Safety Health Measures to Opt By Dr. Khushboo Thakker Garodia
The onset of Monsoon has brought in the much wanted relief from the scorching heat. However, these cool showers have also brought along its own set of infectious diseases which are challenging to manage and extremely easy to transmit.
The probability of being exposed to common diseases like flu and allergic cold is relatively higher during monsoons as compared to any other season. Other water-borne infections bought by the rains are rhinoviruses,typhoid fever, diarrhoea, cholera, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A. This season also carries vector-borne infections like malaria, dengue.
To top it all, since Corona virus is fairly new – we don’t really know how the rain might affect its transmission.
Here are a few Safety Measures one must opt for during Covid-19 Hit Monsoons:
· Sanitization Kit:Remember to check your Sanitization Kit encompasses of face mask, hand gloves, sanitizer when you leave your house.Remember to wash your hands with soap and water – often and thoroughly. This is applicable for everyone, especially for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, i.e. people dealing with chemotherapy, transplant patients and HIV.
· Clean and seal all cuts and open wounds:Open wounds unbroken skin invites skin infections. Wash, clean and seal the cuts. Practicing strict hygiene measures is the best safeguard against infections.
· Disinfect your groceries and kitchen supplies:Make sure to wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly before you eat them. First clean the fruits and vegetables under running water. Use a brush or sponge to clean produce like potatoes, carrots, cucumber, melons – etc – it is very important to clean them well before you peel it – so this way dirt and germs are not transferred from the knife onto fruits or vegetables. Green vegetables need special care. Wash them thoroughly under running water. Discard the outer layer of leaves. Soak in ice water and salt. Do not use soaps or regular detergents to clean the vegetables. You can Take equal quantities of salt, turmeric and vinegar and mix them in hot water. Add this solution in a large utensil and soak your fruits and vegetables in it for a good 30 minutes. You can also add half a lemon in it. Once done, wash them with normal water and dry and use.
· Hydration:Staying hydrated is even more important in monsoons as we tend to drink less water during this time. Water is very crucial to build immunity. Drink boiled, treated or purified water.
· Sleep Therapy:A good night’s sleepis important for your immunity. Missing sleep or sleeping for less than six hours a day can put you at a sleep debt, thus making you feel tired and fatigued. It makes your body weak and more susceptible to infections
· Personal Hygiene:Clip your nails regularly and wash the skin underneath your nail so that germs and bacteria do not accumulate inside your nails. Avoid long nails.
· Say No to Sharing your cutlery:Avoid sharing the dishes or cutlery when you are eating out even at the office especially if you are feeling sick. It takes an instant for the coronavirus to contaminate the surfaces and infect a healthy person.
· Opt for Home Meals:Maintain a healthy balanced diet, avoid fad diets or restrictive diets – as they mess up the immune system. Instead opt for home cooked meals
· Indian Herbs:To boost your immunity, include herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, cinnamon, turmeric in your daily diet.
While most of these are preventative measures, it is very important to be vigilant to avoid catching a cold, cough or fever and keeping an eye out for warning signs.
Keeping contact numbers of doctors and emergency services handy and staying tuned to health-warnings from credible sources are all part of staying healthy and infection-free all through.
Dr Khushboo Thakker Garodia,is a Homeopath,Trichologist & Integrative Health Expert
