HOLI HEALTH ADVISORY
Holi brings an immense sense of joy, but for many reasons, it can also lead to health issues. While people traditionally apply colorful powders and liquids on each other, some of these products can cause skin irritation, rashes, or even chemical burns. Throwing colors and water balloons can lead to eye injuries and infections. The dust and chemicals present in holi colors, used for playing holi, can also cause respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Therefore it is important to follow holi safety tips.
10 TIPS FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY HOLI
1. GO ORGANIC – for holi celebrations, ditch the chemical colors, even if they are easy on pocket. They may come in bright and beautiful colors, but they can harm your skin and hair. The harsh chemicals can also cause allergic reactions. It is better to opt for herbal, eco-friendly and natural home made colors.
2. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER – there are chances of getting dehydrated due to all those fun filled activities, including dancing and merry making with friends and families. Make sure you drink enough water, juices, or anything that keeps you well hydrated to enjoy all those festivities.
3. TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES – if possible wear shades to prevent the colors from getting in your eyes or near the eyes. If you wear contact lenses, it is advisable to remove them, while playing with colors, because the colors can irritate your eyes. If you feel that, any color has gone into your eyes, rinse your eyes thoroughly and immediately with normal water.
4. OIL/MOISTURISE YOUR SKIN – our skin is very delicate, apply coconut oil or any moisturizer with a high SPF generously on your face and other exposed parts of your body, making it slippery so that colors do not stick to the skin. This will help to wash off the colors easily from the skin. A sunscreen with a reasonable SPF, will also protect you from getting tanned.
5. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES – wear loose, comfortable and full sleeved clothes. Cover your body as much as you can. To avoid undue contact of colors to your skin.
6. GO EASY ON INTOXICANTS – you can have severe side effects, if you consume intoxicants, like alcohol, in excess; for instance, it can lead to dryness of mouth, or an increase in a person’s heart rate. If possible, it would be wise to avoid them totally or limit yourself and enjoy the festivities.
7. EAT WELL – before heading out to celebrate the festival of colors, make sure you have eaten well. Have proper food, fresh fruits, juices, or any beverages that will cause dehydration.
8. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR – oil your hair generously and let it get absorbed on the scalp, so that the colors do not stick to the scalp. Tie your hair, if long; you can also wear a scarf to cover it. Also wash your hair, when it is still wet, and use shampoos to cleanse it. Do not let the colors sit on your hair for long.
9. WASH YOUR HANDS WHEN YOU HAVE FOOD – holi colors are powdery and can easily get mixed up with sweets and other goodies. Do not forget to wash your hands, before you indulge in those mouth watering sweets and delicacies.
10. DO NOT BE HARSH ON YOUR SKIN WHILE WASHING – if you have played with chemical colors, they do not rub off from the skin immediately. Do not worry too much about it, and avoid rubbing your skin hard, as it may cause rashes or irritation on sensitive areas. There is no harm if you look colorful for another day or two, right!. for holi safety wash the colors with normal water.
CONCLUSION
The festival of colors is just around the corner, it is filled with fun and frolic, but to make it memorable, safe and healthy, these are some Holi safety tips, and you should follow. Holi safety is of utmost importance, so never compromise your health, in the name of enjoyment. Plays only with those persons, who are willing to play, please do not force non willing persons. If you have cough and cold, do not play. Avoid crowded places. Do not drink and drive. Do not indulge in intoxication. Avoidliquid color filled balloons.
PLAY SAFE, PLAY HEALTHILY, ENJOY THE FESTIVAL AND DON’T MAKE IT TURN INTO A NIGHTMARE…
HAPPY HOLI !
DR.ASHWANI KANSAL
MBBS, DFID (fellowship in Diabetes ,CMC Vellore)
M.Med ( Family Medicine, CMC Vellore)
PGCAT ( Thyroid )
PGDMH( Diploma in Mental Health, CMC Vellore)
Consultant Physician N Diabetologist N Thyroid Specialist
Consultant Yatharth Superspeciality Hospital Omega 1, Greater Noida
For appointments Call @ 8826220044, 7303399370
