“It is health

That is real wealth

And not pieces Of

Gold and Silver.”

-Mahatma Gandhi  

The onset of new season calls for a change in routine, diet and physical activities that suit the weather. Scientists have shown that the mood, as well as the metabolism of humans, changes with the seasons. All these weather changes can make you more likely to get sick or catch an infection. It might also raise the risk of developing certain conditions.

The ongoing monsoon season also brings water-borne diseases, insects, viral fever and other infections along. Thus, you need to be extra cautious if you want to enjoy the season without falling sick. Here are some of the simple steps to stay healthy and avoid such climate change infections:

• Use Mosquito Repellents

Malaria is one of the most common diseases during monsoon. It is spread by female Anopheles mosquito. Therefore, it is advisable to use mosquito nets and repellents. Stagnant water is the breeding spot for mosquitos, so it is necessary to get rid of it. Empty all the things that retain water such as pots in garden and old containers.

Preferably wear full clothes covering your arms and legs. Seek immediate medical advice if you suspect malaria or its symptoms.

• Avoid Street food and Uncooked food

Street food is not reliable and often causes stomach infections due to germs from the exposed atmosphere. The chances of such diseases are higher during season change and especially monsoon. Cook vegetables to kill bacteria as uncooked vegetables contain germs. Try to eat home-cooked food only.

• Don’t Let the Rainwater Collect in Places

Rains bring life to the erstwhile dry and inhospitable spaces around your house. Especially for insects like mosquitoes and flies. You should spend some time ensuring that water does not collect in pots and usual puddles on the roof of your house and about.

• Drink lots of water

Our water intake tends to reduce during monsoon and colder months of the year. We are not thirsty during this time, but our body needs water, lots of water. Drinking purified or boiled water reduces the risk of water-borne diseases.

A natural way to stay hydrated is to take ample of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content such as cucumber, watermelon and tomatoes.

• Get moving

Even though the winter season is coming, maintain your physical activity and exercise routine. Exercising improves your immune system and helps your body fight diseases.

• Maintain Hygiene

Remember your mom’s advice to wash hands before every meal and when you get back home. Proper hygiene keeps common flu, cold and cough away from you.

When seasons change, it is essential to stay flexible and mould accordingly. As the season turns, it is crucial to rethink your diet and include healthier options.

You need to change your lifestyle plan before the starting of each season. Different seasons demand different alterations in your day-to-day activities. It takes extra planning for more challenging seasons likes winters and monsoon.

Be Well-Insured

Being precautious can help you avoid certain diseases or infections, but nothing guarantees a healthy future throughout your lifetime. While the healthcare facilities have improved in India, the cost of treatment has also gone up. Health insurance today is a necessity if you want to receive good and timely treatment without hurting your pockets.

You need to have financial security for such medical emergencies. Buying health insurance is a way to protect you and your loved ones against any unpredictable medical emergency.

Reputable insurance companies such as TATA AIG offer a variety of health insurance including individual health insurance, family health insurance and group health insurance suitable for everybody.

Health insurance comes with different add-ons such as disability benefit, critical illness benefit, maternity cover, cashless claim and many more.

• Health insurance covers hospitalisation benefits and all the medical expenses directly related to it
• Pre-hospitalisation and Post-hospitalisation expenses are also payable
• Costs for a preventive health check-up are subject to 1% of the policy’s sum assured

So, enjoy the change in the season with a little caution and a health cover.