Rainy day must-haves

MANILA, Philippines -  To help you and your family stay dry and prevent rainy day illnesses during the rainy days ahead, make sure you have these rainy season must-haves to wear or to store inside your bag:

• Durable umbrella. Whether in summer or the rainy season, an umbrella should always be in your bag to shield you from unpredictable weather changes. Go for black or dark-colored umbrellas to give you enough coverage against sunlight.

• Thick jacket. Protect yourself from cold temperature and rains by donning a thick, insulated jacket. Children and teens can wear thicker jackets enough to protect them from sudden rain and cold weather inside and outside school.

• Stylish hat or cap. Caps are great not only for keeping one’s head from getting wet but also for hiding frizzy, unruly hair. When selecting rainy season headgear, choose one that matches the clothes you’re wearing. For casual wear, there are trucker and baseball hats. For stylish fashionistas, beanies, berets, or fedoras are top choices. 

• Proper rainy season footwear. Be it a pair of boots or your favourite water-resistant plastic shoes, wearing the right pair can save you from the hassle of walking with wet feet in a pair of leather shoes. For most, who are not used to wearing boots in the rain, fashionable yet comfortable jelly shoes are great alternatives.

• Hygienic facial tissue with the right strength. Keeping a handy pack of dry facial tissues will help you dry wet feet or shoes during rainy days. Facial tissues are also great for dabbing sweat on the face or neck area when the hot weather unexpectedly arrives. For facial tissues, use two-ply tissue products that are soft, hygienic, and long-lasting. Facial tissue brands like Tisyu and Sanicare offer just the right facial tissue for the whole family.

• Alcohol or hand sanitizer for a quick disinfectant. For fast hand cleaning after touching wet surfaces or when in contact with disease, rub your palms with alcohol or hand sanitizer to keep infectious bacteria from contaminating you with various rainy day infections. Choose disinfectants with 60 or 70-percent ethanol for maximum protection.

 • Lip balm and lotion for moisturizing. Cold weather dries skin fast, so carry some lip balm and lotion for dry lips and skin. For lip balm, pick one that does not contain the lip-drying ingredient phenol. For lotion, buy one that comes in handy bottles so you can keep it in your bag and bring it anywhere you go.