The monsoon season is in full force. Here are some tips on how to keep everyone in the family healthy and safe during these very rainy months.
The monsoon season is in full force. Here are some tips on how to keep everyone in the family healthy and safe during these very rainy months.
1. Prepare rain gear, including an umbrella, hooded raincoat and waterproof shoes or boots, if you regularly travel by foot, to lower the chances of getting soaked when caught in a downpour. Those in immunosuppressed groups, including children, may catch a cold after being exposed to the cool breeze that often accompanies rain showers. If caught unprepared, step into your nearest supermarket or mini mart – they are usually stocked with basic rain equipment.
2. Take a warm shower right after getting drenched (but not in the midst of a thunderstorm). This helps stabilizes the cold temperature brought by the rains, helping the body return to a normal temperature after drying off and getting dressed.
3. Teach children about basic safety around lightning and thunder. The rule of thumb is that, if they can hear thunder, it’s time to head indoors, especially if they are swimming and even if it hasn’t started to rain. Also, avoid open areas, such as playing fields; isolated tall objects like trees and light posts; and metal objects such as fences and clotheslines. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder to resume outdoor activities.
4. Watch out for stagnant water, which is the prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. Dengue Fever, a potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease is most rampant during the rainy season. Regularly empty out still water sources, such as planter saucers and trays, pet water bowls, inflatable pools and decorative urns, around the home and in the garden.
5. Avoid wading in floodwaters, especially when barefoot. It may be fun for kids but beware of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that is spread by floods containing urine and other bodily fluids of infected animals, including dogs and rodents. Also, clean or disinfect toys that have been contaminated by flood water before allowing children to resume playing with them.
6. Keep hands clean. Common cold symptoms can escalate during the rainy season. To keep everyone safe, clean hands regularly and always bring a hand sanitizer when you are out and about. Also, make it a habit to wash hands and feet when you get home, especially after contact with rain or flood waters.
7. Drink herbal tea has curative properties for coughs, colds and sore throat — common ailments during the rainy season. To make it extra good for your body (not to mention pleasant and delicious), you can add body warming ingredients like cloves, ginger, pepper, basil and mint.
8. Make eucalyptus oil your best friend. The aroma of eucalyptus oil helps us breathe easily; this, in turn, relaxes the entire body. This substance can be your best friend during the rainy season when the nose gets clogged from flu and the body is maxed out from other diseases or even when dealing with just the extra strain of commuting in the rain.
Few measures to make sure the home stays in a better shape.
1. Clean and repair home gutters: Clogged ones can cause rainwater to back up and damage your roof and house. At times , the cleaning can get cumbersome and its always advisal to take professional help.
2. Look inside at ceilings and walls: Any water damage could be an indication of roof leaks. The marks on the ceiling indicates special attention to be given. Take professional advice and get the problem solved before things gets worse.
3. Trim trees and bushes next to the house: Eliminate branches that can be weighed down with water or strike houses.
4. Check street drains near your home: If they are clogged, call your city’s public works department.
