VIJAYAWADA: The scorching summer is here, there’s no doubt that we are hurtling towards the hottest months of the year. It’s also a crucial time to pay special attention to your health. But for kids, it’s time for holidays, which means that they will get a well-deserved break from the strenuous monotony of classroom activities.
According to health experts, people may suffer from severe heat-related problems like heat strokes, dehydration etc. People who are exposed to the sun are at higher risk. It is necessary to take precautionary measures at the onset of summer and protect yourself from heat. Scorching sun can be really harsh, parents should follow proper care, particularly for children, during summer.
The common diseases that occur during summer are chickenpox typhoid, hepatitis A and chickenpox. Throat infection and prickly heat can also cause trouble.
‘’Drinking contaminated water can cause typhoid and hepatitis A. It is important to avoid drinking water outside. Give purified water to children. Dehydration is a problem during summer. Children should take plenty of fluids, like buttermilk or fruit juice as refreshments as they replenish the fluids that are lost in our body due to sweat,’’ said MD Usman, consultant physician at a private hospital.
He also advised people to reduce intake of carbohydrates and oily food during summer, and increase vegetables and greens in one’s diet. “Diabetics should avoid tender coconut, soft drinks and fruit juices. They should drink plenty of water,” he added.
Children love to spend a lot of time outdoors especially during summer. By being familiar with precautionary measures while under the sun, it can help prevent children from getting sunburn. Remember that taking into consideration healthy sun habits early will prevent one from developing skin cancer.
‘’It is important to dress the children in protective clothing made from materials that allows the skin to breathe. If possible, long sleeves and pants are recommended. UV-protected sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat are also essentials during summer,’’ said K Parthasarathy, child specialist at Balya Hospital.
‘’Dehydration is one of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion. Dehydration may be caused by depletion of water or salts from the body. This is one of the dangerous conditions that arises due to the complete loss of fluids and water content from the body and at times it becomes too serious,” says M Lalitha, a senior physician.