TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY THIS RAINY SEASON
The monsoon season in India is a welcome change from the sweltering summer heat, but it brings along some very unwelcome guests which must be avoided at all costs. Yes, you guessed it right. We are talking about the hassles and health problems that usually come along with pleasant rains.

Here, we’re not talking about staying away from water logged areas or eating street food. We’re talking about overall health tips for rainy season which can make the weather even more enjoyable. Follow these tips and precautions that to keep all these problems at bay.
1. FOLLOW A HEALTHY DIET

• This is the season where the body and especially the digestive system are most prone to infections.
• Diseases in the rainy season are mostly water-borne, so make sure you only drink water that is filtered or boiled.
• It is also important to maintain a healthy diet in the rainy season, which means that if you are fond of street food, then your favourite chaat, golas, kulfis and other street foods are off the menu. Rainy season isn’t the time to indulge.

• Pollution of raw vegetables is very common during monsoons. One can easily fall ill from contaminants. Hence, one should preferably avoid raw vegetables and salads unless they are consumed at home where you can wash and clean them thoroughly.
2. DRINK ENOUGH WATER REGARDLESS OF YOUR ACTIVITY LEVELS

• Do not compensate your liquid intake with carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks and beverages as the preservatives and sugars in them act as diuretics.
• Herbal teas with antibacterial properties are a good idea.
3. AVOID WALIKING IN THE RAIN
• As much it is tempting, walking in the rain water makes you prone to a host of viral diseases such as leptospirosis and can also cause numerous fungal infections at the feet and nails.
• Avoid walking in places where water is lying stagnant on the road, as traffic will drive by and spray it all over you.
• Also, if your feet get wet, dry them immediately and do not stay in wet socks or shoes.
• Diabetics especially must take extra care and avoid walking barefoot as the ground is rife with all kinds of germs.
• If your clothes get wet, do not enter in an AC environment. Change them immediately.
• Keeping an extra pair of clothes and footwear in the office is a good idea.
• Avoid cold and cough by keeping your body warm and dry.
4. KEEP CLEAR OF DAMP INDOORS
• Damp walls are home to fungus growth and an absolute no-no if you suffer from asthma or diabetes any other breathing problems. It promotes the growth of fungus and can be especially harmful.
5. DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A MOSQUITO REPELLENT
• Accumulated water is a breeding ground for insects and the monsoons are party time for malaria.
• Always wear or carry a mosquito repellent to keep mosquitoes away and prevent yourself from getting bitten.
• The over cautious can take a dose of anti-malaria drugs.
6. BATHE TWICE A DAY
• A shower as soon as you reach home in the evening will insulate you against infections and other toxins on the surface of the skin caused by the build-up of sweat and dirt due to humidity.
• Use anti-fungal talc to prevent accumulation of sweat and moisture in skin folds. If prone to fungal infections, use a medicated powder such a s Mycoderm.
• If you get drenched in the rain, add three caps of disinfectant Betadiene to a bath to avoid skin problems.
• Children’s skin is particularly vulnerable during the monsoon season. Impetigo is a contagious skin infection causing red sores that can break open, ooze fluid and develop a crust. The sores usually appear around the mouth and nose.
• Scabies from mites, is also a very common during the monsoon and produces itchy skin. It’s important to visit a dermatologist to get these conditions treated before they spread.
• Take Vitamin C to boost your immunity and help fight off infections.
7. AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES
• Eye infections like conjunctivitis, stye, dry eyes and corneal ulcers are common during the monsoons.
• This can lead to blindness if ignored. Refrain from touching eyes especially with dirty hands. Those who spend long hours in front of a screen – television or computer – may also experience redness, itching or irritation.
• Consult a doctor immediately.
8. AVOID SYNTHETIC CLOTHING
• Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing made out of synthetic fabric. Stick to pure cotton or linen.
