Harmattan is a season in West Africa that occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. However, human activities towards the environment have affected the weather influencing its season of occurrence in the late 21st century in the climate change review.
The name is related to the word haramata in the Twi language. The temperature is cold in most places, but can also be hot in certain places, depending on local circumstances
The north-easterly Sahara trade winds rush in desert-like sandstorms, leaving skin dry, lips cracked, and everything covered in dust. However, it also results in low mosquito breeding rates and your laundry drying faster!
The following are tips on how to survive the harmattan in Ghana.
Hydrate: Staying hydrated during this season is strongly recommended. Drink lots of water and habituate taking in lots of fruits as well. Hydration helps to keep the skin smooth and reduces stress.
Choice of Clothes: During cold harmattan phases, multiple layers become requisite as opposed to an option. However it gets warm quickly sometimes, and your overcoat will become unnecessary. Throw on a pair of jeans and layer a T-shirt under a sweater and don’t forget your dust-resistant glasses.
Stay away from dusty areas and have their inhalers handy at all times. Wearing a nose/face mask is also advisable during this period to avoid direct contact with dust. It is good to always have a lip balm and moisturiser in your bag, pocket or somewhere easily accessible.
Socks
Best believe this gives warmth to the feet as a jab of the tongue on the breast gives pleasure to the bone marrow. The best part- it can be worn anywhere. Be it in bed or at work. Ever considered actually wearing it under the sheets while you’re ravaging the curves and the arches on her body? Try it today.
Citrus
You’ve heard it before: To avoid colds, get plenty of vitamin C. Truth is, it won’t keep most of us from catching one. (It may help if you’re around people who get sick often, like at a daycare). But if you get a lot of it right before you notice symptoms, it may make you feel better and help you get rid of a cold faster. Oranges, lemons, limes – they’re all sources of vitamin C and can be tasty, too.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Say no to these. The body needs lots of liquids when you have a cold, but caffeine and alcohol are no-nos because they can dry you out.
Of course, if you get a raging withdrawal headache without your morning coffee, by all means, have a small cup of coffee or a little caffeinated tea instead.
Drink hot tea:
You can also stay healthy or live healthy during the harmattan period if you occasionally drink hot substances like tea probably in the morning and night. It keeps you warm and free of flu or other cold-related diseases.
Wind-chilled and cracking chapped lips are seen everywhere the harmattan visits. For this reason, moisturisers, creams and balms meant for preventing dry lips are worth keeping nearby. Locally, shea butter, almond oil and anything vitamin E-based will be your best friend during this season. You can also try the easy Ghanaian homemade method of leaving thin slices of cucumber over your lips for five minutes.
In conclusion, the health tips listed above are the different ways you can keep yourself safe. You just need to stay indoors, drink hot tea, avoid cold drinks, bathe with warm water, eat fruits, take vitamin supplements, use vaseline and wear thick clothing materials.