Monsoon has arrived in the full swing and while it has given the much-needed respite from the scorching heat, this weather also brings with it seasonal health issues. Here is your handy guide to keep your children healthy and protected in the rainy season.
- Keep Them Warm and Dry
Your children might get wet while on their way home from school or after a sudden downpour of rain while playing outdoors. They can catch infections quickly if they remain wet. Make sure they change into dry and clean clothes. Also ensure that their uniforms, raincoats, shoes and umbrellas are always dry.
- Give Them Healthy Meals
Monsoon season brings the temptation of eating pakoras, pizzas, Maggi, street foods and other junk or processed foods. While once in a while treat is fine to relish children’s taste buds, such unhealthy moods can compromise their immunity.
Make sure your children eat nutritious foods, vitamin C-rich fruits, nuts, etc. They should also drink an adequate quantity of water and healthy fluids to stay hydrated throughout the day. It is advisable to give them boiled water as far as possible.
Avoid them giving raw, cold, uncooked and leftover food.
- Maintain Hygiene
Children love to play in the rainwater but muddy pools and stagnant water on the ground are breeding grounds for infections. Hence, tell your children to wash their hands and feet with mild soap thoroughly every time they enter the home after coming from outside.
- Flu Vaccination
You must take your children to paediatricians for regular flu shots and keep their vaccination schedule up to date. This will safeguard your children significantly against any possible illnesses or diseases in the monsoon season.
- Keep Them Active
Monsoon season prevents your children from pursuing outdoor play and activities. However, some amount of physical exercise is necessary to boost immunity and keep their lethargy at bay. Hence, encourage your children to do yoga, zumba, dance or some other indoor exercise.
- Protect Against Mosquitoes
Due to flooding and stagnant water everywhere, mosquitoes tend to breed in large numbers. The risk of diseases like malaria and dengue is quite high in this season. Keep your door and windows closed. Use herbal mosquito repellents and spray in the home. Remove any stagnant water from the buckets or floor in the home. Let your children wear full-sleeved clothes to be safe from mosquito bites.
Your paediatrician is the right person to advise you on monsoon health for your kids. You can reach out to paediatricians in Pune here.
