My children love playing outdoor games but I’m worried about them playing in the hot summer sun. How great is the danger of dehydration and sunstroke?
— Priyanshi Dutta, Mumbai
Prolonged exposure to sun/heat can strike children down with dehydration and sunstroke. The best ways to prevent them are to encourage children to wear light coloured clothing, use sunscreen lotion, and drink plenty of fluids such as coconut water, buttermilk, and fresh fruit juices. Also during the afternoon when the sun is glaring encourage children to play indoor games such as chess or carom.
My ten-year-old loves swimming. But she is very susceptible to cold infections. What precautions should I take?
— Rianna Sumi, Bengaluru
Here are some tips to prevent coughs and cold infection:
Choose a swimming pool which is uncrowded, where the water is cleaned regularly
Ensure she wears proper swim gear (earplugs and goggles)
Ensure she takes a shower before/after a swim. Apply a layer of moisturiser before a swim to prevent chlorine (used in most pools) from causing skin irritation
Keep her well hydrated
Apply sunscreen lotion when swimming during the day to prevent swimmers tan
Counsel her about dangers of swallowing pool water
My seven-year old contracts red eye infection, aka conjunctivitis every summer. What’s the explanation?
— Minal Roy, Hyderabad
Red eye or conjunctivitis is a contagious viral infection common in summer season. Symptoms include itching, redness and burning sensation in the eyes. Secondary bacterial infection may also cause purulent discharge from eyes. High summer temperatures are favourable for viral and bacterial replication. To prevent infection, encourage your child to wear sunglasses with UV protection, avoid touching or rubbing eyes, wash them often with cold water and to maintain distance from people suffering conjunctivitis.
My 12-year-old son loves drinking juices and ice-creams in summer. What is the healthy alternative of these summer cravings?
— Hitika Shah, Delhi
Summer is the season to enjoy fruit juices and ice creams. Fresh home-made fruit juices, in particular, are good for children. But counsel them against packaged juices in tetra packs or juices sold by roadside vendors. Ice creams of reputed brands are safe in moderation. Healthy alternatives include coconut water, lassi, and fruit salads.
(Dr. (Major) K. Gopinath is consultant paediatrician at Aarush Children’s Clinic, Hyderabad)
