Rain care

How we long for the rains to start and then we wait for them to go away! Rainy season brings with it its own set of discomforts and inconveniences. We have to take extra care of ourselves during the monsoon.

Some tips that could help you:

Always fresh

* Wear cool clothing. This is a sweaty time with the humidity being high. Wearing comfortable clothes is important. Choose cool light weight materials that dry fast. Avoid synthetic fabrics as they retain heat and perspiration and may even cause rashes and prickly heat. Make sure that your clothes are not too tight and fitting.
* Wear good, supportive rainy wear shoes as the roads are slippery, sometimes waterlogged and full of potholes. Dirty water mixed with sewage and soil can cause a host of infections. Also the flowing water may bring with it a lot of litter, such as broken glass bottles, wooden or metal splinters, old containers, papers and rags among other things. Never venture out bare feet. Keep an eye on potholes, open drains or manholes when you are out on the street.
* If you are working, it is wise to leave an extra set of clothes and shoes in your office in case you are drenched in the rain. Keep some wet tissues in your purse and use them to wipe away grime and sweat.
* To keep cool and fresh, bathe at least twice a day using a good deodorant soap and talcum powder. Dry yourself well after a bath.
* Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated. You could have plenty of boiled/filtered water. Lemonade, khus sherbet, and rose sherbet are all excellent cooling agents that reduce heat stress and are refreshing as well.

Dry up fast

* In case you do get drenched, on reaching home, wash your hands and feet with warm water and a disinfectant soap immediately. Change your clothes immediately and wash them with plenty of soap and hot water if possible.
* Air out your footwear, socks, umbrella and raincoat to dry. If these things are kept wet they become a breeding ground for germs and moulds.

Counter the diseases

* Monsoons also bring in waterborne diseases. Take special care that your food is prepared hygienically. Tap water may be contaminated by overflowing ground water that gets mixed with it during the monsoons. Rinse your plates and dishes with filtered water before use.
* Ensure that all cooked food is covered well to keep away flies and other insects. Frequent power cuts, a common occurrence during monsoons could spoil food in the refrigerator easily, exposing it to bacteria. As far as possible, eat freshly prepared food and prepare it in small quantities so that you do not need to store it in the refrigerator for very long.
* Monsoons also show a rise in contagious diseases. Ensure that you and your family are not in close contact with someone who is suffering from a viral infection or conjunctivitis.
* If you experience any symptoms of nausea, headache, fatigue or fainting talk to your doctor right away as it may be a sign of heat stress.
* Monsoons usually see slack business for roadside vendors of foods like cut fruits, juices, snacks, fried foods, chaat, gol guppas, and water/milk based drinks. If you really must eat out -- choose a place known for its good hygiene and quality food, but try to steer clear of curd and curd-based preparations, salads, fermented and raw preparations. Bacterial growth increases rapidly during a hot and humid weather. Ask for branded, sealed bottled water in case you are not carrying your own supply.
* Use filtered water for cooking, kneading the dough and for washing vegetables, dals and meats. Clean leafy green vegetables several times over in filtered boiled water and steam them to get rid of any germs and bacteria.

Keep your home clean and fresh

* Air your home frequently and keep windows open for maximum cross ventilation.
* Avoid collection of stagnant water in open vessels, flowerpots or coolers as these are the perfect breeding ground for mosquito larvae which cause malaria.
* If you have indoor plants, ensure that there is no water logging and change water in the flower vases everyday. Alternatively pour some kerosene oil in case the water cannot be drained out.
* Use insect repellents to get rid or mosquitoes and other insects.
* Keep you home fresh and clean and use a good disinfectant to clean the floors and bathrooms.
* Get pest control done for your home -- that will save you from flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, termites and other disease carrying insects.

Pre-monsoon check

* Do ensure that your home is safe to avoid any unpleasant incidents.
* Be watchful of any seepage especially on the roof and walls and near electrical fittings as it may cause electrocution.
* Carry out thorough pre-monsoon checks in your home and get an electrician to fix all faulty wiring and switches.
* Have your plumber fix any leaking fixtures and get your drains cleaned and de-silted well before the rains.

Check list before you leave home

* Always carry enough cash and don’t forget your umbrella or raincoat.
* Always keep your vehicle's fuel tank reasonably full or use a local cab which is reliable.
* Keep your mobile phone charged at all times and carry your phone charger along.
* Carry a bottle of water and a snack with you.
* Always keep your family informed in case you are stuck anywhere in the rain.