How To Stay Safe This Holi?

My article in   http://www.boldsky.com/insync/pulse/2013/stay-safe-holi-032685.html

Holi, the Indian festival of colours is around the corner, and people are getting ready to celebrate this festival of colours. Smearing colours to the guests and acquaintance is the norm of this Indian festival. Though celebrating this festival is fun, but use of synthetic colours can result in allergies, dermatitis or eye irritation which can be accompanied by headache, vomiting or lethargy. 

Other than health issues, another important concern is about personal safety of women and children. Keeping an eye on matters which need extra care is the best and only way to make your festive season a memorable event.






We don't want ourself or our dear ones to suffer from allergies or other health or beauty problems due to the colours. Along with the fun and joy, safety aspects should also be in concerns to make your Holi celebrations more exciting. Remember these points and celebrate Holi and be safe during this festive season. 

• Avoid artificial colours: Use of colours prepared from plants has been replaced by synthetic materials like acids, mica, glass powder and alkalis which causes mild to serious health complications. Using natural colours from plant extracts is the easiest way to avoid this.

• Hair care: Apply coconut oil to your hair. This will act as a coating and will help to wash-off the Holi colours easily. This will protect your hair from being rough due to synthetic colors. Using a cap or stole will also help. 

• Eye care: Protect your eyes from eye irritations due to colours. Wash your eyes with fresh cold water, if powder or coloured water enters your eyes. If irritation persists with pain, consult a doctor. If you wear contact lenses, don't forget to remove them before going out to play Holi. 

• Facial protection: Apply a thick layer of moisturizing cream and sunscreen on your face to prevent harmful effects of toxins present in colours. In an event of any attack on the face with colors, try to keep your lips shut and eyes closed. 

• Skin protection: Clothes covering maximum body are considered ideal for the occasion. Cover your body with generous amounts of olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil or mustard oil. It will protect your skin from harmful powder colours. 

• Limit Bhang: Bhang, the official drink for Holi, should not be consumed in large quantities on an empty stomach and do not mix it with alcohol. 

• Stay away from hooligans: Women should take care to stay away from the hooligans who consider festival seasons like Holi as an opportunity for harassing women.

• Protect yourself: Try to be in groups. But avoid being in groups of unfamiliar people. Do not take chances to be on too much crowded roads.

Read more at: http://www.boldsky.com/insync/pulse/2013/stay-safe-holi-032685.html