Monsoon is the much awaited season after the scorching summers. As summers burn and dry the land, monsoons provide the much needed hydration and greenery. Moreover, with the onset of monsoons the sweltering temperatures mellow down and become bearable. Who doesn’t enjoy getting wet in the rains and revisiting those long-forgotten childhood days?
Though monsoons are welcomed with open arms, there are various illnesses and health conditions which become dominant during this season. Cold, fever, diarrhoea, fungal infections, etc. are quite common during monsoons. Do you know how you can avoid them and stay healthy?
Here are some precautions which should be taken to ensure a healthy monsoon –
Avoid street food
As lip-smacking as they might be, street food is unhygienic and, during monsoons, the unhygienic quotient increases manifold. The chances of water-borne diseases become very high and you might contract a severe case of diarrhoea, typhoid, etc. So, stay away from street food. The same food is served at restaurants too and if you crave the spicy and tangy taste, visit restaurants which maintain proper hygiene and indulge your cravings.
Carry an umbrella, always
When monsoons start, rains sometime become unpredictable. A very beautiful and sunny day can change into a rainy one within hours. So, whenever you step outside, always carry an umbrella or a raincoat to protect against getting drenched. Fevers and cold and cough are the common end result of a splash in the rain because during monsoons your body’s immunity reduces and the change in the season makes you prone to bacterial or viral infections. So, if you want to stay healthy, try and avoid getting wet.
Have a balanced diet
Having a balanced diet is the key to maintaining a good health in all seasons, monsoons included. With a change in the season your body metabolism also needs a change. So, switch over to lighter foods which are easily digestible as digestion takes a beating in monsoons. Indulge in seasonal fruits and vegetables but clean them thoroughly before consumption. Go organic to avoid the intake of harmful chemicals in your food. Choose hot beverages like soups, tea, coffee, etc. when the weather turns cold to warm the body. Lastly, drink 3 to 4 litres of water everyday even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Water consumption is essential to flush out the toxins from the body and should not be avoided.
Insect proof your home and office
Monsoon brings with it mosquitoes and flies as these insects find favourable breeding conditions in the season. You must be familiar with the host of illnesses caused by mosquitoes and houseflies especially dengue and malaria. In severe cases of dengue or malaria, hospitalisation might be required and these ailments can also prove fatal. So, invest in good mosquito repellents. Lather mosquito repellent creams or wear a patch on your clothes to avoid mosquito bites when stepping out. Children should be especially protected as they are more prone to mosquito borne illnesses. Use mosquito repellent sprays, liquidators, creams or patches but keep your home and work-space insect-free.
Exercise
A healthy diet and exercise are the two fundamental elements which keep your body healthy and illness-free. So, as you take care of your diet, don’t forget to exercise. Go for a walk or jog or, if the rains make it difficult to exercise outdoors, hit the gym. Even aerobics, Yoga, Pilates or work-outs done at home would be sufficient.
Invest in a health insurance plan
There is no guarantee on your health. Even if you are health conscious and take the above-mentioned steps, you can reduce the probability of falling sick but cannot eliminate it. So, to protect against the expensive medical costs incurred in case of a sickness or illness, invest in a good health insurance policy. The policy would be an added tool in your safety arsenal and protect you from health-related costs which double during monsoons due to common illnesses. Opt for a comprehensive plan which covers all possible aspects of an illness and choose a decent sum insured which would be optimal to meet the high medical costs.
Welcome monsoons with open arms and in anticipation of relief from the scorching temperatures but don’t forget to safeguard your health. After all, you cannot enjoy monsoons when you are lying sick in your bed, can you?
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