Our annual Haze season is upon us again!
Haze in Singapore is typically caused by open burning to clear land for agricultural uses in Singapore's neighboring countries. Prolonged Exposure to haze can cause short term and long term adverse effects on our body, from throat inflammation to respiratory and heart diseases.
It is important for us to stay healthy during this season. Below are 5 simple ways in which you can stay healthy during this period of time.
1. Stay Indoors
Avoid breathing the haze as much as possible. Though staying indoors with aircon does not ensure full protection from the haze (smaller particles may not be filtered through standard filtration systems), it is better to avoid direct inhalation of polluted air during the haze period.
Using an air ioniser or air purifier could help filter out the finer particles that make their way into your office or home as well.
Also avoid any strenuous activities as well.
2. Wear a Mask
The main pollutant of health concern during a smoke haze is the fine particulate matter or PM10 (particulate of size 10 micron and below). These particulates enter air-conditioned buildings through the fresh air intake and by infiltration through openings and gaps. The particulate levels indoor can thus build up to unhealthy levels, resulting in undesirable health effects on the building occupants. It can also adversely affect the efficiency of the air-conditioning system.
Studies have shown that N95 masks provide good protection against particle pollutants as they are at least 95% efficient against fine particles that are about 0.1 – 0.3 microns.
DD wholesale provides Singapore's most trusted N95 Mask provider, 3M's N95 Mask (8210 Model) at a discounted price compared to local pharmacies.
Click here to find out more: 3M N95 8210 Mask (DD wholesale)
*Children Masks now available: 3M N95 Children's Masks
For tips on how to choose a suitable mask: Click here
3. Drink More Water
Haze can cause various symptoms such as inflamed/watering eyes, running nose, throat irritation, dry/sore throat, headache, dizziness, decreased lung function, depressed respiratory immune defenses, chest pain, and/or bronchitis (lung inflammation).
Water helps you to flush out toxins absorbed through your skin and lungs, and strengthens your immune system.
4. Cut down on Coffee and Alchohol
Alcohol and coffee promotes fluid loss and leach nutrients from the body.
During the haze period, your body needs more water and stronger immune system to fight the toxins that enter your body.
5. Build your Immunity
Toxin in the Haze can cause susceptible individuals and those suffering from chronic disease, especially respiratory and heart disease (e.g. coronary artery disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) to worsen. They are more likely to experience more severe haze-related effects than healthy people.
It is advised to build up your body's immunity with foods rich in vitamin C (oranges, guava, strawberries), vitamin E (nuts and seeds) and omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish). Rely on your body's natural defense system. Prevention is better than cure.