hylo-Tear eye drops, as those chemicals can damage the surface of your eyes.

GO WITH YOUR GUT:
A dodgy stomach can ruin your holiday, but unfortunately it’s a common holiday complaint. Studies have shown that the best way to prevent stomach complaints while abroad is to start taking live bacteria supplements such as Bio-Kult multi-strain and Bio-Kult Infantis for the kids, 15 days before you travel and throughout your holiday to maintain a healthy gut and fight off infections.

10 TIPS TO PREVENT BEING BITTEN OR STUNG:

1. DON’T PANIC - Try to keep calm when wasps, hornets or bees are nearby and do not wave your arms around or try to swat at them.

2. KEEP COVERED - When outside, particularly at sunrise or sunset, wear clothes that cover your skin such as long sleeves and trousers.

3. GOT SOUL? - Wearing shoes when outdoors means your feet are less likely to get stung or bitten.

4. ZAP, THEN ZAP AGAIN - An insect zapper will attract and eliminate these troublesome biting pests.

5. SOAP DODGE - Try not to use products with strong perfumes such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants, as they can attract insects.

6. DON’T GO WHERE THEY GO - Stay away from flowering plants, places where food is served outside, rubbish and compost areas. Take care to regularly remove any fallen fruit in your garden, and ensure lids on any dustbins fit well.

7. DO NOT DISTURB - Never disturb insect nests. If you have a nest nearby or in your home you should arrange to have it removed.

8. CAMP DRY - Mosquitoes and horseflies are often found near water, such as ponds and swamps. Avoid camping in areas near to water.

9. WRAP IT UP - Cover food and drink when eating or drinking outside. Open drink bottles or cans can also become targets for insects.


10. NO ENTRY - Doors and windows should be kept closed or, if open, have netting or door beads to prevent insects getting inside. Also, keep the windows of your car closed to stop insects from getting a free ride.

For more tips on how to treat and avoid wasp and bee stings, insect bites and nettle rash, visit www.anthisan.ie

STOP THE SNEEZES THROUGH SUMMER:

A massive 20 per cent of us are affected by the symptoms of hay fever, which means that this time of year can be uncomfortable and restrictive. For many of us, the long summer days can be synonymous with the agony of itchy eyes, a runny nose and fits of sneezing, which can be very annoying when you just want to go outside and enjoy the good weather!

Hay fever occurs in the body when the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance (pollen, in this case), causing an allergic reaction. As it is very difficult to completely avoid pollen or spores (the allergens present in the air for hay fever sufferers), it’s best to be armed with really good antihistamine for when the symptoms of hay fever strike.

We recommend keeping Anti-Hist Allergy tablets in your handbag, or in your suitcase if you’re travelling somewhere this summer where the pollen count might be high. They relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergic conditions, as well as skin rashes and itchy, watery eyes. Best of all, Anti-Hist Allergy tablets are suitable for both adults and children (age 6+). Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.