Monsoon is the season when water and air borne diseases take peak and kids fall sick more often than the rest of the year. Here are our simple but effective health care tips for kids to have a have a sick leave free monsoon.
1. Hygiene: Hand hygiene is one of the simplest healthy habits for kids that works wonders at preventing them from falling sick during the monsoon season. Make sure the kids wash their hands with soap and warm water and then pat them dry with their own clean towels. Kids should be bathed in hot water with antiseptic liquid during the monsoons season at least twice a day to keep the germs at bay. Keep your home and its vicinity clean of any stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed to spread diseases like malaria, dengue and chikungunya etc.
2. Stay Dry: Ensure that the kids wear dry clothes at all times. Even if the clothes are mildly wet they promote bacteria and fungal growth especially during the monsoon. So make it a point that the kids have enough clothes to change into. Always use talcum powder on their feet, in between the toes, neck, behind the knees to keep the skin dry. Children's feet should be kept completely dry and clean since wet socks and or shoes encourage fungal infections on the feet. Loose cotton clothes are best since they dry fast and are comfortable to wear.
3. Eat Right: Kid's metabolism slows down in the monsoon season so make it a point to add foods like ginger, turmeric and other herbs that are heavy on anti-oxidants. Kids should not be given raw food, salads and eggs. All fruits should be properly washed and cleaned properly before eating. Kids should be given only freshly made home cooked meals since outside food can cause food poisoning and gastro intestinal problems. Eating right food is amongst the best of healthy habits for kids that should be followed all year long irrespective of the season.
4. Water up: Kids tend to get dehydrated during the monsoon and should be drinking enough water. Make it a point that kids drink boiled filtered water only since monsoon season means higher air and water borne diseases spreading. When outside make sure the kids drink only bottled water to prevent water borne diseases.
5. Gear up: Use appropriate monsoon protection wear. Gum boots and open sandals are ideal for kids. Get a good rain coat and umbrella and make sure the kids use it. Make sure the raincoat is dry on the inside before your child wears it. Additionally, having adequate mosquito protection is a must. Take your pick from mosquito repellent creams, lotions, nets, vaporizers, mats, coils, bands, patches etc. Fast drying clothes are a must for the monsoon too.
These simple preventive measures will help ensure that your child stays healthy through the monsoon along with everyone else in the house. The best way to ensure that your child follows these healthy habits is that you practice them.
