Woman Driver Blows Four Times Legal Limit, Following King Street Crash

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A woman will face court later in August, recording a blood alcohol reading of four times the legal limit, following a collision on King Street, Newcastle. 

Around 10.20pm on Sunday night, two vehicles collided near the intersection of King street and Union Street. 

Both drivers were submitted to a breath analysis, with a 28-year-old woman recording a reading of 0.232, more than four times the legal limit. 

Her licence was immediately suspended. 

She is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court later in August.

Time for Spring Cleaning: Asthma Council

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

It's National Asthma Week, and Hunter residents are being encouraged to improve their environment to lessen the risk of attacks.

Asthma triggers are heightened in Spring, with older and unrenovated homes more likely to be carrying dust and mould, posing a danger to sufferers.

Program Manager of Sensitive Choice at the National Asthma Council, Adele Taylor, says there are a few simple steps you can take to make your home safer.

"One of the best things you can do is make sure you're cleaning your home regularly, that way you're avoiding dust mites settling into the property," she explained.

"Vacuuming at least once or twice a week is ideal," Ms Taylor continued, "especially in carpeted rooms and particularly if you've got young children."

There are currently 2.5 million Australians living with Asthma, and the condition affects 10% of children, representing the leading cause of emergency room visits.

Meanwhile, one in three people suffer from allergies.

Additional measures like washing bed linen in water hotter than 55 degrees and covering mattresses with dust-mite resistant protectors can also help lessen triggers.

When cleaning, use a damp cloth over a feather duster which can merely stir up particles into the air.

For more information on how to Asthma-proof your house, head to the Sensitive Choice website.