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Harmattan season can be a challenging time for staying healthy due to the dryness in the air and the varying temperatures. During this period, it is important to take extra precautions to protect your health. Fortunately, there are many simple and practical steps you can take to maintain your wellbeing during harmattan. In this blog post, we will discuss 7 tips to stay healthy during harmattan.
1. Drink lots of Water
Staying hydrated is essential during Harmattan. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, even more if you are exposed to hot, dry weather. If you’re feeling thirsty, then it’s a sign that your body needs water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms. To stay hydrated, carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, as these can increase dehydration.
S’Well Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Pogo BPA-Free Plastic Water Bottle
2. Use a Humidifier
If you’re living in an area that experiences a lot of Harmattan, it is important to use a humidifier in your home to ensure you have enough moisture in the air. Humidifiers help to maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home and reduce the dryness caused by the low humidity levels during Harmattan. This can help soothe dry skin and keep your nose and throat from becoming irritated. When using a humidifier, be sure to use filtered water to prevent bacteria and other pollutants from entering the air. You should also keep your humidifier clean to avoid any mold or bacteria growth.
AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier
Levoit Humidifiers
3. Moisturize Your Skin
Harmattan can cause dryness and chapping of the skin due to the cold air and low humidity. To combat this, it’s important to moisturize your skin daily. You can use a lotion, cream or even oils to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Make sure to apply it generously on all exposed areas of your body to lock in moisture and protect your skin from the harsh weather. If you have very dry skin, look for creams that contain hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which help seal in moisture. Additionally, try to limit your time in the shower as hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils and aggravate dryness.
Original Herbal Body Moisturizer
Daily Moisturizing Body and Face Lotion
4. Avoid the Sun
During harmattan season, the sun can be especially damaging to your skin. To protect yourself, it’s important to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Try to stay inside when the sun is at its peak (between 10 am and 4 pm) and wear protective clothing such as a hat and sunglasses if you must go out. Also, make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to any exposed skin before going outside. This will help prevent sunburns, wrinkles, and other skin damage caused by the sun’s rays.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
5. Eat Healthy Foods
During harmattan, it is important to eat healthy foods to ensure your body is getting the necessary nutrients. Make sure you are eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as they contain essential vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immunity. Aim to get a variety of colors in your diet, as different colored fruits and vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals. Additionally, make sure you are getting enough protein from lean sources such as fish, chicken, legumes, and nuts. Finally, aim to avoid processed foods and sugary snacks as these offer little to no nutritional value. Eating a balanced diet will help ensure you are getting the proper nutrients needed to stay healthy during the harmattan season.
6. Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing
it is important to wear loose, comfortable clothing that will help keep your skin from drying out too much. This means avoiding tight clothing or anything made from scratchy materials. Instead, opt for clothing made from light and airy fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk. Wearing layers is also a great way to keep yourself warm in the cooler temperatures. Additionally, wearing a hat and sunglasses can help protect your face from the sun’s harmful rays.
7. See a doctor if you have any health concerns
It is important to visit your doctor if you experience any health concerns during harmattan. Harmattan can be a particularly difficult time of year for people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems. If you start to feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, or any other signs of illness, it is important to seek medical attention.
Additionally, dry skin, chapped lips, and nosebleeds can be common occurrences during harmattan. If these issues are left untreated, they can become worse and cause serious health problems. See a doctor if you have any skin issues that don’t seem to improve with moisturizing and other at-home treatments.
Stay healthy!
Stay strong!
