Staying indoors on sunny days might be a preferable option. But, when that is not possible and when children want to enjoy their summer holidays by going outdoors and playing with their friends, precautions need to be taken.
Joint Director of Medical Services Dr. M. Tamilmani suggested drinking more water and consuming natural coolants like ice apple, cucumber, guava and watermelon. He said tender coconut water and lime juice with salt are the best to make up for loss of sodium and potassium due to excessive sweating. Those with diabetes should avoid watermelon. “Elders should stay indoors as they are more vulnerable to sun stroke,” he added. Those going out should use hat or cap, helmet while driving, sunglasses, and wear long clothes to avoid direct exposure to the sun.
Primary health centres across the district have been stocked with oral rehydration salts.
Paediatrician K. Neminathan said that children should increase their water intake by at least 50 per cent. They should take boiled and cooled water from home. Bacteria thrive in summer and chances are high for persons to be affected by waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, jaundice and dysentery and amoebiasis.
He also urged parents to avoid getting cut fruits from roadside shops for their children. At home, parents should avoid spicy and fried items and instead encourage children to have more fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh juices, soups and food rich in fibre.
Joint Director of Medical Services Dr. M. Tamilmani suggested drinking more water and consuming natural coolants like ice apple, cucumber, guava and watermelon. He said tender coconut water and lime juice with salt are the best to make up for loss of sodium and potassium due to excessive sweating. Those with diabetes should avoid watermelon. “Elders should stay indoors as they are more vulnerable to sun stroke,” he added. Those going out should use hat or cap, helmet while driving, sunglasses, and wear long clothes to avoid direct exposure to the sun.
Primary health centres across the district have been stocked with oral rehydration salts.
Paediatrician K. Neminathan said that children should increase their water intake by at least 50 per cent. They should take boiled and cooled water from home. Bacteria thrive in summer and chances are high for persons to be affected by waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, jaundice and dysentery and amoebiasis.
He also urged parents to avoid getting cut fruits from roadside shops for their children. At home, parents should avoid spicy and fried items and instead encourage children to have more fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh juices, soups and food rich in fibre.