If you’re one of the estimated 20% of Aus­tralians that suffer with hayfever, Spring is not a time for celebration but rather a time of sneezing, mucous and the dreaded itchy eyes! Allergic conjunctivitis is the bane of many a hay fever sufferer so what is the best way to manage your itchy eyes?

1. Avoid your allergy triggers. Plants, grasses or pollens that trigger your al­lergy symptoms should be avoided. Try saving outdoor activities to evening or just before dawn when the pollen count is lower.

2. Keep allergens away. Regularly wash­ing your face, hair and around your eyes, frequently changing your clothing and linen can help to remove the little al­lergen particles that accumulate.

3. Treat your itchy eyes with medication. Over the counter antihistamine eye drops can provide relief for the symp­toms of allergic conjunctivitis. Avoid us­ing the “red eye” drops. These temporar­ily hide the redness without addressing the cause of your red, itchy eyes. For persistent allergy, use a mast cell stabi­liser eyedrop leading up to and during spring to act as a preventative. These are available as a combination drop alongside an antihistamine.

4. Treat any concurrent dry eye disease. Having dry eyes will exacerbate your al­lergic conjunctivitis symptoms and our tears act as a natural means of flushing allergens out of our eyes. Watch out with taking oral antihistamines as these can cause dry eyes.

Book an appointment at Hansens Optom­etrists where we can formulate a personal­ised plan. We can prescribe more effective eye drops and treat other eye problems that might be masquerading as allergy symptoms.

Team members Kerry Dwyer and Rachael Baker display the gift basket which one lucky person will win. Raffle tickets still available in store so pop in and grab a few tickets and support a great cause.

Ron Dunford Chemist has been serving the community in Parkes for over 50 years, and it is that time of year again where they turn to the community for support of their annual morning tea to support breast cancer.

Ron Dunford Chemist has always sup­ported the McGrath Foundation, and has been having morning tea’s for as long as can be remembered which is estimated to be about 20 years.

Come along on Monday, 27 October to enjoy a friendly chat with the Ron Dunford team whilst enjoying lots of yummy home baked goodies. For just a $5 donation, you will receive a plate of goodies to enjoy in store, or take home to enjoy later. All pro­ceeds raised will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

Zoe Hayne, Retail and Administration Manager at Ron Dunford Chemist said, “It is vitally important that we all get behind such a fundamental and worthwhile cause so that we can all work together to create a future where no one has to miss out on getting care from a McGrath care nurse, and one that ultimately finds a cure for cancer.”

“Early detection is the key. Please be self-aware, have regular check ups, see your doctor if you have any concerns, and always check your boobs for any lumps or signs of change.”

“We look forward to the community sup­porting us in our endeavor. Together we can raise awareness, have hope, and show that we care and support each other.”

To help raise as many funds as possible, a raffle is running in store where you have the opportunity to win a gorgeous gift basket full of self-care and self-indulgent products.

Tickets are $2 each or three for $5. The raffle will be drawn at the Breast Cancer Awareness morning tea on Monday 27th October.