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By:
ELIZABETH MERAB | |||||||||
| Posted:
Dec,23-2015 19:51:36
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You may have your Christmas menu already planned, your tree decorated, presents wrapped and your travel bags ready for an upcountry ride but have you thought about the potential health risks you may be exposed to during the festive season?
As Christmas and the New Year mood catches up with many people across the country, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind so as to stay healthy.
Dr Joachim Osur, a reproductive and public health expert, says there are important aspects that every Kenyan needs to have at their fingertips to remain healthy.
He notes that being a period where people's itineraries are filled with road trips, it is crucial to take note of potential health risks like malaria, especially when traveling to risk counties.
"It is very important to carry malaria prophylaxis and other protective items like repellents and nets.
"You should also observe simple protective techniques like wearing clothes that cover most parts of your body," Dr Osur says.
AVOID SELF-MEDICATION
And he has advice for over-the-counter enthusiasts; Do not buy malaria drugs from chemists without a doctor's prescription.
"The mistake many people commit is walk into a chemist and buy ACTs, not knowing that these medicines are used to treat, not prevent malaria," he continues.
"Avoid self-medication at all costs. These drugs are usually prescribed according to one's needs."
When you have ensured that, be careful about the water you drink and the food you will consume.
These too, are significant health aspects which everyone must observe.
It is not uncommon to find people eating huge quantities of meat and drinking all manner of alcohol or fruit juices. Nyama choma is a favourite for many.
"As you prepare to travel upcountry, confirm that you have carried water treating tablets or boil the water you intend to drink in order to avoid diseases like typhoid or cholera," the doctor adds.
While at it, also ensure that what you eat is fresh to avoid food poisoning.
HOW TO AVOID DIARRHOEA, STOMACH UPSETS AND DYSENTRY
While it is common for urban dwellers to store leftovers in the fridge, many may not have that luxury when in their rural homes and therefore have to exercise more caution.
To avoid getting stomach upsets, diarrhoea and dysentry, Dr Osur advises that people should be keen of what they eat all times.
"Cook what will be eaten and finished in one day because food can easily be contaminated," he advises. Experience has shown that cases of unwanted pregnancies and rape are rampant during and after the festive season, Dr Osur says.
"It is the time young people go on some sort of rampage. Cases of unwanted pregnancies and usage of drugs and alcohol shoot up during this time," he adds.
"Unfortunately, pregnancies are usually discovered in January or February."
The reproductive health expert advises that to stay safe, ensure that you are around trusted people and you take control of your actions.
"As health experts we will continue telling people to use condoms for protection against diseases and unwanted pregnancies but one thing they must do is to control what they do," Dr Osur says.
In no particular order, below is a selection of things you need to do in order to stay healthy during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
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