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Monsoon is well underway and with today's hectic
lifestyles, we often forget to take care of our health. The chances of
contracting cold and cough have increased. Infections and viral diseases are on
the rise, with diseases transmitted by mosquitoes also being a concern during
this time.
Add to all this the lack of preventative health care and a relative lack of
infrastructure, which are estimated to cause health issues every year. As
sickness and infections increase during this season, it is necessary to be
vigilant about personal wellness and health.
All of these concerns can be worrisome, but fret not, city commuters. Dr Shruthi
Hegde, from The Himalaya Drug Company, recommends the top 5 items that should be
in your monsoon wellness kit.
Cold Balm: Using a cold balm can offer some much-needed relief
from nasal congestion and mild headaches. The rainy season and drop in
temperature make you susceptible to colds or cough. It's not always feasible to
take a day off on the brink of a sneeze. A headache or nasal congestion can make
you extremely uncomfortable and even affect your productivity. Using a balm with
camphor oil can act as a counter-irritant when applied externally. Mint extract
reduces pain, so a cold balm with mint will help in alleviating any nerve pain.
Tulasi: Prevention is always better than cure, and there are
many things you can do to prevent seasonal cold. According to Ayurveda texts and
modern research, Tulasi is excellent at preventing congestion and suppressing
cough. By soothing and dilating the lung's airways, this herb suppresses cough
and thus relieves congestion in the lungs. Including this herb in your daily
diet is extremely helpful during monsoon. Tulasi is known to modulate immunity,
and those with allergies often find that Tulasi helps in relieving reactions
like sneezing, runny nose, etc.
Hand Sanitiser: Many diseases and illnesses spread quickly and
easily due to poor hand hygiene. Finding a restroom to wash your hands may not
always be possible. Carrying a bottle of hand sanitiser is a good way to avoid
this problem and stay hygienic. A hand sanitiser with natural ingredients such
as neem, coriander, vetiver, lemon, etc., will not be harsh on your skin. Lemon,
for example, is a rich source of natural antioxidants and protects the skin from
oxidative damage. Coriander, which has potent antimicrobial properties, is a
great natural cleanser. Keeping your hands clean and free from germs can help
prevent infections.
Foot Cream: During Monsoon, increased moisture in the
atmosphere and the dampness in the environment make it very easy for bad
bacteria to breed. Many people tend to overlook foot care during monsoon. A
moisturiser enriched with honey and turmeric is a great way to moisturise your
feet and keep bad bacteria at bay. The curcumin found in turmeric can help heal
wounds by decreasing inflammation. Due to honey's bactericidal properties and
moisture-locking ability, it is a key ingredient in a foot care cream.
Insect Repellent: There are numerous dangerous diseases spread
by mosquitoes, such as malaria and dengue fever. The risk of contracting such
illnesses is higher during monsoon due to flooding and stagnation of water.
Using a mosquito repellent can help protect you against these diseases. Whether
applied on the skin or sprayed in the surrounding area, these repellents are
very effective in preventing mosquito-borne infections. Carrying a small-size
bug/mosquito repellent while you're out can be very useful in keeping diseases
caused by mosquitoes at bay.
These are just a few ways to ensure that you stay healthy this monsoon.
Incorporate these simple tips into your lifestyle to prevent infections and
diseases and enjoy a happy and healthy monsoon!
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