After a long wait, the monsoons are here in full swing. They do bring relif to parched land and its inhabitants but also hides in its wake a terrible onset of viral infections. The high moisture in air everywhere is the harbinger of harmful viral spread outs. More so for the kids as they spend comparatively more time frolicking in the rain.
I’m sure all care givers must have had tips to care better in the monsoon for their kids. Through today’s article I only present a helpful reminder of all the little things you can do to keep the monsoon bugs at bay.
1. Habits to boost immunity
Kids have a weaker immune than adults. Seasonal fruits boost immunity effectively. Do include portions of vitamin C rich foods in your kid’s daily diet. Carrots, papaya, ginger, garlic, berries, pineapple and turmeric go a long way in increasing immunity to harmful virus. Remember to use only fresh and thoroughly cleaned fruits and vegetable as they pass through countless hands before they reach your table. If your kid has selective eating habits use supplements after consulting a doctor. These supplements are now a days easily available online too.
2. Monitor drinking water quality
Almost every household has a water purifier these days. Get it serviced and the filters changed just to make sure the purification of the water you and your child consumes is absolute. In case purified water is not handy boil all the water meant for drinking. Never use tap water directly for consumption or cooking.
3. Fresh and hot food is the best
No, I’m not saying that you should be deep frying pakoras all the time but in order to maintain a healthy body heat when there is a nip in the air, you may try offering your kids hot delights such as soups, milk, chocolate milk and healthy noodles. Liquid intake also aids digestion and helps in keeping the kids warm.
4. Dancing in the rain should be timed
There is no avoiding the playing in the pouring rain when your youngsters are in a joyful mood. Whenever possible, limit these sessions. Drenching when it is raining cats and dogs should be a once in a while activity. If it seems almost impossible to stop your kid from playing outside in the rain you must ask them to wear overall rain suits.
5. Wash away the dirt and germs
No matter how hard they try to avoid it, but a nice bath after a rain shower is a must for anyone in the family. Bathing with an anti-bacterial soap or with water to which an anti-bacterial solution has been added will help wash away any residual bacterial infections. A warm bath will also help soothe muscles and relax their body.
6. Don’t avoid a change of clothes
I agree that wash loads increase in the monsoons as a result of frequent changing. This is the time when you should proactively stock fresh and dry clothes for the little ones so that they change into a fresh set soon after a bath. Moist clothes attract bacterial growth and also make it difficult for the child to maintain body heat.
7. Check for personal Hygiene
Playing in the mud can result in dirt deposits in the nails. Ask your kids to keep nails trimmed at all times. Frequent showers may result in wet hair for long durations. Give them a thorough rub out to dry off ASAP. These little habits will help avoid runny noses, upset stomachs and the flu.
8. Being too cool can be harmful
A rain shower every now and then will bring down the temperature naturally. If your child stays in the ac for too long make sure that there is balance in the temperature within and outside of your home. The cold air will adversely the child. Bring out the cosy softies for a good night’s sleep for your baby.
9. Standing water is a strict NO
Clean out your yard and terrace of any clutter which may harvest rain water. Stagnant water collected in discarded pots or utensils is a favourable breeding ground for mosquitoes. This in turn may lead to flu, viral fevers, dengue fever and malaria fever. Ensure for proper drainage in and around your house.
It is the responsibility of the adults in a family to care for the young one who may not be very able to take care of their own selves. Keep yourself up to date with symptoms of common seasonal diseases so that you may take action before a situation goes out of hand. There are some times precautionary antidotes available for viral diseases. Ask your doctor and stay in charge of your child’s health.
Keep calm and enjoy the rains!
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14 July 2016
Team Rapid