By Dorcas Aluko
Harmattan is defined as
' a dry, dusty easterly or north-easterly wind on the West African coast, occuring
during December to February yearly.
Without doubt, the harmattan season is usually characterized
by dust, dryness, draughty air, cold mornings, hot and hazy afternoons, and cold
nights, which often lead to cold and catarrh, that may result in pneumonia if not
properly taken care of.
It is also associated with increased rate of fire outbreaks. Therefore, people must avoid bush burning and careless exposure of inflammable materials.
Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and safe in
this season:
- Cover up your body properly to prevent cold. It is advisable you put on warm clothes in the morning and at night.
- Eat food rich in vitamins especially fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid carbonated drinks and juices
- Stay hydrated. Drink at least 1.5litres of water daily; it helps the body to function properly.
- Use skin moisturizers. They help to increase the water content in the skin by reducing evapotranspiration.
- Regular intake of vitamin c during this season makes you less predisposed to flu.
- Don't forget to wear a face or nose mask when visiting dusty environment.
- Wash your eyes regularly to avoid red eyes, which is common during this season.
- Avoid or reduce outdoor activities, especially if you have allergies.
- Keep doors and windows closed.
- Get medical help if you have runny, itchy and stuffy nose.
- Use lip balm to prevent your lips from cracking.
- Wash your hands and skin regularly to remove dust settled there.
- Avoid burning refuse and bushes this period. This will help to prevent fire outbreaks, that could result to loss of lives and valuable properties.
- Asthmatic patients are advised to stay away from dusty areas, and always have their inhalers with them.
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