Carnival: what to do before, during and after the celebrations to arrive well at Ash Wednesday

Carnival: what to do before, during and after the celebrations to arrive well at Ash Wednesday

Carnival is already upon us and we have prepared some precious tips so that you can face the celebrations with greater health and safety and so that you can get to Ash Wednesday without having to deal with absurd fatigue and hangovers.




Let’s go?

Before the party

  • Take care to prepare your body for the Carnival marathon with regular and adequate physical activity, rest and a healthier diet.
  • If you plan to use a condom, be sure to look for one right away. Buy in advance and leave it in your pocket or bag, always available.
  • If you think you can have sex, but know there’s a chance you won’t use a condom, talk to a healthcare provider first to discuss other strategies for preventing an STI (sexually transmitted infection) or unwanted pregnancy. In the case of HIV, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can be used to avoid risks.
  • Keep aside the accessories you may need during the celebrations: comfortable shoes and clothes, sunscreen, hats, among others.
  • During the Dengue Carnival, if you plan to celebrate in areas with many cases of dengue, don’t forget to bring and apply appropriate repellents.

During the party

  • Wear light clothes, with breathable fabrics, to ventilate the body well and prevent the skin from remaining damp for a long time, which facilitates the appearance of diaper rash and ringworm.
  • Wear comfortable sneakers that protect your feet from trampling and, at the same time, cushion the impact of your movements.
  • Eat lighter meals between parties, avoiding fatty foods.
  • Moderate your alcohol consumption and try not to get drunk. It is best to always have friends nearby and avoid going out with strangers. It is good practice not to accept drinks offered by strangers.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Remember that alcohol, heat and sun increase the loss of water from your body.
  • In the sun, don’t forget to wear a cap or hat, glasses with UV protection and to use sunscreen, which you can reapply if you sweat too much (which you definitely will).
  • If you intend to drink alcohol, do not drive, do not enter the sea or swimming pool, do not carry out activities that require attention and quick reflexes. Remember that lack of sleep also impairs our ability to drive a car.
  • Do not mix alcohol with other drugs or medications with psychoactive action. This can cause increased side effects and increased risks.
  • Try to sleep well and rest between parties to speed up recovery.
  • If you feel unwell, no matter how much you drink or what you use, seek help from a healthcare professional immediately.

After the party

  • If you have not used a condom or are unsure whether you have protected yourself at all times, it is a good idea to see a healthcare provider within 72 hours to discuss the need for the morning-after pill, PEP (HIV post-exposure prophylaxis). ) and any laboratory tests.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol for a few days to give your entire body adequate recovery time, especially your stomach and liver.
  • Follow a light diet so as not to disturb digestion.
  • Elevated feet can help drain blood and fluid from your legs.
  • Try to sleep well to help return to normality.
  • Do not abuse coffee or medicines to treat hangovers and gastritis, as they can worsen stomach irritation, cause a rebound effect and delay recovery.
  • There is no miracle for hangovers: give it time, stay in ventilated, dark and cool environments, hydrate well, drink coffee in moderation, use painkillers only if necessary and, preferably, avoid anti-inflammatories and antacids.
  • If after a few days you have fever, sore throat, malaise, tiredness and ganglia, remember that a series of infections proliferate in clusters: colds, flu, Covid, intestinal viruses, viral conjunctivitis and kissing disease (especially if you have kissed a lot). In these cases always consult a doctor!

Have a good party, lots of fun and no worries. It costs!

*Jairo Bouer is a psychiatrist and writes weekly for Terra Você.

Source: Terra

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