Monsoon Health Tips to Remain Healthy This Rainy Season
Posted on 21/08/19 6:45 PM
How to Stay Healthy and Happy This Monsoon
With grey clouds heralding its arrival, monsoon is finally here with much-needed rainfall to boost water supply. Though this is most welcome, it also can bring a fair share of problems. One such issue is the effect of monsoon on our health.
Our skin, hair, digestive system, and almost any other part of our body can suffer during the monsoon if they’re not properly taken care of. The accumulated stagnant water allows mosquitoes to breed and increases the chances of diseases, such as malaria and dengue. Viral infections are common, too. The high humidity can also contribute to skin diseases and fungal infections.
The monsoons can be a beautiful season, but we need to take appropriate measures to stay healthy and enjoy it all the more.
Simple Steps Towards Monsoon Safety
It is essential to know how to stay healthy during the monsoon. Here are some monsoon tips for health and safety that will go a long way in making sure that you stay safe and sound.
Drink filtered and boiled water. During the monsoon, there’s a possibility of water getting contaminated. You could fill a water bottle every morning and carry it with you during the day.
You should also be careful while consuming fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens. During the monsoon, it is more likely that they may contain larvae and other organisms. Soak them thoroughly in saltwater or a solution of potassium permanganate. This will ensure you have healthy food this monsoon.
Street food can be unsafe. Be careful of the food you eat during monsoons. During a rainy spell, it’s always tempting to stop at a roadside stall for yummy street food. Street food should definitely be avoided during the monsoon; if you do end up grabbing a bite, make sure the surroundings are clean, the food is hygienically prepared, and the water is filtered. The rainy season can spread infection through stale or poorly treated food, so you need to take care of your monsoon diet. If you feel like having a snack between meals, you can try some yummy trail mix instead.
Apart from what to eat in the monsoon, there are other monsoon hacks to keep you healthy. As much as you can, stay warm and dry to prevent colds and flu. Try not to wear wet socks and damp shoes for too long. If you’ve been caught in the rain, and in waterlogged areas, add some disinfectant to the water and bathe when you get home. At such times, some hot green tea can be perfect.
Fungus and other moulds thrive in wet conditions, and that’s why it is essential to regularly clean and air-dry your cupboards. Towels, clothing, and bedsheets should be washed and routinely air-dried. This will prevent fungus accumulation, which can cause breathing problems and rashes, especially for those with eczema and asthma.
If you have a severe cough and cold, you should take rest. Doses of Vitamin C could help build immunity. Hot soup is also a great dish during such times. In general, a good breakfast is also essential, and there’s nothing better than some delicious, healthy muesli with real fruit.
Monsoon-friendly footwear is crucial, along with raincoats and umbrellas. If you need to travel during the monsoon, be prepared. Check the weather report. If you’re driving, ensure that your car has been serviced, the tyres are in good condition, and the wipers and headlights are working correctly. For a quick snack while on the go, you can also carry oatmeal cookies, with rich fibre content that keeps you feeling full for longer durations.
With such precautions, the monsoon can be marvellous. The temperatures drop, the skies are enchanting, and as Khushwant Singh has written, “living through it can fully convey all it means to a people for whom it is not only the source of life but also their most exciting impact with nature.”
