Now that harmattan is almost here

Olufunke Faluyi

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I got a lot of congratulatory messages over the week regarding our sixth anniversary. I want to say a big thank you once again.

During the long vacation while I was in secondary school, we used to travel to our hometown.

On one of such visits, during the harmattan period, we went to the church for a Christmas carol. By the time we got back home late at night, I had a shivering attack like never before. It was so uncontrollable.

Due to the temperature and other factors during the harmattan season, the weather can take its toll on your health in general.

We need to be prepared. So, let us talk about tips to stay healthy this season:

Stay hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated is absolutely necessary during seasonal changes, especially when the weather is getting hot. Humans can barely endure a few days without hydration, as our cells cannot operate without water.

Unfortunately, many people do not drink enough, which can result in chronic dehydration.

Reduced water consumption can affect many bodily processes, including digestion, immune system support and temperature regulation. Never neglect your water intake.

Preventing dehydration can also help you get rid of headaches and fatigue that many people suffer during seasonal changes.

The most effective way to stay hydrated and replenish lost fluids is to drink water, which has no added sugars or calories, making it a great beverage to have throughout the day.

Tips for staying hydrated:

Drink regularly: Sip water steadily throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Thirst often indicates mild dehydration.

Monitor urine colour: Pale yellow or clear urine indicates adequate hydration, while dark yellow urine suggests the need for more fluids.

Eat water-rich foods: Include fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges and strawberries.

Limit dehydrating beverages: Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as they can contribute to fluid loss.

Carry water: Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.

Eat healthy meals

During the harmattan season, focus on foods that promote hydration, boost the immune system and nourish the skin. This includes warm drinks (not carbonated drinks), water-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and immune-boosting spices.

Use hydrating skincare products

During harmattan, your skin loses moisture faster, making hydrating skincare products essential.

Moisturisers are the most important products in your harmattan skincare routine. The dry air can leave your skin feeling tight and dry, and a good moisturiser restores softness.

Choose a rich, nourishing moisturiser designed for dry skin. Look for products containing shea butter or cocoa butter, which lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated all day.

Keep inhalers and medications handy

Asthmatic individuals should avoid triggers like dust. They must always have their prescribed inhalers and emergency medications at hand.

Care for hands and lips

These areas are most susceptible to cracking. Use a thick hand cream and hydrating lip balm or Chapstick regularly.

The dry harmattan air can be brutal on your lips, especially if you smoke. Keep a good lip balm with ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil or beeswax. Exfoliate your lips gently once in a while to remove dead skin cells.

Keep lip balm in your pocket, car and handbag for constant application.

Take care of your eyes

Wash your hands often, especially before touching your face or eyes, to prevent transferring germs. Do not share towels or handkerchiefs.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this increases irritation and can lead to infection.

Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from dust.

Conjunctivitis (Apollo) is common during this season. If affected, do not apply harmful substances to your eyes; see a doctor.

Take care of your nose

Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when outdoors to filter out dust particles and irritants. This is especially important for people with asthma or allergies.

Use saline nasal drops or sprays to keep your nasal passages moist and prevent dryness, which can cause irritation and nosebleeds. A thin layer of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils can help trap dust.

Inhaling steam from heated water helps soothe and open nasal passages.

Keep yourself warm

During harmattan, wear warm clothing in layers to protect yourself from the cold mornings and nights.

Harmattan can leave the house extremely dusty, especially furniture, windows, curtains, rugs and carpets. To prevent inhaling dust, which can cause allergies and illness, dust and clean your home daily. Cover your nose and mouth (preferably with a mask) while cleaning.

For women, harmattan is not the time to leave your hair out. It will get dry, frizzy and dusty. Protective hairstyles such as cornrows, braids and wigs shield your hair from the harsh wind. Ensure your scalp is well moisturised and avoid harsh shampoos that strip natural oils.

Oil your hair and scalp more often with moisturising oils like coconut oil or shea butter. Sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf to retain moisture.

Dry conditions increase the risk of fire outbreaks, so exercise caution with open flames, stoves and electrical appliances.

In a study titled Impact of Harmattan Sun and Dust on the Eye in a Nigerian City by Meindinyo et al., carried out in Jos, the conclusion was that residents should wear sunshades prescribed by a qualified eye specialist during the harmattan period.

In another study titled The Cold Dusty Harmattan: A Season of Anguish for Cardiologists and Patients by Basil N. Okeahialam, the conclusion was that cardiologists should take proactive steps to care for their patients during this season. Public health education may also be necessary to discourage seasonal lifestyles that are harmful to health and promote healthier habits, including improving indoor climate.

With so many activities around the corner, especially Christmas and New Year celebrations, now would be the most inconvenient time to fall sick.

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