Healthy and wellness tips for the raining season

The rainy season is right around the corner. It is the season of excitement, fun and plenty of green environment. However, the season also invites a number of health challenges which are quite cumbersome to deal with. You should therefore take proper precautions to stop such health challenges gaining access into your body.

Kids especially need extra care during this season to enable them stay healthy.

The rainy season is associated with a host of infections especially respiratory infections and food and water borne diseases that must be taken care of. Cough, cold and flu are common problems of this season which attacks children fast due to the fluctuating temperature. Students, office goers and moms’ of little kids, needs to maintain a proper healthy diet and hygiene to avoid falling sick this season.

When the rain starts pouring in, you first look for a shelter and try to save yourself from getting drenched. However, a shelter can save you from getting wet in the rain, but it will not protect you from catching any kind of infection. This is especially when your immune system is very weak.

 Besides preparing your umbrella and raincoat before leaving home, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to stay healthy. These tips include;

Getting enough, good sleep at night: A study in 2009, as published on Health.com, claims that people who sleep less than seven hours a day are three times more prone to flu.

Wash your hands regularly, with water, soap and sanitizer: Keeping your hands clean is the first step to prevent the spread of germs and infections, according to National Kidney Foundation. In addition to hand washing, you also need to wash your feet after spending time outdoor, to avoid the risk of worm infections, rashes, etc.

Drink a lot of liquids: Warm drinks, like orange juice or tea, can help to prevent dehydration and reduce sore throat.

Stay away from people who are sick: Keep a distance from people who are sick. If you have to shake hand with them, always wash your hands using warm water and soap afterwards.

Disinfect your home: Disinfect your house with detergent, especially the door handles and furniture surface.

Wash the sheet and pillow cases regularly: Change the sheets and pillow cases regularly, especially when someone at home has got flu, to prevent the spread of the virus.

Keep your workout routines: Daily workouts can prevent infections of germs and bacteria.

Get under the sun: Even when it is cloudy outside, spend some time under the morning sun to get that healthy vitamin D.

Consume foods rich in vitamin D: Consume foods and drinks that are rich in vitamin D, which are good for the immunity.  Also add garlic to your diet because it is high in selenium and helps to strengthen the immune system.

Avoid sharing kitchen utensils: Do not share plates, spoons, forks, and glasses with others, to prevent the transmission of viruses or bacteria from an infected person.

Cover your mouth when sneezing: Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper, handkerchief, or part of your clothes when you sneeze or cough. This can reduce the spread of viruses or bacteria.

Wear a warm outfit: When it is cold, wear warm outfit to keep the body warm and prevent shivering.

Take warm bath: According to a study in 2009 as published on Health.com, a warm bath or shower can help to combat the spread of virus as well as reducing sore throat that often comes with flu.

Put your mask on when you are in a public area: This is quite effective in reducing viruses or bacteria that enter the body through the respiratory channel.

Avoid touching your face: Touching your eyes and face increases the risk of infection, because your hands may have been contaminated with bacteria or viruses.

Stop smoking: For those who smoke it is time to say no to cigarette because smoking deteriorate the immune system, thus making the body more prone to viral infections.

Gargle with warm salt water: A study in 2005 as published on Health.com claims that people who gurgle with salt water three times a day are less likely to get infected with influenza.

Avoid antibiotics: Flu is caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not the right remedy. Improper use of antibiotics will also make the bacteria resistant to them.

Take the right medicines: When you start experiencing flu symptoms, take proper medication.

Avoid biting your nails: Other than making your nails look bad, this will increase the risk of infection from the bacteria under the nails.

Consume foods with high fiber: High-fiber foods can help to get stronger immune system and protect the body from flu and digestive infections.

Wear footwear: Worms and fungi can get into the body through the feet, so always put your footwear on when you get out of the house especially when it rains.

Take an afternoon nap: When you have some free time, use it for taking an afternoon nap. It is good for the immune system to perform at its best.

Change your wet clothes immediately: If you get wet because of the rain, change your wet clothes immediately when you get home, to avoid hypothermia.

Consume honey: Add honey into a glass of orange juice or hot tea to boost the immune system. Honey is believed to have great anti-bacterial effects.

Cut down on salt: Commonly known for increasing the blood pressure, salty foods can cause dehydration if you eat them without consuming a lot of liquids.

Try steam therapy: If you get nose congestion due to flu or allergy, clear it by adding a few drops of cajuput oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam coming from it.

Try these healthy and wellness tips to stay healthy this rainy season.

By Mercy Kukah