Health

Avoid the Monsoon Blues

The monsoon season brings with it the much-awaited relief from the long spell of sultry, scorching summer. However the cooling showers bring with them an increased susceptibility to a lot of diseases that are peculiar to the monsoon. It is time we get our safeguards ready and gear ourselves up to face monsoon in its full glory.

Diseases that are spread during the monsoons are basically water borne and gastrointestinal infections. Typhoid, Diarrhea and Jaundice are also common. Accumulation of water on the roads promotes the growth of mosquitoes, which cause malaria and dengue. Eye flu and infections of the foot are also observed in this season. Also diseases like dryness, spasmodic pain, high blood pressure, gas formation and gastric disturbances occur frequently. Also one comes across cases of viral attacks (not of the NET variety) and coughs and colds.

The following are a few safeguards that one must follow in order to keep all diseases and infections at bay:
* During monsoon intestinal functions, along with the digestive system become weak and thus make the body highly susceptible to any kind of infection. Therefore always eat light food and avoid as far as possible too much of spicy and fried foods.
* Maximum infections during this season are water borne. Hence do not drink water which is not properly boiled and stored. Drinking water should be boiled and properly filtered. It is best adviced to drink warm water with the meals for easy digestion.
* Avoid consuming food that is exposed to the surroundings for a long time since food that is exposed for a long time are contaminated by the germs. Flies, the most common carriers of germs, cause contamination. Therefore remember to cook the vegetables well and steam them properly to kill the germ content in them, if any.
* Diabetic patients need to take extra care of their feet during the monsoon season. These patients should take specific care, as not to walk barefoot since the soil on which they walk is a reservoir of all types of germs.
* Asthmatic patients also need to take special care during monsoon and they should ensure that there is no accumulation and seepage of water from the vicinity of their residence since that will cause severe health problems. They should also ensure that a fungus does not grow in the wooden furniture and in other articles like shoes and leather bags.
* Prohibit mosquito breeding since they are also carriers of deadly germs. Do not let water accumulate in your surroundings. Put a few drops of Kerosene or phenyl in stagnant water to check the undesired mosquito breeding. Mosquito nets should be used wherever possible.

Apart from naturally occurring diseases described above, electrical injuries due to leakage of current, water dripping on to live electrical wiring, electrocution is also common. It would be wise to give a thorough check-up to the wirings, switches, plugs and positioning of wires around the house. Furthermore, do not forget the electrical appliances. In case they have any faults, attend to them at the, earliest. A stitch in time saves nine. Never handle electricity barefoot or with wet clothes and shoes. You could get a nasty shock.

Also take care of your children who love to splash through waterlogged streets, this could be dangerous. Water logging conceals a lot of rubbish spilling over from dustbins, drains and manholes. It often contains glass pieces, stone chips, slivers of wood and other substances. These can inflict serious injuries on tender bare feet. Furthermore, there is always an open manhole lurking somewhere to gobble up an unwary child.

Thus a little effort on your part coupled with care and caution can really help you enjoy this monsoon to its fullest. Be extra alert and observe these safety guidelines. Wish you a safe monsoon.