Monsoon Healthcare Tips for Your Family

The pitter-patter of the raindrops against the windows, hot pakoras with chai, the scent of the rain-kissed soil, Mother Nature enveloping itself in the all hues of green, splashing in the puddles – the monsoon season has a charming way to make you feel good. And, of course, who wouldn’t welcome the relief that the rains bring from the sweltering heat of the summers!

Unfortunately, the risk of catching infections is also very high in the rainy season. With COVID-19 crisis still looming large over us, our health demands more attention than ever this monsoon. You need to keep cold, cough, flu or any other infection at bay as much as possible. The only way to safeguard your monsoon health in the context of coronavirus situation is to ensure that that you take extra health precautions.

Here are some healthcare tips to protect you and your loved ones this season.

Focus on Eating Only Healthy Food

With restaurants and eateries closed for months now, most of us are guilty of baking cakes, making pizzas and burgers, and whipping up some sinful, calorie-laden dishes at home to fulfil our cravings for ‘outside food’. But, do remember that all the excess carbohydrates and sugars you consume through the junk and oily food negate the benefits of any other health foods you consume. They also lower your immunity!

While it is difficult to eat simple and nourishing meals the whole day throughout the week and for months, it is advisable to stick to a healthy diet as much as possible.

As far as healthy food is concerned, you know the drill – increase the consumption of fruits (especially from the citrus family), vegetables, seeds, dry fruits, probiotics (yoghurt and fermented foods), legumes and whole grains.

Drink More Fluids

When you are sick, doctors often advise you to drink lots of healthy fluids. This is because fluids not only keep your body hydrated but also flush out bad toxins and unwanted waste from your body. The fluids also help to relieve congestion and loosen the mucus. Most importantly, it improves your lung health.

Now, when we talk about fluids, we don’t mean caffeinated, sugary, fizzy or alcoholic drinks. Consume the fluids in healthy forms – water, freshly squeezed fruits juices (without adding sugar), homemade kadhas made from herbs and spices, green tea, turmeric milk, etc.

Get Rid of Mosquitoes

While the monsoon showers bring a sense of joy, they also create a favourable breeding ground for mosquitoes. Malaria, dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases are common in this season. Some of the ways you can keep mosquitoes away are:

• Use skin-safe and natural repellents on the body and around the house.
• Keep the drains and gutter clean, remove blockages if any.
• Do not leave stagnant water to accumulate anywhere.
• Keep doors and windows closed after the dark.

Don’t Drench in the Rains

Your kids might be itching to play in the rain and experience the bliss of feeling raindrops on their body. This monsoon, they will have to let go of this fun activity. Tell your kids that hopefully there will be no such restrictions next monsoon when they will be able to venture out in the rains to their heart’s content.

Exercise – Move Your Body

Outdoor exercise options are limited or practically non-existent due to COVID-19. If you add monsoon blues to this situation, you are likely to feel more lethargic and lazier. Pull yourself and your family out of sedentary and sluggish routine, and get your body moving.

Do some kind of active physical exercise for at least 30-40 minutes every day or a few times a week. Your kids can join you for yoga, walking/cycling in the society premises or even fun workouts easily available online these days. You can also enrol your kids in virtual fitness and physical activity classes being conducted these days. Check out some options on Kidwise here.

We would love to hear how you are taking care of your family this monsoon. Share your tips with us!