Q: Each spring my allergies and asthma flare up. Apart from pill-popping, what else can help?

In spring and summer, when pollen, mold, dust and smog levels increase, reduce your exposure to the allergens giving you grief. Pollen counts are highest in the early morning, so keep your windows closed until noon. Pollen can stick to your hair, so shampoo it before bed. On smoggy, humid days, listen to the humidex warnings on the TV or radio; if they’re high and your asthma is severe, limit outdoor activity and exercise and keep your puffer handy.

Between late nights out and business trips, my sleep schedule is erratic. How can I catch the best zzzs?

Inconsistent bedtimes, eating or drinking at night, and even taking naps can mess up your internal sleep clock. Lay off booze, nicotine and caffeine, which rev up your system. Before bedtime, listen to calming music, take a hot bath or do relaxing yoga poses—whatever soothes you. And as much as you can, ensure that your sleep and wake times are consistent.

I’m in pretty good shape and eat well, too, but want to tone my gut. Can you recommend an exercise?

Lie on your back and place your calves on the seat of a chair, making a 90-degree angle at your knees. Cross your arms over your chest. Using only your abdominal muscles, raise your head and shoulders five centimetres off the floor while inhaling. Once in the upper position, hold for two to three seconds, then exhale while slowly lowering yourself down, either completely to the floor or hovering just above it for more of a challenge. Repeat 15 to 20 times. Take a breather. Do two more sets. Admire your flat stomach in the mirror.

Why don’t I have the energy I had during my frosh years?

Look, you’re old—well older, anyway. As we age, it takes more effort to get our adrenaline going. So eat healthy meals that include lean cuts of meat or fish; fruits and starchy vegetables; and whole-wheat bread, pasta and rice. Cut coffee, cola and tea consumption down to a couple of cups a day to avoid the crash that follows caffeine’s initial jolt of energy; drink up to two litres of water, juice or herbal tea instead. Munch on unsalted nuts, dried fruit, low-fat yogurt, or cheese and veggie sticks, which boost blood-sugar levels. At lunchtime, go for a power walk.