Haze – Be Prepared… Stay Healthy…

Haze is an annual occurrence in Singapore. It is caused by winds bringing in tiny particles of ash from the raging forest fires in neighbouring Sumatra, Indonesia.

To minimize the detrimental effects of haze on your health, here are some ways you can help yourself and your family stay healthy:

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO……

1. Breathe In Clean Air

• Reduce outdoor activities & stay indoors
• Use an effective mask (N95) if you have to be outdoors
• Use an air purifier

2. Flush Out The Toxins

• Drink at least 2 litres of water daily

This helps kidneys to flush out toxins and can wash out impurities that may be deposited along the throat lining thereby causing throat irritation

3. Eat Healthy

• Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Apples, Beet & Broccoli are some common and wonderful detox food that you can pile on to your diet.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages as these promote fluid loss and can cause nutrients to leach from the body.

4. Sleep and Rest Well

• It is important that our body gets enough rest so as to maintain an optimal immune health

5. Children & Elderly

• Children with asthma have to be careful as particulate matters in the haze may irritate the sensitive airways and trigger an asthma attack.
• Particulate matters in the hazy air may cause the elderly who have heart and lung diseases to cough or experience breathlessness. When the PSI reading rises to the "unhealthy" range, senior citizens are advised to remain indoors.

WHAT YOU MAY EXPERIENCE……

1. Nose/Airways/Lungs :

Since you are inhaling particles from the air, your body will attempt to secrete mucus to flush out the foreign particles. Be prepared for your nose to be runny.

Your throat, airways and lungs may also be affected and coughing is a way your body react to expel the particles.

Respiratory infection may also set in if your immune system is low. Hence it is especially important to boost up your immune health during this time.

What can you do?

• Drink lots of water to keep the throat moist and flush down the haze particles.
• Honey drink is great to soothe an irritated throat.
• Calm a runny nose by inhaling steam infused with eucalyptus or peppermint oil.

2. Eyes

Exposure to haze for extended period will irritate the eyes. Your eyes will tear naturally to clean itself.

What can you do?

• Use normal saline eyedrops to rinse your eyes frequently. It will help to moisturise the eyes and flush out haze particles that is causing the irritation.
• Refrain from rubbing your eyes as this may cause an eye infection.

3. Skin

Your skin may also become irritated. Those with a history of eczema may experience a flare-up as the skin reacts by becoming itchy and inflamed.

What can you do?

• Apply moisturizers several times a day to protect your skin

4. Heart

Under the stress of inflamed airways and a multitude of other bodily irritations, the heart may beat faster thus possibly increasing blood pressure.

What can you do?

• Take your medicine regularly if you have pre-existing asthma, heart or lung disease. Consult a physician if your condition worsens.

HEALTHPRO’S RECOMMENDATION…….

Boost up your body’s immune system so that you will be less prone to infections.

Try These :

1. Zinc Lozenges

• Zinc helps to maintain a healthy immune system. Zinc’s antiviral properties helps reduce duration and severity of respiratory infections.
• Sucking a lozenges every 2 – 3 hours also helps to stimulate saliva production and soothe dry and irritated throat.

2. Vitamin D

• Vitamin D plays a significant role in boosting the body’s immunity. Supplementation with Vitamin D has been shown to reduce risk of viral respiratory infections.
• Take one 1000IU capsule once or twice daily

3. Herbal Infusions

• Immune Booster – Dr Stuart’s Echinacea Plus
  Refreshingly fruity Echinacea tea to help boost your immunity
• Sweeten your drink with honey, it serves to soothe your throat and make your drink taste great too!