Spring is around the corner, it means warmer weather, flowers blooming, but also pollen, allergy, lots of sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes. If you are someone who rarely enjoys this season, and spends most of it battling congestion and brain fog, then this is for you! Learn how to manage your spring allergies.

Spring allergies can be treated with simple lifestyle changes, and if at all it is required, even advanced medical interventions too can take care of it. Here are some tips that the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) recommends:

Home Remedies

Before turning to medications, try considering these lifestyle changes and see if it works:

1. Shut Your Windows: Pollen counts are usually at the highest in early morning and evening. This is the time when you can start keeping your windows and doors closed. Whether you are at your home or in your car, this way you can prevent pollen from entering. You can also use air conditioning instead of opening the windows and keep the indoor cool.

2. Bed-Time Routine: If you have spent your day outdoors, the best thing to do is to take a shower and change your clothes before you hit the bed. This is a great way to get rid of pollen from your clothes, skin, and hair. This will reduce your chance of sleeping om a pillow full of pollen

3. Air Purifiers: You can use HEPA, also known as the High-efficiency particulate air filters, which can catch pollen, pet dander and dust and other kinds of air purifier to filter out allergens.

4. Limit Outdoor Activities: Try to limit your activities especially early in the morning and in the evening. If you must go, put on a mask. An N-95 mask, which had peaked during COVID-19 times could come handy even now.

5. Spring Cleaning: Clean your house, and other surfaces. Even if you do not see the dust, it is there, and cleaning those surfaces will help you get rid of accumulation of pollen and other allergens.

OTC Medications

In case these lifestyle changes are not helping you, you can go for over-the-counter medications. These include:

1. Antihistamines: They block histamine, which is a chemical released in body during an allergic reaction. It also reduces symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.

2. Nasal Sprays: These could be your best friend if you are struggling with congestion. You can also use saline nasal sprays and neti pots.

3. Decongestants: These help by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, and reduce swelling, which in return improves airflow.

Note that we do not recommend or prescribe any medicines. It is always advisable to go see your GP first.

Prescribed Medications

Your doctor is most likely to prescribe a desloratadine in case your symptoms are not controlled with OTC medications. You may also be prescribed azelastine that could work better on your inflammation and congestion.

If you have severe allergy symptoms, you may be put on corticosteroids for short-term oral use. It can reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Allergy Immunotherapy

This is called allergy immunotherapy, which is a long-term solution that can desensitize your immune system to specific allergens. This treatment is considered when other treatments are ineffective and when allergies significantly impact your daily life.

The two allergy immunotherapy involves, a shot called subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT, and sublingual immunotherapy or SPLI, which is an allergen tablets placed under the tongue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, on the occasion of World Health Day 2026, reaffirmed his commitment to building a healthier society and nation.

The Prime Minister also extended gratitude to all healthcare workers for their tireless service to the public health.

He also urged citizens to work together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritize the well-being of every individual.

“On World Health Day, we express our gratitude to all those who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the service of others and work towards a healthier planet,” PM Modi said in a post on the social media platform X.

“We also reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier society. Let us all keep working together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritise the well-being of every individual,” he added.

The Ministry of Health also advised people not to ignore signs given by the body, such as

• Fatigue.
• Stress.
• Poor sleep.
• Dehydration.

Health Is Wealth

Union Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted India’s approach to healthcare, which combines “age-old wisdom with modern science, helping improve lives not just at home but across the world”.

Citing government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, Nadda stated that the “strengthened healthcare system (is) making quality treatment more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for every citizen”.

The Health Minister also expressed "heartfelt gratitude to all doctors, nurses, and frontline workers whose dedication keeps our healthcare system strong. Let us all work together towards building a healthier and stronger nation”.

Meanwhile, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged citizens to make investments for their health.

Calling health "the ultimate wealth”, he said: “This #WorldHealthDay, I urge everyone to take a little more time for themselves”.

The Minister also urged people to “move more, eat better, and prioritize well-being. Let’s also encourage every member of our family to stay fit by making healthier choices together as a family. A healthy Bharat begins at home”.

World Health Day 2026

World Health Day is observed annually on April 7 to mark the founding day of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 for public health worldwide.

World Health Day 2026 will be observed under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.” It highlights the role of the WHO in promoting public health, which has led to improvements in the global maternal mortality rate, falling by more than 40 percent since 2000, and a reduction of over 50 percent in deaths among children under five.

