Healthy Tips in Rainy Season

Healthy tips during Rainy Season

Food poisoning and gastroenteritis are always on the rise during that "in-between" season when we move from summer to the monsoons. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid falling ill in the rainy season.

Eating out

• Food, like dal, soup, pasta, that is supposed to be served hot must be served  hot. Often, pasta is served lukewarm, which makes it an ideal environment for bacteria growth so when placing your order, specify that you want it very hot. 
• Similarly, frozen foods like ice-cream must be served completely frozen. At home, make sure you do not refreeze melted ice-cream as it becomes a good environment for baterial growth which in turn leads to food poisoning. 
• Avoid eating raw food in the form of salads; you never know if they have been washed, cleaned and stored well at the right temperature before being served.. Chutneys and sauces are usually allowed to stand at room temperature for several hours in restaurants and are loaded with harmful microorganisms. Avoid if possible. Coconut chutney should be avoided because it has a lot of nutrients which aid in the growth of bacteria. 
• Avoid eating at roadside eateries especially those serving pani puri or bhel puri as the chutneys may lack hygiene and could be the cause of an upset stomach or even food poisoning.

If you already have a cold or a sore throat, follow the below mentioned remedies.

• To one cup of milk add half a teaspoon of turmeric (haldi) and one teaspoon of honey. Have this 2 to 3 times a day. 
• Add a small piece of crushed ginger to tea and allow it to boil for at least half to one minute. Have this twice a day. 
• Inhaling steam for a cold helps in soothing the throat and clearing up the sinuses.
• Adding a few tulsi leaves to tea is also an excellent cure for a scratchy throat. 
• Gargling with salt water thrice a day is good for a bad throat.

Another common condition is a stomach upset.

If you end up with an upset stomach make sure you drink plenty of liquids in the form of water or coconut water.

Always keep oral rehydration salts sachets handy to prevent dehydration.

Quick tips

• Keep antiseptic liquids like Dettol or Savlon or any Detergent handy and use for washing off muck or dirt that usually gets splashed around. Don't just wash your hands but also your feet to avoid itching, rashes and skin infections.
• Always use sturdy footwear that will give you a good grip and adequate protection to avoid slipping or falling. 
• If you do have any minor accidents, ice is excellent in numbing the nerve endings.
• Take bath when you return your home,whenever you are drained with rain water.
• Use mild moisturizers immediately after taking the shower.
  
  Compress the affected area with ice for at least four to five minutes. Never apply ice directly to the skin or you might get an ice burn. Always wrap it in a hand towel and then apply. If pain or swelling persists, consult your doctor immediately.

                                                    "Cleanliness is Next to Godliness"