UncleSam's BLOG news 
Related Articles
The weather is dry, cold, and dusty at this time of year.
A number of factors including climate and anthropogenic factors can cause harmattan, according to environmentalists.
The spread of airborne diseases has also been shown to be correlated with the season. Illnesses such as sore throat, frequent sneezing, watery or reddish eyes, catarrh dried skin and lips are common during this time.
Poor visibility, dehydration, fire outbreaks, foodborne diseases and triggers of sickle cell crisis in sufferers are also health and environmental challenges that come with this season. It is advisable to put precautionary measures in place to mitigate the adverse effects harmattan.
Below are five inexhaustible ways to cope with harmattan
1.Take care of your skin
A dry and cold wind is harsh on the skin and can lead to cracked and at times bleeding skin. The lips, palms and feet are mostly affected during this season. Skin conditions such as eczema are on the increase during this period. It is advisable to generously apply cream and ointment instead of a lotion.
During this season, instead of hot showers or baths, try to take warm baths and apply moisturiser immediately after the bath. Avoid scrubbing your skin and use harsh soaps and bath lotions. In addition, wearing socks and applying cream will prevent chapped feet. Applying lip balm will moisturise and heal chapped lips.
- Take Vitamin C
To mitigate the effects of dry weather, the doctor advises the intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C has been found to improve skin health and hydration.
According to a health blog, Healthline, studies have shown that vitamin C enhances skin barrier function and helps to reduce water loss, as a result, will help the skin stay moisturised and prevent dry skin. It also helps to brighten uneven skin tones.
- Drink lots of water
It is advisable to increase water intake. This will help to prevent dehydration and protect the body from overheating. It is important to obey the body’s demand for water intake as the dry season is bound to dry up everything that comes in contact with it.
- Take care of your eyes
Dry and dusty weather comes with wind and dust. It is one of the common causes of dry eyes. As a result, particles and debris can find their way into the eye and cause discomfort as a sting or burning sensation.
It is advisable to follow the 20-20-20 rule which states that after 20 minutes of looking at the screen, 20 seconds should be spent looking at an object 20 metres away. Also, remember to blink, avoid direct sunlight, and stay awake from smoke and heat.
- Dispose waste properly
Littered waste poses a threat of increased airborne diseases.
A Fellow of the Institute of Human and Natural Resources and a Climatologist, Imoh Ekpoh, warns that an environment without a proper waste management system is at risk of increased pathogens in the air and when inhaled by humans and animals will cause sickness.
Ekpoh said, “During the dry season, littered waste will be blown by the air and become airborne viruses and bacteria. This will make people fall sick with various communicable diseases because the environment is polluted with airborne diseases.” He adds that waste should be properly collected and covered to prevent a health pandemic.
