The Monsoon Wellness Guide

Monsoon can be both beautiful and menacing. Here are some essential tips for older adults to navigate the rainy season.

Monsoon has arrived in all its glory and is a refreshing sight for sore eyes. The smell of the earth after the first rain shower can be a heady mix of nostalgia and happiness and a perfect time to sip your chai with hot snacks as you sit and watch the rain. As people find relief from the sweltering heat, heavy rainfall can also disrupt our daily routines, such as moving around outside, planning outdoor events or even a simple morning walk! If you are following the news, much of North India is currently experiencing severe monsoon. So the rainy season can bring joy but unfortunately, it also brings disadvantages. Here's a handy guide:

Monsoon Dampeners

During the monsoon, it is very common to find waterlogging in your surroundings that act as mosquito breeding grounds, bringing forth mosquito-related infections such as Dengue, Malaria and Chikungunya. These diseases tend to be more severe and prolonged for adults over the age of 60.

Respiratory illnesses such as flu and the common cold are other frequently occurring monsoon health concerns. Symptoms such as runny nose, mild fever and sore throat are part of the season. Older people need to take precautions against Bacterial Pneumonia, a common lung infection and dengue. The general duration of Dengue is 5-7 days but for older adults, it can last about 9-12 days. It applies not only to Dengue but Malaria and Chikungunya too, so stay away from those mosquitos!

• Mosquito-borne infections can be controlled by maintaining your surroundings well. Avoid stagnation by emptying the flower pots, trash cans and anything that can collect water such as coconut covers, plastic containers, buckets and other deep vessels regularly or once a week.

• Make sure to use mosquito-repellant creams. Wear full-sleeved, covered clothing, and socks to protect yourself. Use mosquito screens for your windows.
• Drinking clean water during the monsoon can help prevent contracting diarrheal illnesses. Simple measures like using water purifiers or boiling the water before drinking can help. Keeping your overall hygiene and washing your hands before consumption is very effective. Safer fruits to consume are those that can be peeled and eaten. Make sure to wash your fruits and veggies properly! Avoiding street food and eating properly cooked food at home is much safer.
• Routinely mopping and cleaning your home interiors especially open verandahs and toilets where slips often occur is an important step to take. Install handrails and dry mats that you can use to get a grip which can help avoid falls. There seem to be frequent power outages in many cities during stormy weather, make sure to keep a torch, matchbox and some candles handy. Place your medicines at your bedside table or an accessible area that you can even find in the dark.
• Avoid stepping out in a downpour as much as you can and if you need to go, please use an umbrella and accompany someone who can ensure your safety. Using vehicles in the rain may be dangerous, especially two-wheelers. Make sure to drive slowly as the roads get slippery.
• Consult your doctor and enquire about a routine DEXA scan which helps in diagnosing if your bones are fragile and getting the necessary treatment for it. “There are vaccinations available known as Influenza Pneumonia and Hep A vaccines that you can utilize. The Doxycycline tab for Jaundice due to leptospirosis (rat fever) is distributed in Public Health Centres (PHC) by the government,” advises Dr Annu Antony, MBBS, MD (AIIMS) Faculty in Al Azhar Medical College, Thodupuzha, Kerala.
• If fever, diarrhoea, cough and any other symptoms arise, you must consult a doctor as early as possible. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment like taking Oral Rehydration Solution helps with safeguarding your health. Avoid taking over-the-counter antibiotics for flu or diarrhoea frequently without medical consultation as it does more harm than good.
•  Yoga or other exercises can help with immunity and overall mental health. Take care of your joints that can be extra sensitive and follow your doctor’s advice. Moody weather with constant rains might make you feel glum and lonely, but connecting with friends and loved ones online can really make a difference. If you live in flood-prone areas, stay calm but vigilant and take all the precautions necessary to tide over such a difficult time. Be sure to contact the nearest control room and the police for help and safety. Keep those numbers handy for times of need.

The monsoon can be a time of immersing yourself in nature even without stepping out of your time. Follow the precautionary measures but do enjoy the rain clouds and the soothing sound of water as it washes off the scorching summer heat.

 Images courtesy: Silver Talkies

What are your go-to monsoon tips and tricks? Share them with us below.