Today, the Straits Times reported that the current PSI (Pollutants Standards Index) has finally reached a high of 317 at 11 p.m. in Singapore, crossing into the “Hazardous” range. According to the NEA (National Environmental Agency), it is predicted to worsen in the coming days.
The haze, caused by winds carrying ash from forest fires in Indonesia. carries particles called PM10. These particles, when breathed in excess, could cause viral and bacterial infections and exacerbate heart and lung diseases.
Wondering how to make it through the rest of this hazy week? Today, Evolve Daily shares 8 Tips To Survive The Singapore Haze:
1) Cover up
If you really must go outdoors, wear an N95 mask. Surgical masks and paper masks don’t provide ample protection against the particles from the haze. However, if you can avoid going outdoors, please do so!
2) Drink up
Staying hydrated at all times will prevent you from getting a dry throat or cure it if you have one. It will also help the kidneys flush out any toxins you’ve absorbed.
3) Lessen coffee and alcohol
Coffee and alcohol are known to deplete nutrients and dehydrate your body. This will make you more susceptible to respiratory infections, which are especially rampant at this time.
4) Eat better
Because our bodies are working extra hard to ward off the toxins, we need to constantly replenish it with food rich in anti-oxidants. This will boost your immune system and help your body fight off the toxins. Tomatoes and berries are two examples of food rich in anti-oxidants.
5) Stay indoors
While it may be tempting to get your cardio in after work, it may not be the best idea at this point in time. If you must workout, do it indoors. Attend a Muay Thai or strength and conditioning class — we guarantee it’ll burn just as many calories as a few kilometers of running, if not more.
6) Invest in a HEPA filter
If you don’t own an air purifier or if your air purifier doesn’t have a HEPA filter, now would be a good time to invest in one. HEPA, which stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, has the capacity to trap 99.97% of all airborne particles that are as small as 0.3 microns and 95% of particles at 0.1 microns.
7) Put away your vacuum cleaner
Do you feel like your home has gotten much more dusty because of the haze? Instead of vacuuming your entire house, use a floor sweeper or a wet mop! This will prevent dust and dirt from coming loose and irritating your immune system further.
8) Keep the air at home irritant free
Refrain from creating any kind of air pollution in your house — whether it’s burning candles, frying food or lighting incense. Remember, the cleaner your air at home is, the better it will be for your respiratory system.
As the conditions are predicted to worsen over the next few days, we should always take the proper precautions in order to stay safe. Remember, health is wealth — do what you can to survive the haze!
