Children have started going to school after two years of attending online classes in the country owing to the Corona pandemic. Returning to school and reuniting with friends is a positive experience for children, but record-breaking heat brings a new concern. With each passing day, it is becoming increasingly difficult to simply venture outside for a few minutes.
The situation is expected to deteriorate between mid-April and mid-June, when temperatures in the plains of North West, Central, and North East India are at their highest. Children are more susceptible to heatstroke during this time.
Ways to protect kids from heat wave in the sweltering summer:
1. Dehydration- Due to the rise in temperature, your child can suffer from dehydration. They may become dizzy as a result of this. In the summer, encourage the kids to drink more and more water so they can stay active throughout the day. Heat stroke can also lessened by drinking more water. If the youngster does not drink a lot of water, make sure he gets 2 to 3 litres of water per day. You can also give them coconut water, lemonade, bael or khus syrup drinks in addition to this.
2. Limit outdoor activities – Your children may be adamant about playing or loitering outside. As a result, one should strive to keep outside activities to a minimum in the afternoon. Request that they play at home or wait until it gets cold outside. Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the summer, the sun is at its strongest. After 5 p.m., the weather improves slightly, and the risk of heat stroke decreases. Allow your children to go out in the evening if they insist on doing so.
3. Apply sunscreen—Sunscreen is essential not just for adults, but also for youngsters. The skin of children is more sensitive than that of adults. Sunburns and acne are also possible side effects of being exposed to the heat. As a result, apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed regions of your child’s body anytime he leaves the house in the afternoon. You can also provide them with sun protection such as caps and umbrellas.
4. Make your children light and thin clothes- Cotton absorbs perspiration more effectively than other materials. Light-colored cotton clothing helps the body stay cool by absorbing heat. Cotton clothing also helps to avoid skin rashes and irritation.
5. Healthy eating habits: Feed your child fresh, light foods on a daily basis, taking into account the season. Food that is fatty, rancid, or fried might cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Seasonal, fresh fruits and green vegetables should be included in children’s meals. Seasonal items can help kids stay hydrated while also boosting their immune system.
