STAYING HEALTHY IN THE DRY SEASON | 6 TIPS ON HOW TO GET THROUGH THE DRY SEASON

 

This is the dry season, and as opposed to conditions brought by the harmattan winds, which is basically the African winter, this season is characterized by hot days and nights. Almost no precipitations are observed during this season.

 

 

The dry season is my least favorite of all the seasons in Nigeria. And I usually find it odd that people disagree with that when you basically have to do more to be comfortable this period.

 

There’s no need to give you a geography class but here are a few things to note if you want the most from this season.

 

 

 

Avoid exposure to the sun

 

The days are generally hotter this season and sun burns are going to get even more frequent if you carelessly expose yourself. UV rays are not really best of friends with your skin and continuous exposure can prove dangerous with increased risk of skin cancers and other issues that tell with time.

 

When outside, leverage shades, wear light and protective clothing, use hats, sunshades, and sunscreen lotions when possible. Note colours in your choice of clothing as darker colours absorb light, so if you’re all black then you’re really asking for it.

 

 

Related: Taking care in the rainy season

 

 

Bathe as often as possible

 

This is as necessary for your comfort as it is for your personal hygiene.

Bathing will help make you cooler and also get rid of the sweat and dirt that will be prevalent this season. Accumulation of both on your skin can cause skin problems and body odour.

 

 

 

Use moisturizing lotion

 

The effects of the heat and dryness on your skin can be mitigated with moisturizing lotions and oils.

They leave your skin refreshed and moist enough to handle the heat and make it look so, instead of looking parched.

 

 

 

Use facemasks or handkerchiefs

 

It is normally advised to breathe through the nose and not the mouth because the nose is equipped with hairs to filter the air, but no matter how equipped your nose is, it probably won’t be enough to handle the dust this season.

 

Use facemasks and handkerchiefs. While you may be tired of using the former because of this year’s events, now you’ll have a reason you can see(bad joke right?)

 

If you have allergies, they’ll be very helpful in keeping the brown particles away.

 

 

 

Be wary of mosquitoes

 

It’s the dry season so why should you be bothered about them?

 

Well, some species of mosquitoes still breed in the dry season and they may not come in the same numbers as the rainy season but they definitely don’t need to.

Mosquitoes do not transmit only malaria. If you noticed the somewhat nationwide yellow fever vaccination, it’ll be good to know that mosquitoes are also behind it. Watch out for them.

 

 

Related: Sleeping positions and your health

 

 

Drink a lot of water

 

‘Stay hydrated’ is the mantra for the season. It is actually the most important on this list.

At least four litres of water a day is recommended and much more than that will be needed this season. Dehydration can lead to a wide range of problems; headaches, fatigue, constipation et cetera. In fact many symptoms that are mistaken for health issues can be resolved with some glasses of water.

 

Water makes up about 70% of a living person and is vital for homeostasis, proper organ functioning, replenishing of fluids lost by the skin, blood flow and almost every other activity in the body.

 

Just drink a lot of water.

 

 

Drink water oh...

 

 

All these also apply to the harmattan except for the clothes. You’ll need thicker clothes: sweaters/cardigans. And in addition to the lotion, you’ll also need protection for your lips(lip balms or lip glosses) because the cold tends to dry and then chap or crack unprotected lips.

 

 

Let us know if you already do all these in the comments and don’t forget to share this post with someone.