TIPS ON STAYING HYDRATED DURING THIS HARMATTAN HAZE

It's common knowledge that harmattan comes with dusty winds, dry and cold air in the morning and evening and a scorching midday sun.

Harmattan robs the body and skin of adequate moisture causing dry skin, cracked lips, cough and sore throat. It's often associated with flu and cold The body has adaptive mechanisms that help combat and reduce these effects but then it's very important to take good care of our health to prevent infections and stay constantly healthy.

Here are some tips on how to stay healthy and hydrated in this weather:

1. Drink a lot of water: drinking at least 8 glasses of water even if you don't feel thirsty. Just keep taking in fluids because the mildest dehydration can affect one's energy levels, cognition and overall health

      2. Embrace skincare: keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized all day is good way to avoid dryness, irritation and flakiness that comes with the weather. One should opt for products rich in hyaluronic acid, SPF, shea butter and other moisturizers.

- Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture in the skin preventing dryness. - SPF (Sun Protection Formula) protects the skin from sunburn which occurs as a result of the harsh midday sun.

Eg. Palmer's olive butter formula, Nivea aloe & hydration cream, St Ives hydrating lotion, Jergens daily moisture, Blue sea Vaseline, Olay complete all day moisturizer with SPF 30, Dulgon sensitive sun cream with SPF 30, Vaseline Cocoa radiant and Olay complete light weight day lotion with SPF 15 among others.

3. Eat healthy: This period foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants are very necessary. Eg. Vegetables, fruits (apples, cashew, banana, water melon, oranges etc).

Dietary supplements containing Vitamins (C, D, B6, B12, E, K) and minerals like calcium, potassium, selenium, fatty acids and amino acids are also necessary

4. Wear protective clothing: this involves wearing long sleeves and long trouser to prevent the skin from being exposed to dryness, heat and dust from the weather.

      5. putting on a pair of sunglasses and face cap or a hat helps to protect your eyes from the floating sand particles and the scorching sun.

      6. Don't forget the first 5 tips stated above.