Image by One Red Robin
Among the most inconvenient of seasons are the rainy months. In a monsoon country like ours, the rains pose not only physical inconveniences; they also pose health and career hazards.
Another weather-related setback that goes along with the rains are the flash floods that plague the various cities around the country. The flood problem has reached chronic levels in several cities, most especially in the National Capital Region. In tonight's TV Patrol report of ABS-CBN, it was noted that compacted garbage in sewers is the root of the problem. Worse, some unscrupulous residents even pack garbage into the waterways in order to profit from "businesses" and price jacking that can only be operated and executed when there are floods.
Since this is a systemic issue that can be addressed more effectively only by an initiative of the government, the Average Juan (or Juanita) can only deal with these inconveniences on a personal level.
There are two main areas you should seek to have a contingency plan for:
Your career.
Let's face it. If you live in certain flooded areas, when it rains and it floods, it's your problem how to get to work. You can't very well call in sick every single time it floods; and if you live in the worst in terms of flooded areas in Manila, expect to get flooded-in on a constant basis.
You could either move to drier ground or you could create an arrangement with your office to work remotely every time it floods. It depends on your company if you have corporate provisions for that, but since telecommuting is getting more common nowadays, that could be a solution when floods lock you in.
If you're just renting, it would be a good idea to start considering a move.
Your health.
Floods bring with it a host of dangerous ailments. From gastric disorders like Hepatitis A to Amoebiasis, and to life-threatening diseases like Leptospirosis, you can't take any chances with your health.
We do understand that it's an imperative to get to work and to make a living, but if the cost is triple your salary in terms of hospitalization, rethink if saving your career by braving the floods would be worth the price you'll pay in risking your health.
Thus, we go back to the previous point about negotiating an arrangement with telecommuting, or moving.
Now as regards your health, work on taking daily supplements, having regular medical checkups, then if you notice a fever or feeling ill that lasts more than 48 hours, don't delay going to the doctor. Filipinos tend to delay going to the doctor because they don't want to spend for the checkups and medicines. In the long run, it'll be more costly if you delay, as if your health problem gets worse, you'd get to the point where the course of treatment will be more drastic, and the costs will be higher. The earlier an ailment is diagnosed, the faster it will be treated, the more affordable the treatment will be.
Also invest in weather-protecting clothing and accessories like boots, a raincoat and an umbrella. These will at least let you brave manageable weather conditions and protect you from the elements.
Being vigilant with your health will help you maintain your career; making arrangements with your career will help you maintain great health. It's a symbiotic, correlated relationship. Work on both areas, and you'll be able to stay on top of the monsoon season's inconveniences and hazards.
Stay safe and dry!
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