Monsoon showers infuse our lives with a sense of optimism. A cup of tea and a plate of pakoda enjoyed with friends and family can make a perfect rainy evening. However, the season also brings a rise in infections and seasonal minor and major illnesses. Here are a few health tips to help you stay fit during the rains.
Watch your diet
Rains often lead to reduced physical activity, slowing down metabolism and weakening immunity. Many crave spicy and fried street food during this time, but food kept in the open air is vulnerable to contamination. We may get infections. Even cut fruits, a seemingly healthy food choice, can be carriers of many harmful germs, if they are exposed to air for too long.
To stay safe, opt for freshly cooked, light meals at home. Include immunity-boosting foods like nuts, seeds, and fruits in your diet. Avoid street food and leftovers, as such foods may see rapid growth of bacteria in humid conditions. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating and keep yourself well-hydrated.
Drink boiled water
During the rainy season, drinking water can easily become contaminated. It may cause water-borne diseases like typhoid, jaundice and diarrhoea. The only way to prevent these is to consume filtered and boiled water. Boiled water eliminates bacteria and protects us from deadly diseases.
It is prudent to carry a bottle of boiled water when stepping out. Stick to bottled water if boiled water is not available.
Keep mosquitoes away
After contaminated drinking water, mosquitoes are the next biggest carriers of diseases during the monsoon. Damp surroundings and stagnant water are ideal breeding grounds for them. Mosquitoes bring home diseases like dengue and malaria. Use covers on water storage containers and open water tanks. Remove water puddles around the house. Pay special attention to the stagnant water in sapling pots and trays in the house.
Use mosquito repellent whenever required to stay protected.
Maintain personal hygiene
Skin infections and blisters are also common during monsoon. Humidity and damp surroundings promote the rapid growth of fungi and bacteria. Hence, maintaining cleanliness at home and in the workplace is essential. Practise hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap or by using sanitiser. Always carry an umbrella or rain gear. Avoid getting wet in the rain frequently and refrain from wearing damp clothes.
If you need to walk through waterlogged areas on an extremely heavy rainy day, take a bath and wash your clothes as soon as you reach home. Wearing wet clothes can cause skin infections. If sun-drying the clothes is not possible, use a dryer or iron them.
Optimise exercise regime
The rains can obstruct fitness routines for those who jog, cycle or engage in outdoor activities. Regular exercise not only keeps you fit but also boosts immunity and supports mental well-being. Individuals with disciplined exercise programmes are generally more resistant to infections. They are more likely to recover faster even if they fall ill. Indoor exercises like Yoga, stationary cycling and walking on a treadmill can help you maintain your fitness routine. Pranayam and breathing exercises are also beneficial. Getting adequate sleep every night is crucial for good health.
A healthy body lets you enjoy the rains more. Focusing on the above habits helps not only you but also your family—especially the elderly and children. Young kids are more vulnerable. Preventive measures go a long way in fortifying our bodies against various illnesses and infections. However, if you experience symptoms such as fever, severe diarrhoea, persistent indigestion, rashes, or breathing-related problems, consult a doctor immediately. Early consultation facilitates quick diagnosis, and treatment enables faster recovery.
These small but effective steps help you stay healthy and make the most of monsoon rains.
