The monsoon brings relief from scorching heat but also gives rise to various health concerns. With the arrival of rain, several waterborne diseases, viral infections, and other health issues become more prevalent. To safeguard our well-being, it is crucial to take preventive care measures and keep hospital visits at bay. Here are some essential tips to maintain good health during the rainy season.
1. Drink Safe Water:
During the monsoon, water gets contaminated easily due to the overflow of drains and water logging. Consuming unsafe water can cause waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, typhoid, and cholera. Ensure that you drink only purified or boiled water. Additionally, store water in clean, covered containers to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and other waterborne pathogens.
2. Maintain Personal Hygiene:
Practicing good personal hygiene is essential to prevent infections during the rainy season. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or cooking. Keep your nails trimmed and clean to avoid the accumulation of dirt and germs. Taking daily shower and laundering clothes regularly will help ward off skin infections and maintain overall cleanliness.
3. Avoid Street Food and Uncooked Food:
While street food is a delightful temptation, stray germs and contaminated water used in the preparation may cause food poisoning and other stomach-related illnesses. Choose home-cooked meals or eat at trusted restaurants where hygiene is ensured. Furthermore, during the rainy season, abstain from consuming raw or undercooked food as they might contain harmful bacteria and parasites.
4. Exercise Caution in Public Places:
Crowded areas, public transportation, and rainwater-filled streets can become breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes. To minimize the risk of infections, wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries or water-related diseases like leptospirosis. Carry a hand sanitizer with you, use tissues while touching surfaces, and cover your mouth/nose while sneezing or coughing. It is advisable to maintain social distance and wear masks in public places as much as possible.
5. Boost Immunity with Healthy Diet:
Eating a well-balanced diet plays a significant role in strengthening the immune system. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals to provide essential nutrients. Vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can help fight against the common cold and flu. Avoid oily and spicy foods as they may cause digestion problems during this season.
6. Stay Protected from Mosquitoes:
The rainy season offers a favourable environment for mosquitoes, leading to an increase in mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Prevent mosquito breeding by emptying stagnant water around your house- especially air coolers, covering water containers, and using mosquito nets on doors and windows. Apply mosquito repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use mosquito coils or vaporizers to keep these disease carriers at bay.
7. Stay Hydrated and Get Adequate Rest:
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water despite the decrease in temperature during monsoons. Proper hydration helps flush out toxins from your body and supports your immune system. Along with staying hydrated, make sure to get enough sleep and rest to keep your body’s natural defence mechanisms in good shape.
By following these preventive care tips, you can minimize the chances of falling ill and keep hospital visits at bay during this monsoon. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Maintain good hygiene practices, consume safe food and water, strengthen your immunity, and safeguard yourself from mosquito-borne diseases. Stay healthy, embrace the beauty of monsoons, and enjoy the season to the fullest!
Read by
Dr. Anup Marar
CEO(Healthcare), Meghe Group of Institutions
Director, Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Centre
Director, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Superspeciality Institute
Secretary, Maharashtra & Goa Chapter, Association of Healthcare Providers of India
Convener, Vidarbha Hospitals Association