Monsoon Safety and Healthy Tips in India

Building monsoon health awareness

The rainy season in India is a pitter-pattered wonderland of calming skies, muddy hustles, rejoicing flora & fauna, and splashy daily routines. The wonder comes at a cost though; our immune systems struggle to cope while vector, air, and water-borne diseases thrive. Awareness of these health issues is the first step towards tackling them and that’s why it is important to equip ourselves with the right information.

Here’s how you can stay healthy during the months of monsoon.

Understanding the causes for common monsoon diseases

Issues like increased humidity and stagnant water collection are breeding grounds for all kinds of monsoon diseases in India. Here are some of the ways in which these diseases develop and spread. 

Water

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis A see a 30% increase during monsoon, due to inadequate sanitation and contaminated water sources. 

Vector

Carriers or agents like mosquitos (especially the black-and-white striped ones) spread diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya. Stagnant water helps mosquitos breed faster and spread the disease easier, which is why the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme often notes a spike in these diseases during monsoons.

Air

Respiratory issues also run rampant during the rainy season. The shift from hot summers to cool and damp environments can make you more vulnerable to common cold and flu infections. Pre-existing conditions such as asthma and bronchitis can also worsen during this time. The Indian Council of Medical Research records an average increase of 20% in respiratory ailments in monsoon.

Apart from these diseases, skin rashes and fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and candidiasis also see a notable rise due to damp conditions. Ensure that you stay warm with appropriate attire and your clothes dry properly before you use them. Use antifungal creams and powders to tackle skin issues. Implement protective measures to avoid health risks for yourself and your family during the rainy season. 

Also read: How to Stay Healthy in Winter?

Monsoon safety tips for you and your family

1. Mosquito protection

Being mindful of rising mosquito numbers and staying away from them is especially important during rainy season. Keep mosquito repellents handy and install mosquito nets on windows and doors.

2. Avoid stagnation

Mosquitos rise in numbers due to stagnated water, which serves as a breeding ground for them. Ensure that you eliminate standing water in and around your home to prevent the spread. there’s no stagnant water in and around your household.

3. Protective fashion

Wear full-sleeved and covered clothing to avoid mosquito bites, and to help you stay warm.

4. Immunity elevation

Cloudy months make it likely that your Vitamin D intake will be lowered. Include Vitamin D and Vitamin C-rich foods in your diet or consult a doctor to get expert-recommended supplements.

Lastly, it is important to share the care. Forward this blog and other resources to your family members and others you care for. Even the act of spreading awareness can make a huge impact in people’s minds to take these precautions.

Quick Read: 12 Effective Ways To Control Food Cravings

Keep your mental and physical well-being in check with these monsoon health tips 

During monsoons, high levels of humidity and cooler temperatures can cause both physical and mental health issues. The humidity levels can lead to joint aches and worsen existing conditions like arthritis or injuries. Easy and light exercises like stretching and yoga can help you maintain flexibility and deal with such problems.

Prolonged days of grey skies combined with damp conditions can have a real adverse effect on your mood and energy too. This may lead to feelings of lethargy and laziness, in turn making you feel unwell. Indulge in mood-lifting activities like enjoying a book with the sound of the rain, listening to music, having nutritious and healthy comfort foods, and reaching out to your friends and family to maintain a balanced state of mind. 

How to have healthy food in monsoon

The best way to stay healthy during any season is to adjust the nutritional requirements as per the weather. Remember, your gut health affects your overall health. Fortify your immune system with vitamin-and-mineral-rich foods. Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of food you should eat during monsoons. 

• Soups and stews: Simple and wholesome dishes made from fresh seasonal vegetables can be both nutritional and comfortable.

• Fresh fruits: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, fruits like pears, apples, and oranges support overall health and can be helpful in warding off infections.

• Leafy greens and root veggies: Spinach, fenugreek, and mustard are rich in Vitamins A, K, and C. Beets and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals while adding fibrous content to your diet, which aids digestion.

• Probiotic: Digestion becomes notably weaker during monsoon. Add yoghurt and buttermilk to help your digestive system function smoothly and maintain a healthy gut.

• Avoid fried food: As tempting as deep-fried pakoras may be, they can lead to digestive issues and contribute to weight gain. You may opt for baked or steamed snacks instead

Add herbs and spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, and garlic to your food. These herbs and spices boost immunity, aid digestion, and have anti-inflammatory properties. 

Also read: Benefits of Drinking Water

Stay dry, stay safe, and take care! 

Monsoons in India can be quite a lovely time of the year and may put a lot of us in a vacation mood, but health issues rise like business is booming. You can stay ahead of these issues by being active, having a nutritious diet, and maintaining good hygiene. Onsurity provides a range of health and wellness benefits for its members, who can even extend care to their family members on a monthly basis! 

Share this blog with your friends and family as a ready reference resource on rainy day wellness, so that health issues don’t dampen the serenity of monsoons in India.