Haze Runner, Live Smarter

Drink plenty of water

We are all advised to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. But how about during haze season?

Increase your water intake as much as you can because H2O will flush away the toxins inhaled from the polluted air particles and dust in the haze. It also keep us hydrated and moisturized throughout the day.

Bonus tips: Also, reduce the intake of coffee so as not to lose nutrients from the body, which can cause weak immune system and health.

Mask up 

(Photo source: greenpeace.org)

Invest in a quality respiratory mask such as N95 mask, which can filter out airborne particles from the polluted air without you having to grasp for air. 

However, be sure to check with a doctor first as this mask may not be suitable for children, pregnant women and some senior citizens.

According to the Ministry of Health, individuals with chronic lung conditions or coronary heart diseases should seek additional information from healthcare professionals before wearing the N95 to prevent any unpleasant side effects. 

Stay indoors   

When the air outside is not fit for breathing, stay indoors instead. Only go out if it’s an absolute necessity.

Even you have to go out for chores and errands, commute to your destination instead of walking. Staying away from strenuous and vigorous activities during the haze season is also advisable and do activities at home instead.

Wash hands properly  

(Photo source: sct.poumon.ca)

Imagine how many billions of germs and bacteria you have encountered throughout the day?

As such, always remember to wash your hands and face as soon as you’re home to ensure you keep infections at bay.

Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer handy.  It can be another alternative for you to scrub and rub your dirty hands with soap and water.

Replenish and stay refreshed

Similar with the function of water, fresh fruits and vegetables also remove toxins absorbed through the skin and other organs. Furthermore, various types of fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients. Fruits with a lot of juices can keep you hydrated and refreshed, whereas some vegetables and fruits rich in fiber and carbs can serve as a meal or snack while you’re bored staying at home.

As these food can help enhance your immune system and defense mechanism against diseases, make sure you eat them and don’t forget to wash the raw veggies and fruits before consuming them.

Ensure good air ventilation

As haze often leads to greenhouse effect which increases the temperature in the environment, a ceiling fan will not be enough to chill you. Moreover, to prevent haze to enter your home, you need to close all windows, doors and any openings in your house.

Hence, you can opt for air conditioners or air purifiers to ensure sufficient ventilation is supplied in the closed area. An air conditioner regulates the room temperature, while an air purifier maintains high quality of air by keeping the levels of air contaminants low.

Make sure that you service the air conditioners and clean the filters regularly. Failing to do so may allow fine particles to enter an air-conditioned home through the fresh air intake and by infiltration through openings and gaps.

Bonus tip: Check local air quality updates frequently