ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION! RAINY SEASON...

The rains are here and this is a season children need to be properly cared for to keep them healthy and protected from the cold weather. 

Temperature fluctuation, chilly weather and rain falls brings with it humidity, flooded roads, mosquitoes, diseases, dirty and unhygienic environments. The chances for airborne and water borne disease becomes max. Health care for children becomes a vital part during period because Kids, particularly love the rainy season. They jump in water, making splashes and giggling, paper boat races, running on wet muddy grounds, getting messy and dirty. These are the simple pleasure and blessing of childhood. However, it is of utmost importance that they are protected from infections and water borne diseases. It is paramount for parents to keep their wards safe and houses clean and free of breeding mosquitoes.

To keep children healthy and happy during the rainy season,  here are few simple and easy tips:

• Ensure children eat the right food: Children should be given balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits to boost their immunity. Make sure the fruits and vegetables are well washed before use. Drinking milk at this time would also build their body  defenses and fight against illnesses.

• Parents should avoid buying food from food vendors as this could predispose children to diarrhoea, when exposed to food contaminated by dirty and unhealthy water.

• Keep your child hydrated always by giving him/her boiled and cooled water because tap water may get contaminated.

A number of diseases such as amoebiasis, cholera, diarrhea and more are caused by drinking contaminated water. Make sure that your kids drink clean water.

•Keep your house clean: Rainy season is also the time when there is water accumulated at places which become breeding ground for mosquitoes and germs causing malaria, and other diseases.

Eliminate their breeding places by keeping the ground clean and dry. It prevents mosquitoes, flies, and other disease-carrying insects from swarming all over your place.

Make your house insect proof. To keep kids safe from mosquitoes, use insect repellants, lotion and mosquito nets.

• Keep the doors and windows closed in the evenings.

 

• Use antiseptic liquids while washing your kids clothes & while cleaning the house.

•  Dress them appropriately:  well covered and layered clothing is a must. Buy jackets and all essentials (rain coat, umbrella, jackets etc.,) and dress your children warm.

Pack a raincoat & water proof shoes in his school bag. This can ensure that they do not get exposed to rain water flowing in the streets which can be full of contaminants.

Umbrellas, raincoats and rain boots are total must-haves for your kids during this season. Whenever you are taking your little one outside in the rainy season, carry an umbrella & a rain coat.

• Orient the kids on what they should do:
Tell yourchildren about the risks of getting wet in rain and teach them to observe healthy habits. Teach them need for hand wash. Proper hand washing is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of infection.

• Hot bath: if they gets drenched in the rain, give them a hot bath with a good antiseptic solution to minimize the chances of getting affected with germs.

•Keep their feet dry at all times: Get them used to wearing slippers or socks inside the house.

•Keep their nails trimmed. Nail biting habit in children is very dangerous during the rainy season as dirt deposited inside the nails enters the children's stomach along with food causing stomach infections.

• Keep your children's vaccinations up-to-date. Seek doctor's advice on getting the right vaccinations to boost their immune system against common childhood illnesses.

Even after taking all the precautions, there are chances your kid might catch a cold or flu please take them to the hospital when necessary.

Yours truly, Omodamwen Ehizogie.