Health awareness this Eid

Crowds at the market

On the occasion of the sacrifice, there will be a large movement of people from different districts to the capital. The traders will bring the sacrificial animal, other people will come, they will return after the sale. Experts fear that this movement will increase the risk of infection. In this case, the government is going to take measures on some issues including not setting up hats in populated areas and maintaining distance from haats.

Extreme care should be taken while going to the market. It is better not to go to the market for the elderly who have diabetes and other diseases at home. In addition, if someone has symptoms of fever, cough or corona, he should not go to the market. Many of the family members, even friends, are going to the market to buy animals — it could be said that it was a kind of festival. There is no chance to do that this year. Try to get as few people as possible. One or two people will go to the market, you must wear a face mask. Keep an eye out for vendors and other people at the market wearing masks.

Do not increase the risk by going to various places to buy sacrificial animals by checking and sorting. Get rid of clutter you don't need. Come back and wash your hands with soap or take a bath if you can. And those who have the opportunity, can buy the animal by booking online or in the farm.

Moderation is desirable

It is better to show some restraint this year in terms of sacrifice. For example, you can give it to a village, a poor area, an orphanage or such a public service institution without sacrificing it at home or in an apartment. Each time the siblings may have made separate sacrifices, this time at least one animal was sacrificed together. There used to be a lot of sacrifices in the same building, now a few people can offer animal sacrifices there. This will reduce the risk a lot. A few friends or colleagues can also match. This may reduce the share of meat, but it will reduce the health risks.

Ensure cleanliness

It would be better to complete the sacrificial work at a specific place of the city corporation or in a remote field or open place of one's own initiative without sacrificing in one's own home. It is a good idea to bring the meat in packets or boxes. If not, make sure the house is clean. Don't sacrifice on the streets, on the sidewalks. Manage waste properly. Arrange hand washing system, basin, soapy water under the house. Provide frequent hand washing to people engaged in animal sacrifice and management, such as butchers and helpers. They wear masks and gloves, preferably polythene aprons or disposable gowns.

Knives, forks, photos, etc. must be properly disinfected. There is no risk of coronavirus infection from meat, but it can be spread by those who touch it or distribute it in small quantities. So the fewer people can be engaged in these activities, the better.

When the work is done, quickly clean the whole place, stairs etc. with water mixed with bleaching powder. After bringing home, a person will pack or distribute the meat after wearing gloves and a mask.

In the present situation, as before, avoid going to the houses of relatives to sell meat or distributing meat among the poor in crowds. Avoid crowds and crowds as much as possible. There is no substitute for repeated hand washing.

Prayers and socialization

Maintain physical distance at Eidgah or Mosque. Do not hug or shake hands. It is better to take your own prayers. Instead of praying in crowded places, read near your house or in the mosque in the neighborhood. Refrain from going to each other's houses, going for walks, invitations or organizing parties during Eid. Try to celebrate this Eid as much as possible in secrecy and silence, avoiding excessive organization, avoiding crowds and public gatherings.

Follow the hygiene rules by yourself and everyone, stay safe.

More to remember

l Many areas are now flooded during the monsoon season. So be careful not to get diarrhea. There will be food during Eid. However, do not eat too much, it may cause indigestion. Beef and mutton are already high in fat, so use less oil in cooking. A good way to cook with less spices is to use sour yogurt, lemon juice etc. in the cooking. It is better to eat fat and eat kebabs, steaks, grills etc. Do not cook for several days at a time and eat stale.

খ Eating too much meat can cause constipation. So eat salad, green vegetables every day. Drink plenty of water. There is no need to eat meat every day during Eid.

যেন Avoid excess oils, fats and spices to avoid acidity or gas problems. Do not overeat. If you have heart disease, cholesterol problems, it is better not to eat brain, nehari, legs etc.

Don’t forget to take a little walk every day. This will deplete the extra calories you have taken. Do not go to bed immediately after eating. It will increase gastric problems. Eat on time.

না Don't forget to take your blood pressure, diabetes and other regular medicines even during the busy time of Eid. Try to stay healthy.

Chairman, Department of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka