KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 25- While some of us have imposed a self-regulated house arrest (remember keep those windows shut), there are others who are still out outside working in the unhealthy hazy conditions.
With the PSI readings at 401 as of noon today, the air in Malaysia is officially considered hazardous and we’ll all do well taking precautions to keep ourselves, and our loved ones safe.
For Your Health:-
1. Keep the haze out
Before going out of the house, make sure all your windows and ventilation outlets are closed. It is better to come back to stale air rather than a million haze particles that will stay inside for a long while. Practice this until the city’s air purity level goes up to ‘moderate’ and ‘good’. Constantly check the news updates and Department of Environment’s website to keep in the know.
2. Use air purifier indoor
Once you get back home, always turn on the air purifier to filter the air – because the soft particles of haze could still seep into the house even after closing all ventilation. If you are yet to have an air purifier at home, try boiling some water and then let the steam fills up the room to clear the air.
3. Drink at least 2 litres of water a day
The key is to stay hydrated. Haze toxins absorbed by our lungs and skin force our kidneys to work extra hard, hence we need to help them in excreting the toxins by staying hydrated.
4. Stay away from alcohol & coffee
In regards to the previous point, alcohol and coffee dehydrate our system – which makes it even harder for the kidneys to function in hazy days like these. It is hard to go coffee-less, but stay strong for the sake of well-functioning kidneys!
5. Boost your immunity with superfoods
Healthy diet is important at all times, but in hazy days – it is a definite must. If you are determined to not suffer from scratchy throat or runny nose, then do your part: eat healthily. Make sure you have sufficient daily intake of: protein, calcium, refined carbs, and ‘good’ fats. With balanced diet – you should have enough amount of vitamin C, E, and Omega-3 without having to source them from capsules. For a balanced diet guide, read our feature here.
6. Must-have items in your bag: face mask, eye drops, water bottle, tissue, wet wipes
Stay indoor as much as possible, but when you do have to go out, put on a face mask. These items could be your instant fixes in cases of red eyes, scratchy throat, and mild trouble of breathing. After going outdoor, wipe your hands immediately.
7. Wash your hands & face regularly
As much as we try to not be exposed to the toxins, our skin still absorbs them. Be fussy about washing hands and face in public places. After going out, shower immediately to cleanse away the toxin residues.
8. See the doctors immediately after health problems
For those with breathing problems (eg. asthma) and skin problems (eg. eczema), always be prepared with your medical solutions during the haze period. For those who experience sudden health problems, especially to do with breathing, see the doctor immediately. However, be informed it is common to experience runny nose because the body produces extra mucus to excrete the toxins.
