Rainyday Health Tips

Hi there! Jonathan here with some rainyday tips. It’s the season for tropical rains and typhoons again. Call center workers usually fall prey to a lot of diseases during this season because of our very cold office environment and the strong rains. Worse, we even have to brave some flooding in the streets leading to our workplaces. This is true not only for us here in Dagupan City but all over Metro-Manila and other areas where there are call centers. The best offense is always a good defense. Let us always give our bodies the advantage of being ready against possible sickness through our daily dose of essential vitamins. It would really help a lot if we take some Vit C for extra resistance against diseases like colds or flu. This would be a good add-on to the regular multi-vitamin supplement that we take. 

• Get extra rest. Bed rest can help you feel better. It will also help you avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost from fever. Fluids also ease a scratchy throat and keep nasal mucus thin. Hot tea with lemon, water, fruit juice, and soup are all good choices.
• If fever is uncomfortable, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower it. You may also sponge your body with lukewarm water to reduce fever. Do not use cold water or ice. Lowering the fever will not make your symptoms go away faster, but it may make you more comfortable.
• To relieve body aches and headache, take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. Do not take aspirin if you are younger than 20 unless your doctor tells you to do so. Also, aspirin and ibuprofen can upset your stomach, while acetaminophen does not.
• Try a decongestant or nasal spray if your main symptom is a stuffy nose. Look for a single-ingredient decongestant that contains phenylephrine. If nasal drainage is thick, a decongestant that contains guaifenesin may help keep it thin and draining. Do not use medicated nasal sprays or drops more often than directed and not for longer than 3 days.
• Breathe moist air from a hot shower or from a sink filled with hot water to help clear a stuffy nose.
• Avoid antihistamines. They do not treat flu symptoms and may make nasal drainage thicker.
• If the skin around your nose and lips becomes sore from repeated rubbing with tissues, apply a bit of petroleum jelly to the area. Using disposable tissues that contain lotion also may help.
• Use cough drops or plain, hard candy to help ease coughing.
• Take a nonprescription cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan if you develop a dry, hacking cough. Some products contain a high percentage of alcohol. Use them with caution.
• Elevate your head at night with an extra pillow if coughing keeps you awake.
• Avoid smoking and breathing secondhand smoke. This is good advice any time, but it is especially important when you have a respiratory infection like a cold or the flu.

REMEMBER: AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A POUND OF CURE!