The WHO stated that science was behind every health progress, which led to improvements in global health and lives. This includes the development of

• anesthesia
• safer medicines and affordable vaccination
• screening technologies, such as electronic blood pressure monitors and mammography tools.

“Science is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for protecting and improving health,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.

“People in every country live longer and healthier lives on average today than their ancestors did, thanks to the power of science. Vaccines, penicillin, germ theory, MRI machines, and the mapping of the human genome are just some of the achievements that science has delivered that have saved lives and transformed health for billions of people,” he added.

The WHO emphasized that science must continue to guide health decision-making at all levels.

We often assume that having a “normal weight” automatically means being healthy. While body weight is an important parameter, it represents only a small part of overall health. True health is far more complex than what a number on the weighing scale can convey.

Understanding The Limitations Of BMI

Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used to classify individuals based on their weight relative to height. However, it does not differentiate between fat and muscle. As a result, someone may fall within the normal BMI range yet still have high body fat and low muscle mass, a condition known as “normal weight obesity.” Such individuals may appear healthy but remain at risk for metabolic disorders.

Why Is Body Composition Important?

Body composition analysis offers deeper insight by evaluating fat, muscle mass, and their distribution in the body. A combination of low muscle mass and excess body fat, especially around internal organs, can increase disease risk, even when overall weight appears normal.

The role of fat distribution:

All body fat is not the same. Where fat is stored matters significantly. The waist-to-height ratio is now considered a more reliable indicator than BMI, as it reflects fat distribution. A ratio above 0.5 is associated with a higher risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even increased mortality.

Looking beyond numbers:

Health cannot be defined by numbers alone. Factors like physical activity, nutrition, stress levels, and sleep quality play an equally critical role. Even individuals with a normal weight can experience poor metabolic health due to inadequate sleep or chronic stress.

The bigger perspective:

Good health is not just about appearance or weight, it is the result of multiple factors working together. It reflects a balance between internal processes and external lifestyle choices.

In essence, being of normal weight does not necessarily mean being healthy. To truly stay well, it is important to look beyond weight and consider the broader picture of health.

Tattoos have long raised health concerns. While they are generally safe when done under proper hygienic conditions, they still pose risks related to safety, the introduction of foreign substances into the body, and potential long-term effects, including cancer.

However, contrary to previously known health risks, a study has claimed that tattoos can actually prevent the risk of the deadliest form of skin cancer – melanoma.

The findings led by researchers from the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah in the US showed that having two or more tattoo sessions decreased the risk of both invasive and in situ melanoma. In situ melanoma means the cancer cells remain on the skin’s surface and are more easily removed.

“We see people with two, three, and four tattoo sessions having decreasing risk, and that’s a stronger pattern than the increased risk with just one session,” said Jennifer Doherty, a researcher at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

But “this isn’t a black and white case of ‘get more tattoos, and you could lower your risk of melanoma,’” said Rachel McCarty, post-doctoral scientist at the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Also read: Shocking! Man Gets A Tattoo On His Neck; Months Later, Flesh Turns Black And Rots Away

How Tattoos Can Prevent Melanoma

The researchers noted that the beneficial effects may be because people with several tattoos are more cautious with sun safety and take better care of their skin.

Tattoos could also form a physical barrier that blocks ultraviolet radiation or cause an immune response against precancerous cells, the researchers explained in the paper.

McCarty said those with tattoos should continue making informed decisions about skin protection.

“Tattoo artists already advise their clients to wear sunscreen and sun protection to prevent tattoos from fading,” McCarty said.

“We know wearing sunscreen is an important safety step for everyone, even without tattoos. But it’s also important for those with tattoos to take extra precautions to prevent any additional harmful components from forming in the skin when pigments break down from UV exposure.”

The researchers have called for more studies to understand the beneficial effects of tattoos.

An earlier project from Doherty’s team and a Swedish study both suggest that tattooing could be connected to an increased risk of certain blood cancers. The study also indicated a greater cancer risk for those with larger tattoos.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. While it can occur anywhere on the skin, it often develops on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, back, and legs.

Melanoma can also appear in less-exposed areas, like the soles of the feet, palms, or under the nails, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. Although rare, melanoma may develop in the eyes, mouth, or internal organs.

The condition can be life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body, but early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. It is often linked to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, though genetic predisposition and family history also play roles.

Symptoms Of Melanoma

The primary sign of melanoma is a new or changing mole, freckle, or skin lesion. The "ABCDE rule" helps identify suspicious moles:

• Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
• Border: Irregular or scalloped edges.
• Color: Multiple shades or unusual colors like red, white, or blue.
• Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color.