14 Personal Health Care during this Harmattan period

Harmattan period is here again! Harmattan is a season in the West African subcontinent, which occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterized by dry and dusty northeasterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara Desert over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea.

Harmattan is characterized by dry and dusty air from the Sahara. The dust that it carries can result in the formation of haze, which can limit visibility and even block the Sun at times.

During Harmattan there is little amount of water in the atmosphere (low humidity) this increases the spread of infections or diseases. The most common health problems during this season include Common Cold, Asthma, Sickle Cell Crisis, Eye problem (Apollo) and catarrh, bronchitis, pneumonia, dry Skin, Tonsillitis, Nose Bleeding, Bronchitis, Burns, and many other health problems.

 Here are some tips on how to make this season easier for your health:

1.       Drink more water. Remember that this should be just water. Juice, tea or coffee doesn’t count. An adult should drink approximately 1.5-2 liters of pure water daily.

2.       Take Vitamins Supplement. One of the ways you can live healthy or stay healthy during Harmattan is to take vitamins supplements as much as possible. Some may be prescribed by the doctor or you buy supplements like Vitamin C which keeps the body safe at this time but for children, you can give then syrup of Vitamins at this time.

3.       Wear thick clothing. Another thing you need to cope and live healthy during Harmattan is to wear thick clothing. Wearing thick clothing helps to prevent cold infection or over exposing the chest to cold symptoms which is one of the best healthy things to do. You can keep your children or babies safe and warm by wearing thick cloth for them at this time.

4.       Eat fruits. Just as I said about Vitamins in (1), fruits are also good to eat during Harmattan because it contains Vitamins and mineral which prevent diseases and also increase the body metabolism.

5.       Use Vaseline. Harmattan causes dry skin, dry lips, lips cracks, skin cracks etc but you can manage this by using Vaseline on your lips, body and leg. Using Vaseline is healthy due to the oil contents it contains. It prevents the skin surface from various irritations that may occur due to Harmattan.

6.       Remember hair care. Moisturized and also do hairstyles that keep your hair ends hidden. You can also wrap up your hair to protect it from the dust.

7.       Rinse your eyes. Do this with clean water and reduce the exposure to the dust by wearing protective spectacles.

8.       Avoid antiseptic soap. You should use it only when you have some skin problems or an infection. This kind of soap should be used only for short periods of time, and only for treatment.

9.       Bath with warm water. One of the ways you stay healthy during Harmattan period is to bath with warm water in the morning and night. This will keep the body warm and free of cold and other flu symptoms. You can also bath little children with warm water as well; it also keeps them warm and prevents the children from contacting flu or other related disease.

10.   Avoid cold drinks. Harmattan period is not a time of drinking cold drinks but a period where hot water or warm drink is preferred. Cold drinks or cold water during Harmattan period is not healthy because it may lead to cough, flu, sore throat, catarrh etc.

11.   Drink hot tea. You can also stay healthy or live healthy during Harmattan period is to occasionally drink hot substance like tea probably in the morning and night. It keeps you warm and free of flu or other cold related diseases.

12.   Asthma patients. Or those with chronic respiratory conditions should pay special attention to their health and take all possible and practicable measures to reduce exposure to the dusty atmosphere and they should carry their inhalers with them at all times.

13.   Due to the dusty atmosphere we should practice a healthy food preservation culture. Fruits and vegetables should be properly washed before eating and those of us that store our drinking water should always ensure that the containers are always adequately covered.

14.   Stay Indoor. Harmattan is a harsh condition and to stay healthy and keep warm during this condition, you need to stay in-door if you don’t have anything to do outside. The condition contains cold, dry and dusty wind but staying in door will help you stay healthy and safe.

SOURCE:

healthcareng.com

naija.ng