Sunday 15 March 2015

TIPS for Healthy Hajj





More from Naina Mohamed, PhD

General Health TIPS for Hajj Pilgrims:

§    Maintain personal hygiene
§    Take bath regularly
§    Wash hands with soap and water
§    Cover nose and mouth while sneezing
§    Use always a face-mask
§    Change face face-mask every 6 hourly
§    Eliminate waste in trash only
§    Avoid spitting on floor

TIPS for Hajj Pilgrims with Chronic diseases:

§    Assess the health condition with a doctor before setting out for Hajj
§    Take sufficient medications
§    Keep medications in a proper storage conditions
§    Take medicines on time
§    Follow doctors’ and pharmacists’ instructions
§    Put on a wrist strap containing information such as name, age, disease, treatment, address and contact details
§    Inform fellow pilgrims about your disease and medications
§    Avoid making too much effort
§    Head to the nearest health center, if needed

Shaving and Hair-cutting TIPS for Hajj Pilgrims:

§    Never choose street barbers
§    Insist on using disposable shavers
§    Never share hair brush, sponges, etc. with others
§    Ask the barber to wash his hands before shaving or hair-cutting

TIPS to avoid Heat Exhaustion and Sunstrokes during Hajj:

§    Drink enough liquids (Water, Juices, Soups, etc.)
§    Avoid longer exposure to the sun
§    Use an umbrella
§    Avoid making excessive effort
§    Take sufficient rest after making every hajj ritual
§    Wear light and loose clothes
§    The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and sunstrokes include high body temperature, headache,  dizziness, nausea, fatigue, thirst and muscle cramps

TIPS to get protection from Food poisoning during Hajj:

§    Wash fruits and vegetables before eating
§    Check the expiry of canned foods and drinks before buying
§    Never buy uncovered food
§    Wash hands before and after preparing food
§    Wash hands before and after eating
§    Eat foods immediately after cooking
§    Avoid storing foods in buses for long


TIPS to avoid Nausea and Vomiting during Hajj:

§    Do not eat and drink too much
§    Avoid fatty foods
§    Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration
§     Consult the doctor if vomiting is severe and persisting

TIPS to prevent Diarrhea during Hajj:

§    Avoid fatty foods
§    Check the cleanliness of foods
§    Cook the food properly
§    Do not buy from street vendors
§    Wash hands every now and then
§    Drink much liquid to avoid dehydration
§    Visit the nearest health center if diarrhea persists

TIPS to prevent Constipation during Hajj:

§    Drink enough liquid
§    Avoid cheese and dairy products
§    Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables
§    Eat more prunes which have lots of fiber
§    Avoid caffeinated drinks
§    Consume bulky agents such as fenugreek, flaxseed

TIPS to prevent Dermatological diseases during Hajj:

§    Maintain personal hygiene
§    Take bath regularly
§    Use powder and moisturizing cream when needed
§    Walk using long steps to avoid exfoliation
§    Keep thigh area clean and dry

TIPS to prevent Respiratory diseases during Hajj:

§    Use always a face-mask
§    Change face face-mask every 6 hourly
§    Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing
§    Do not drink ice cold water
§    Keep away from the A/C while sweating

TIPS to prevent Tuberculosis (TB) during Hajj:

§    Use always a face-mask
§    Change face face-mask every 6 hourly
§    Avoid overcrowded places
§    Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing
§    Wash hands every now and then
§    Keep residences well ventilated
§    Inform the Hajj mission doctor, if a fellow hajj coughing all the time

TIPS to prevent Xerophthalmia (Dryness of Eyes) during Hajj:

§    Use sunglasses
§    Consult with oculist before using contact lenses
§    Use moisturizing eye drops after consulting with oculist

General TIPS to perform Hajj:

§    Do not ignite fire inside the tents
§    Do not sleep on the pavements and roadsides
§    Do not get on top of buses or vehicles
§    Do not bump on others
§    Visit nearest health facility if required
§    Follow the directions issued by authorities
§    Do not slaughter the sacrifice on roads
Use the designated toilets only