It’s so nice to sleep nowadays while cuddling your loved ones with the cool weather, not to mention me as a mom minimizing the use of electricity. (We’re not using the aircon for days now.) Here in the Philippines, starting the month of June, the rainy season has already set off. Once my kids hear the sound of the rainfall outside, they will start singing in chorus, “rain, rain go away.. come again another day. We little kids want to play, rain, rain go away!” This is also an opportunity for us to enjoy time together because classes of my grade-schooler usually are being suspended due to the threat of monsoon force.
While the downpour of rain brings a cool, relaxing feeling and cuddle moments, this season also brings along with it a host of infections, especially water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases. In addition, high humidity can adversely affect your health.
Heavy rains can trigger certain health risks, and children, in particular, are susceptible. Hence, we really need to be extra intentional in ensuring that our family and loved ones are protected, whether they are inside or outside of our homes. We have to do some precautions for them to avoid getting sick and stay in peak health condition during the rainy season. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Prepare rain gear
Always make sure you are prepared with your umbrella, hooded raincoat and waterproof shoes or boots (especially when you are traveling by foot). You never know when it may start pouring. If caught unprepared, step into your nearest supermarket or mini-mart – they are usually stocked with basic rain equipment.
Take a warm shower after getting wet in the rain
Taking a short, warm bath after being soaked in the rain helps drive many infections away. It can also help stabilize the cold temperature brought by the rains, helping the body return to a normal temperature after drying off and getting dressed.
Avoid eating street food
Cool weathers can often trigger the craving for hot and spicy street food. However, it’s best to avoid eating from roadside vendors because of the high chances of contamination. During the rainy season, bacteria breeds insanely, thereby increasing your risk of having unhygienic foods that may cause stomach infections.
Drink Plenty of Water
With the cool temperature, we tend to drink less water naturally. Drinking plenty of water helps in draining toxins from the body. Avoid consuming water outside when you’re unsure if the source is clean and safe. Make sure you drink boiled or purified water to reduce the chances of waterborne diseases, diarrhea or stomach infection.
Increase your immunity
Eating healthy foods is the cheapest way to protect you from sickness. Eat fresh and if possible, home-cooked meals only. Eat fruits rich in Vitamin C for protection against free radical damage, chemicals, and pollutants that may harm our body’s cells. Vitamins C can reduce cold and flu symptoms by 23%. For additional protection, also take daily supplements like Oleia Softgels, it comes with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to boost your over all immunity. Oleia Softgels are also helpful in relieving aching joints especially this cold weather!
Wash your hand regularly
Micro-organisms tend to grow in the rainy season which can leave you with cold.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water to avoid you from getting colds, cough, influenza, and other infections. It is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. Wash your hands properly by lathering soap between your fingers, under your nails and the top of your hands. Then rinse and dry your hands thoroughly too.
Keep your surroundings clean
Dengue, a fatal disease caused by mosquitoes, is the most rampant disease during the rainy season. Don’t leave any water stagnant for it can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Keep your area clean, ensuring that drains and sewage lines are not clogged. To prevent mosquito bites and stay safe from other insect bites it is advisable to use mild insect repellents. Besides dengue, leptospirosis is also rampant because of floods that may contain animal urine causes bacterial infection. Avoid wading in floodwaters to protect yourself from this disease.
Staying healthy is important all the time, not just this rainy season. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy while enjoying the refreshing weather!
About The Author
Andrea is a full time home maker. When she is not busy taking care of her husband and kids, she goes out giving financial management talks. She is a proud breastfeeding mom for four years running and an avid Oleia user.
