As the annual and board exams come towards its end, summer holidays are almost knocking on our doors and bringing endless relaxation and playtime with it. It is also important to keep in mind that safety is very important as the temperatures rise to such an extent in some parts of India that even stepping out of the house can affect the child’s health adversely. There are some healthy habits to beat the summer blues and enjoy it responsibly.
Staying Hydrated is the key
Make sure to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day and also choose healthy fluids throughout the day like freshly squeezed fruit juices, glucose, etc. Keeping sugary and fizzy drinks away will help a lot to maintain the healthy cycle of the body.
Check-ups and vaccinations
While the schools are closed, schedule the preventative services like check-ups, dental care, eye examinations, etc for the summer holidays. It is important to get them checked at least once in six months even if there are no issues.
Keep the heat at bay
Using sunblock creams with SPF 30 and wearing light coloured, lightweight clothes before stepping out of the house is an essential part. Outdoor activities are something that children look forward to in the holidays but try to schedule them in the early morning hours or later in the afternoon when the sun is down. Exposure to the immense heat between 11 am to 3 pm is very unhealthy as UV rays are strongest in this period.
Prevent insect bites and diseases
Summer, monsoon and periodical showers attract humidity, excessive sweating and various insects like mosquitoes, ticks etc. Dengue, Chikungunya, flea bites, tick infestation are some common problems, especially in the Indian climate. Try to avoid areas that have tall grasses, heavily leafed or densely bushy. Use mosquito repellents, ask the municipality for regular cleaning of areas with water clogging, and keep the surrounding of the house clean.
Monitor and make them active
Monitoring what children are watching on televisions or what they are accessing online is essential. Holidays are perfect for extra-curricular activities, reading storybooks, learning new musical instruments, practising yoga, exercising, swimming and several other activities. Sitting and being lazy around the house will only attract over-snacking and obesity. Take up a new hobby, keep yourself hungry for knowledge and become a life-long learner. Holidays are the best for such activities.
These are some of the top tips that both parents and children can be a part of.
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