Health tips for election observers, media

During the campaign season, it's no surprise that people become a little more stressed and sick.

Different medics are offering health tips for avoiding diseases after the elections. As you are covering elections do not forget to take care of yourself.

Dr Peter Walugembe of Nyango Medical center in Nakawa says that as you are observing elections, you need to pay attention to your own needs and feelings. 

There is nothing more important than what you eat. Eat healthy food in the morning and do not just eat food from anywhere because some restaurants are not hygienic.

Have a proper breakfast of a cup of milk, glass of juice, bananas and an egg. If you have a small flask, carry your milk.

Walugembe adds that since you are likely to spend the entire day running up and down, you need to get plenty of rest today so that you do your work without dozing and feeling tired before 4:00pm when voting stops.

Charles Kasozi, a general doctor at Mulago Hospital says that if you are going to spend time at a polling station, instead of spending money buying water which you are not sure whether it is registered with UNBS, carry a bottle of water because it is a hot season avoid dehydration and also do not forget an umbrella.

"Some polling stations are in filthy places, carry a bottle of water and on top of that have a first aid kit just in case you are injured a bandage, cotton or plaster will help," he said.

Most experts advise that if you are to cover elections, stay away from alcohol especially one which is locally brewed you might end up arrested for causing chaos under the influence of alcohol.

"Don't over load your tummy, some of the places have no public toilets and if there are available, they are filthy you don't want to leave the polling station before they announce results for stomach upset," says Gustan Byamugisha, a counsellor at Kyambogo University.

Byamugisha says that if you are going to spend a night in a lodge, you need to carry a mosquito net, beddings and Dettol because you might react to water as it might be different from what you are used too.

Avoid open shoes they will attract a lot of dusty. Wear shoes that are comfortable like sneakers that will help you run up and down.