HOW TO STAY HEALTHY DURING HARMATTAN

 HOW TO STAY HEALTHY DURING HARMATTAN

According to Wikipedia, “The Harmattan is a season in West Africa that occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterized by the dry and dusty northeasterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea.”

Coping with this season is not rocket science, there is a need to follow the following necessary steps:

• Dehydration is common in this season, therefore, Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Wash your eyes regularly to avoid red eyes which is common in during harmattan because of the moving effect of dust and other harmful particles.
• Constantly use face mask to Cover your nose and mouth to avoid the inhalation of dust and dry air
• Stay indoors to avoid dust inhalation of harmful particles coming with the wind
• Wear clothes that keep your body warm
• Avoid or reduce outdoor activities, especially if you have allergies
• Visit the clinic if you have red, itchy, and watery eyes.
• Get medical help if you have running, itchy, sneezing, and stuffy nose
• Keep the doors and windows closed
• For the Elderlies, ensure to keep them warm, wear socks while walking on cold tiled floors.
• Always use moisturizers to prevent dry skin and dry palms
• Use lip balm to prevent cracked lips
• Eat warm food at all times.

For patients who are asthmatic, this season can trigger asthma and allergies. Asthmatic patients should always keep their inhalers handy and avoid dust as much as possible. This dry, cold, and dusty season can trigger sickle cell disease (SCD) crisis as well. Patients should drink plenty of water and avoid outdoor activities as much as possible.