The late November into December doesn’t just signify the end of end of the year, it also introduces the harmattan season. This is characterised by cold and dry air that affects several regions in West Africa. This harsh season can last from the end of November into January and mid-March in some regions. The harmattan season brings its usual dusty winds, dry air, and thick hazes, as well as diseases.
What also makes this season unique is the physical changes that we experience. This may include dehydration, dry and cracked lips, and in most cases, dry skin. Many people with underlying health issues may also have it tough in periods like this. One study showed that harmattan can have adverse effects on people with cardiovascular diseases.
Nevertheless, there are tips to help you get through the harsh weather that the harmattan brings. The list below is some basic health tips for harmattan season to stay healthy during harmattan.
Firstly, cover your nose and mouth when outside. During harmattan, the atmosphere is very dusty and dust particles can enter your eyes and nose. It is imperative to cover your nose and mouth with a face mask when outside. This will help you avoid inhalation of harmful dust particles.
Secondly, moisturise your skin. During the harmattan phase, most people suffer chapped lips and dry skin. The following tips can help protect your skin’s texture and avoid dryness.
To keep your skin from drying out, use a good body moisturizer. They are quickly absorbed and help to keep the skin hydrated. Some effective moisturizers you can use may include olive oil and shea butter. Olive oils are high in healthy fatty acids, perfect to use on your skin to control dryness.
Shea butter acts as an emollient, which works by softening and hydrating your skin. It also protects your skin from dust, dryness and harmful pollution in the air during harmattan seas. In addition, the fatty acids in the butter, such as linoleic, oleic, stearic and palmitic, helps to protect the skin.
Thirdly, eat healthy foods. Foods like fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, they are rich in water content, which can be taken to prevent dehydration from the air during the harmattan season. The fruit also aids in the battle against infections and resistance against a chronic cough and other illnesses linked to the common cold.
Fourthly, wear appropriate clothes. It’s important to wear what’s appropriate for the weather, so you don’t easily catch a cold or develop dry skin. Thick, heat-absorbent clothing traps heat expelled from the body and limits heat emission to the environment. You can also introduce hand gloves, socks and well-covered footwear to guarantee maximum warmth. In addition, you can wear glasses to protect your eyes from dust particles, which causes redness and itchy eyes.
The fifth tip is to take warm water and also stay hydrated. This is perfect for dry and irritating parts of your throat. It works by providing quick relief for cough and sore throat also to avoid dehydration induced by the excessive dryness of the air, it is recommended to boost fluid intake during this time. Having a bottle of water with you at all times may do the trick. Also, warm liquids, such as tea or coffee will help you stay warm while fighting the cold.
Lastly, get medical help when necessary. Harmattan can also cause people to have asthmatic attacks, sneezing and coughing. There is plenty of dust, pollen and hay fever, which causes irritation, inflammation of the airways and triggers allergic reactions. Thus, visit the hospital when you experience serious symptoms during the harmattan.
Deborah David Damboama,
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri,
Borno state.
