Ways for staying healthy in the rainy season

CEBU, Philippines - The rains are here. They come at their own time and there’s nothing we can do about it – except to be ready. Many diseases and ailments come with the rainy days.

Of course, the rainy season has its charms for little kids. The showers beckon the children to frolic outside. The cool weather, too, feels really good. Aside from the fact that now there is reason to wear those nice jackets in order to look real cute to friends and classmates.

But it is very important to take the necessary precautions in order to stay healthy during this tricky season. IndiaParenting.com suggests these simple steps:

1. Wash your hands frequently.

Bacteria and viruses come alive during the monsoon and you can come into contact with them just by crossing the road or holding on to an infected railing or bench. Wash your hands as frequently as you can with soap and warm water.

2. Avoid touching your face.

The flu virus commonly enters the human body through the eyes, nose and mouth. Resist the urge to scratch your eye or wipe your sweaty forehead with your hand. Use a clean napkin or handkerchief instead.

3. Protect yourself from dirty water.

Clogged gutters and dirty puddles are common in the rainy season. And these are sources of water-borne diseases like diarrhea, influenza, cholera and fungal skin infections.

Covering up is the best way to protect yourself from these diseases. Wearing raincoat and rain boots are most helpful. Slippers leave your feet open to harmful contaminants. And you will easily catch cough, colds and fever by getting your head and body wet in the rain.

4. Avoid street food.

While fish balls,  “kwek kwek”  and  “kikiam”  sold in the streets are temptingly convenient and inviting, you must stay away from these during the rainy season. Any food cooked and sold in the open air are likely to come in contact with airborne and waterborne diseases and bacteria. Be safe by eating only home-cooked meals. Why not cook your own fish balls at home?

5. Keep away from mosquitoes.

The mosquito population grows quickly during the rainy days because stagnant water – their choice breeding ground – becomes more common. Keep mosquitoes out of the house and keep away from places where mosquitoes gather. Check flower pots and vases, ditches, nooks and crannies that may be holding stagnant water. Clean them out and have them covered until the end of the season. Apply mosquito repellent on your body, especially when going outside.

6. Seek medication at the first signs of ailment.

The moment you begin feeling unusually weak and uncomfortable, tell your parents or your teacher immediately. You may need to take medicines. Or, if your parents think it’s a good idea to have common medicines always ready in your schoolbag, listen carefully to their instructions as to when and how you may need to take some. A nasal decongestant inhaler is good to carry in your pocket, too. But, to be sure, ask your parents to consult a qualified doctor regarding the medicines you may carry and take on your own. (Helpful Reference: Rappler.com, with reports from Pia Ranada)