Over the weekend, the Pollutant Standards Index in Singapore has reached 3 digits, the first time in 3 years! As a rule of thumb, anytime the PSI goes into 3 digits, it’s bad news.
We can’t control the weather, but we can give you a few tips to help with minimising the effects of air pollutants on our eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
1. Stay indoors.
This may be obvious, but yes, close the doors and the windows or any openings that may let dirty air sneak in. Turn on the air conditioner or the air purifier (if you have one). Your electric bill won’t thank you, but it’s better than getting a hospital bill. Avoid outdoor activities – you can always join a gym if you’re afraid of missing out on your cardio.
2. Wear appropriate masks.
A lot of us commute to work and it’s inevitable we will be breathing in the air outside. Surgical masks won’t be able to effectively filter the air pollutants, so grab yourself some respirators. The most common type of mask that is effective in combating those pesky pollutants is the N95 mask.
3. Drink up!
Not so obvious, but drink lots of water. Water is the best way to flush out any toxins in your body. We may not be able to avoid every single harmful particle, but we can avoid letting the toxins build up in our bodies.
4. Wash up!
In a similar vein, wash your hands. Better yet, take more showers. We collect dust and dirt particles on our clothes and on our skin when we go outside. Limit your exposure to pollutants by regularly washing up.
5. Drive carefully
Finally, for those of you who drive, please pay attention and be careful on the road. With the haze, visibility is bad. Don’t drive too fast, you may not see an obstruction in the road that is blocked by the haze. Even better, avoid driving entirely if that is possible.
For those who have lung and heart issues, please take extra precautions, as the haze can trigger some unwanted symptoms. Pay attention to the signs your body gives you and visit a doctor if something doesn’t feel right. If you are unsure if the haze has triggered any unwanted symptoms, MyDoc healthcare professionals are just one click away to answer your inquiries.
Always here for you,
MyDoc healthcare team
