THE WEATHER: OUR HEALTH, OUR CONCERN

 

Elizabeth Fatokun

We are in the period where we say the weather is cold, we wonder why the weather feels gloomy even when it isn't raining heavily and we anticipate when our damp clothes will get dry.

Has this question ever crossed your mind about why this is so?

Scientists have observed that the Earth reaches aphelion around early July, which is the point where it is farthest from the Sun, at about 152 million kilometres away. Although many people assume this is the reason for the cold weather, aphelion only has a minor influence on temperature and is not the main cause of the cool weather experienced in Southwestern Nigeria.

Then, what really brings about this weather?

According to meteorologists, the August Break is a period during the rainy season when rainfall becomes less frequent and less intense. Although there is still a high amount of moisture in the atmosphere i.e high relative humidity, the atmospheric conditions are not favourable enough to produce prolonged or heavy rainfall. This is why we often experience cloudy skies, cool temperatures and light rain showers during this period.

‎Weather conditions like these can indirectly affect our health. The rainy season creates stagnant water, which serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit malaria. In addition, viral illnesses such as the flu and the common cold become more common during this period, while prolonged damp conditions can also increase the risk of some skin infections.

‎Even during this period, many students tend to neglect their health. The saying, "Health is wealth," is more than just an adage, it serves as a reminder that our health should always be a priority. Regardless of how demanding academic life may be, taking care of ourselves is essential, as good health is the foundation for academic success and overall well-being.

‎And so, as students, we need to take good care of ourselves by dressing warmly during cold mornings and evenings, avoiding prolonged exposure to damp clothing, using warm water when necessary, and keeping our surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding. Whether going for early morning classes or TDBs, dressing appropriately for the weather, can help protect our health.

After all, while academic excellence is important, students need to be fit health wise because it becomes difficult to perform at our best when our health is in jeopardy.