A healthy summer guide for kids
MANILA, Philippines - For most kids, summer means fun under the sun and more outdoor activities —from swimming, camping, to bike riding. For parents, the season requires extra vigilance in keeping the young safe and healthy. World-class health facility Makati Medical Center offers some practical and informative guidelines to help you keep your child healthy, safe, and happy this summer.
Just Beat It
The most obvious hidden danger during the summer months simply has to do with the heat. Get youngsters slowly acclimated to the summer heat and humidity to protect them against dehydration. Spending time outdoors will build up their bodies to handle the heat. Dehydration, together with heat stress and heat stroke, is easy enough to prevent. Make sure kids avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and stay in the shade whenever possible. Allow for regular breaks and encourage them to drink plenty of water. “Kids should always stay hydrated. It allows them to stay cooler during outdoor activities,” advises Dr. Ludivina Garces-Holst, head of MakatiMed’s pediatrics group. Staying hydrated is crucial, as the body loses electrolytes from sweating. Experts advise that mineral water is best, as it helps in replacing electrolytes.
Carefully apply sunscreen or sun block on exposed body parts to avoid getting sunburn. Keep a close watch for symptoms such as thirst, cramps, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fever. And take care that your children don’t get burned on metal slides or other hot playground equipment.
Grilled Thrills
Don’t make summer an excuse to fall completely off the healthy wagon. With temperatures heating up, kids are mostly likely to prefer light meals that are easy to consume and, of course, yummy frozen treats. Grilling is a fantastic way to cook healthful, kid-approved dishes. Lightly oiled and herbed veggies (bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, squash, and zucchini) and seafood kebabs are perfect for children to build their own skewer masterpieces.
With kids in and out doing summer activities, have plenty of healthful on-the-go snacks on hand. Stock up on string cheese, low-fat yogurt, nuts, cereal, whole- grain granola bars, fat-free microwave popcorn, and sliced veggies. As for those cool treats, choose ones that are trans fat-free, and look at the nutrition facts panel for calories, saturated fats, and sugar content. Offer a better choice by freezing 100-percent fruit juices, whole fruit, and mini containers of yogurt or make fabulous smoothies using bananas, milk or soy beverages.
Itch About Time
Mosquitoes are a usual nuisance during the summer months, as bites can cause itchy bumps, West Nile virus, malaria, and even transmit heartworms to kids. Combat mosquito bites and itches by applying child-friendly insect repellent on kids, and avoid going out at dusk or dawn as well as playing near stagnant water that serves as a breeding ground for these pests.
In The Swim Of Things
Not to put a damper on this well-loved activity but kids can in fact get sick from germs in the water of pools, lakes, and water parks. Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) include diarrhea, which can be caused by swallowing water contaminated with parasites, bacteria, and viruses; pink eye and other infections (gastroenteritis, croup, sore throat, or a cold) that can be caused by adenovirus; or molluscum contagiosum, a rash similar to a wart that’s caused by a poxvirus.
The answer is not to prevent kids from swimming but to take precautionary measures when they do. Instruct your children to avoid swallowing or getting pool water in their mouths. Make sure that they practice good hygiene by taking a shower before swimming and washing their hands after using the toilet. Parents also need to be aware of the conditions of the pool or water park they visit. Talk to the staff to get an idea of their hygienic practices, and whether they have a history of outbreaks.
For more information, call MakatiMed’s 24/7 on-call hotline at 8888-999 or visit the website at www.makatimed.net.ph.
