It’s that time of year again – Carnival! The peak of the season is upon us and you may be enjoying the festivities, winding down from fetes or simply enjoying time with family. Whether you’re playing mas, chippin’ on the road or spending a day at the beach, it’s important to keep safe and healthy this Carnival season.
It’s easy to get side-tracked with your health goals around Carnival time as there’s generally a more jovial and relaxed atmosphere. Don’t let your health fall off track – follow these simple but effective tips to keep you energetic and pumpin’ all season long.
- Keep hydrated!
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated daily. If you’re spending prolonged hours in direct sunlight, it’s especially important to regularly drink water to avoid dehydration. Insufficient water intake can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, skin dryness and muscular cramps. With prolonged sun exposure, a lack of adequate hydration can also lead to heat exhaustion which can have more intense symptoms such as fainting and mental disorientation.
To avoid any discomfort while out on the road or out and about, drink water at regular intervals. If it helps, put a reminder on your phone for each hour to ensure you get the amount that your body needs. Consumption of alcoholic beverages can also lead to dehydration if not moderated and managed well. To avoid any mishaps, have alcohol in moderation and be sure to drink water each time you consume an alcoholic beverage.
- Protect yourself from sun damage
Whether you’re basking in the sun or periodically exposed to direct sunlight, remember to apply a sunscreen to all exposed skin including your face. Prolonged sun and UV ray exposure can lead to skin discolouration, sunburn and skin damage. To avoid the after effects of sun exposure, apply sunscreen at least thirty (30) minutes before going out into the sun and ensure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least thirty (30).
Similarly, UV rays can also be damaging to your eyes and can have long-lasting, detrimental effects on your quality of vision. For added protection, consider wearing a sun visor or hat, in addition to a pair of sunglasses with specified protection from UV rays.
- Preserve your hearing – protect your ears
Loud music is synonymous with the Carnival season so it’s important to protect your hearing during the festivities. If you’re spending time on the road, consider using ear plugs to help diffuse some of the sounds.
Prolonged exposure to loud music can have long-last effects on your hearing, including hearing loss and a ringing sound sensation. If you’re travelling with children or babies, also ensure that their ears are protected since they’re more delicate during growing phases.
- Be cautious when purchasing food
While out and about for hours at a time, you may be more likely to eat local street delicacies. Be sure to look out for food vendors’ certification to ensure they’re properly licensed to sell food. Avoid food that’s prepared in unsanitary surroundings and pay close to attention to how food is handled. Remember – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Whatever you choose to do, remember to stay safe and healthy this Carnival season!