It’s that magical time of the yr once more. Harmattan is slowly creeping in. The mornings hit with a biting chill, your nostrils sting, and your pores and skin feels tighter. All over the place turns into dusty, and stepping outdoors appears like strolling by means of a sandstorm.
From primary points like colds and respiratory irritations to actual risks like fireplace outbreaks, this season calls for a bit care.
Right here’s a information to 7 widespread Harmattan well being and way of life challenges Nigerians face and actionable tricks to survive and even take pleasure in this dusty, chilly season.
1. Fireplace Outbreaks
The harmattan dries out every thing. Out of your pores and skin to your hair and, sadly, your environment. Houses and markets turn into sizzling spots, and the tiniest spark can ignite catastrophe.
Electrical faults, unattended candles, and careless cooking are main triggers in the course of the season. It is best to:
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By no means depart candles or cooking unattended.
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Examine electrical wiring earlier than utilizing home equipment.
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Preserve a fireplace extinguisher or a bucket of sand helpful.
It would sound dramatic, however fireplace outbreaks in the course of the harmattan season are a sample, and the following pointers can prevent.
Learn Subsequent: What to Do in a Fire Outbreak.
2. Highway Accidents
Mornings might be magical in Harmattan. All over the place seems to be foggy, hazy, and mysterious. However for drivers, that very same haze reduces visibility and will increase the chance of accidents.
Mud storms, slippery roads, and fatigued drivers contribute to a spike in crashes throughout this season. To forestall street accidents throughout this era:
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Activate the headlights in low visibility.
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Preserve a secure distance from different autos.
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Keep away from overspeeding, particularly on highways.
Slightly endurance goes a great distance, so your morning commute doesn’t finish on the hospital.
Learn Subsequent: 5 ways harmattan affects your health and how to stay safe.
3. Dehydration and Fatigue
It’s straightforward to overlook that dry climate can dehydrate you quick, most likely since you sweat much less. Fatigue, headaches, and lack of focus can sneak up on you, leaving you sluggish and cranky.
This will additionally end in accidents each at house and on the street, and have an effect on your productivity at work. Listed here are a number of harmattan dehydration and fatigue options:
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Carry a reusable water bottle: Drink loads of water all through the day.
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Natural teas: They’re refreshing, hydrating, and style higher than water.
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Eat water-rich fruits: watermelons, oranges, and cucumbers are your folks.
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Monitor caffeine/alcohol consumption: They’ll subtly dehydrate you additional.
Learn Subsequent: Look at The Herbal Tea Everyone Is Sipping to Relieve Stress.
4. Dry, Cracked Pores and skin and Chapped Lips
The harmattan air sucks the color and moisture out of every thing. Low humidity and mud can draw moisture out of your pores and skin and lips, making them flaky, tight, or painfully cracked.
Your palms, elbows, and face typically really feel itchy, and that lip balm in your bag all of a sudden turns into your finest buddy. Listed here are a number of harmattan skincare tricks to see you thru the season:
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Apply shea butter or coconut oil each day.
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Keep away from lengthy, sizzling showers, as they strip your pores and skin of its pure oil.
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Preserve lip balm helpful in pockets, baggage, and automobiles.
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Drink loads of water to hydrate from the within out.
Learn Subsequent: 5 skincare tips to keep your skin glowing during harmattan.
5. Respiratory Infections and Flu
The mud all over the place, dry air, and sudden temperature shifts include colds, flu, and bronchial asthma flare-ups.
Sneezing, coughing, and chest discomfort turn into routine for a lot of Nigerians throughout this era, which makes journeys, workplace days, and college mornings much less enjoyable.
When you have bronchial asthma, at all times maintain your inhaler readily accessible when leaving house, and keep away from dusty areas. Usually:
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Eat vitamin C-rich meals: Oranges, guavas, tangerines and greens.
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Take heat drinks: Slightly tea or sizzling chocolate goes a great distance.
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Sleep adequately: Your physique wants downtime to battle off invisible invaders.
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Put on a masks outside to cut back mud inhalation.
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Use a humidifier at house so as to add moisture to dry indoor air.
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Keep away from dusty areas throughout peak wind hours if attainable.
Learn Subsequent: 4 Common Foods to Avoid if You Have Asthma.
6. Pores and skin and Eye Irritations
Strolling outdoors can really feel like your eyes are underneath assault from tiny sand particles. It’s not simply dryness that plagues you; Harmattan mud is a provider of micro organism and fungi.
Pores and skin cracks simply, making it extra vulnerable to infections. Eyes can get itchy, pink, or irritated, generally resulting in conjunctivitis if left untreated. Rubbing them solely makes it worse. All the time:
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Moisturise each day and canopy uncovered pores and skin.
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Put on sun shades to dam mud and UV rays.
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Keep away from rubbing your eyes, irrespective of how tempting, and use saline drops for reduction.
