Seven Precautions For The Rainy Season

The rainy season comes with loads of excitement, fun and greenery. However, the season also invites a number of health problems which may be very difficult to dealt with. It is always important to take proper precautions to avoid some of these health problems especially when it involves kids, who need extra care this season to stay healthy. The rainy season is prevalent with a host of infections and most of which are respiratory infections, food and water borne diseases that must be taken care of quickly to curb spread. Cough, cold and flu are common problems of this season that attack children faster due to fluctuating temperature. During the rainy season, everybody needs to maintain eating a healthy diet and maintaining good hygiene to avoid falling sick. Food, water and vegetable should be properly washed and cooked. Ensure your drinking water is gotten from a good water source to avoid water borne diseases such as cholera.

When the rain starts pouring in, you first look for shelter and try to save yourself from getting drenched. However, while a shelter can save you from getting wet in the rain, it cannot offer you protection catching any kind of infection or falling sick especially when your immune system is very weak.

Here goes the seven most important tips to help you stay in top shape for the rainy season:
Keep Rain Gear/Umbrella with you always: The most effective thing that you can do is to keep your rain gear or umbrella handy when you go out. A raincoat with hooded jacket and waterproof shoes are the essential items you need to always move around with this season. And if you find it difficult to move with these items, there are portable size umbrellas that can fit into your bag nicely and without stress.
Vitamin C: Increasing the intake of Vitamin C, either in natural form or as food supplement will help you drive away the cold virus faster. A healthy supply of this vitamin C will activate your antibodies and reduce the severity of cold, undoubtedly.
Shower after being caught in the rain: Although it sounds unusual, taking a warm or hot shower after you have been caught in the rain will protect you from many infections and will make you feel warm and refreshed. Always make sure you take a warm bath when caught in the rain.

Hot Drinks: This is the one season when hot drinks will serve you well. After taking a good bath, dry yourself and wear dry & clean clothes. The best thing to follow should be a cup of hot drink to keep out the chills and help lure you into a comfortable sleep at night. This will also help keep you from catching colds or any kind of infection that can occur due to sudden changes in body temperature.
Cleanliness: Micro-organisms are susceptible to grow in the rainy season so it is pertinent to maintain good level of hygiene around you. Habits such as frequent hand washing, using a hand sanitizer and keeping your environment, especially drainages clean goes a long way in keeping sicknesses at bay. Also, remember to avoid wearing damp clothing.
Drink Plenty of Water: Water intake may reduce naturally because of the sudden drop in the temperature of the environment. It is good however, to drink plenty of water and do not wait to get thirsty before you drink water. Drinking enough water will help you expel toxins from your body.
Watch your food intake: Try to eat nutritious food and avoid eating out during the rainy season as you do not know the kind of water and level of hygiene observed in preparing the food. When preparing your meal, make sure you follow due precaution; wash vegetables and other food items thoroughly.

Be sure to stay healthy this season!

By Mercy Kukah