The harmattan is a seasonal wind in Africa, typically characterized by desert-like weather conditions. In Western Africa, at the expiry of November, marks the arrival of the harmattan which lasts 3 to 4 months. It originates due to the occurrence of a high pressure system over the central Sahara Desert and blows from the Sahara into the Gulf of Guinea.
Harmattan lowers the humidity to as low as 15% at times and scatters clouds, thus, hindering the formation of rainfall. It is also characterized by fluctuation in ambient temperature of the day and night.
The harmattan brings dry and dusty air from the Sahara desert. The dust that it carries can result in the formation of haze, which can limit visibility and even block the sun at times. This often results in the cancellation and diversion of several flights in Western Africa, costing the aviation industry a loss of huge sums of income.
In the same way, both commercial and private vehicle drivers are not sidelined as they also experience much difficulties on the roads. This alone can claim many lives as drivers who may not see clearly because of the dust often blown by their vehicles can run into other vehicles causing accidents. However, if only drivers can take precautionary measures and drive carefully, perhaps more lives would be saved.
Due to the season, people may suffer from frequent asthma attacks, respiratory tract infections, chest congestion, conjunctivitis and other eye infections. Other problems prevalent during this season include fever, cold, catarrh, cough, and headaches.
The onset of harmattan season also brings about conditions that are conducive for wildfires, resulting in loss of lives and property and what’s more, making it difficult to breath.
Inasmuch as we are celebrating Christmas, there’s the need to stay healthy even in the season of dryness. Therefore, here are some tips to staying healthy during the haramattan season.
1. Stay Hydrated : While the weather is windy and dry during this season, the intensity of the sun during the day can make you exhausted, dehydrated and often times result in heatstroke. Thus, it’s very important to drink lots of water as this would reduce dehydration and enhance metabolism.
Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C as this could help prevent infections. Avoid taking drinks containing caffeine. This is because, caffeine is a diruretic and diruretics eliminate fluid out of the body resulting in dehydration. Avoid carbonated soft drinks as this would leave your skin dehydrated.
2. Keep your hair and skin moisturized :
Not only should you stay hydrated but also, it’s necessary to apply moisturizers,creams and balm on the skin and lips to reduce dryness. Locally, Shea butter, Vaseline and anything vitamin E-based will be recommended this season.
Not only should you stay hydrated but also, it’s necessary to apply moisturizers,creams and balm on the skin and lips to reduce dryness. Locally, Shea butter, Vaseline and anything vitamin E-based will be recommended this season.
Your hair should be moisturized as well to prevent dryness as this could result in breakages. It’s also important to wear protective styles( no matter the hair type) during this season. Bath regularly. Cold water is preferable because hot water strips off oil on your skin and exposes you to dry skin.
3. Avoid dusty environment : Dusty areas,without a doubt, trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory infections. In view of this, it is advisable to avoid places of extreme dust. Since harmattan season breeds dust in our homes, there is the need to regularly clean our homes to get rid of dust particles on surfaces and to keep respiratory infections in check.
4.Wear protective clothing and shades:
Wearing shades during this season protect the eyes from the wind which carries dust particles. You can prevent sand particles from having contact with your eyes which could lead to serous eye complications only if you wear shades often.
Wearing shades during this season protect the eyes from the wind which carries dust particles. You can prevent sand particles from having contact with your eyes which could lead to serous eye complications only if you wear shades often.
Experts say that it is advisable to wear appropriate clothing to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections. Wear thick and dark coloured clothes when the weather is cold and thin and bright coloured clothes for a hot weather.
5 . Avoid fire triggers :
It is worth noting that, most wildfires during harmattan season are caused when fires set intentionally to clear land goes out of hand as a result of human neglect. If you have to burn anything, it is important to make sure it is attended and well monitored.
It is worth noting that, most wildfires during harmattan season are caused when fires set intentionally to clear land goes out of hand as a result of human neglect. If you have to burn anything, it is important to make sure it is attended and well monitored.
It should be noted that the dry, cold and dusty wind associated with harmattan can trigger sickle cell crisis in affected individuals. It is a condition where red blood cells become sickle under a condition of low oxygen tension leading to blockage of small blood vessels. Reduction in blood supply to the tissues can cause pain in the bones.
When it becomes severe, it can result in death. Sickle cell individuals are advised to be careful against activities that would expose them to suffocation. They should always try to keep warm to avert any danger.
In final analysis, the harmattan is likely to stay with us for long which indicates that, any challenges it comes with shall live with us for a long period of time.
Harmattan season is a period of havoc.. Be on guard!
By: Abigail Ayensu
By: Abigail Ayensu
References
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