These days, kids
tend to spend a lot less time than their counterparts from a generation ago due
to a variety of factors, mainly change in our lifestyles.
In our overcrowded
cities, concrete, steel, and automobiles rule, while lung spaces are shrinking
and playgrounds are disappearing.
Generally
speaking, the attention has shifted to excelling at academics, with sports and
physical education taking a backseat. It is also true that kids today are
exposed to far more dangers than the children from previous generations, making
the parents weary about encouraging their kids to spend more time outdoors.
However, it is
essential that children are encouraged to lead an active lifestyle and spend a
reasonable amount of time being themselves. The advantages are many:
● Increased interactions with outside
world boost children’s confidence levels.
● Keeps them away from TV and gadgets.
● Improves health and reduces risk of
obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
● Broadens horizons and contributes to
the overall development of the child.
However, summer is
a cruel month, especially in a tropical country like India. Heat strokes and
dehydration are common occurrences. Therefore, before we do anything else, let
us make safety our top priority and learn more about the dangers of
overexposure to the summer sun.
Signs and symptoms of heat
exhaustion
Symptoms and signs
of heatstroke may differ from person to person. It is not uncommon for the
symptoms to manifest themselves suddenly and without warning. That is what
makes the heatstrokes dangerous, especially to the aged and small children.
However, following
are some common symptoms and signs of heat stroke:
● Nausea and vomiting
● Fatigue and weakness
● Headache, muscle cramps and aches
● Dizziness
● High body temperature, the absence
of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin
● Rapid pulse, difficulty breathing
● strange behavior, hallucinations
● Confusion, agitation, disorientation
● Seizure
Treating a heat stroke victim
There is not a
moment to lose and victims must be get immediate medical attention. Any delay
could result in permanent organ damage.
Immediate medical
help may not be readily available in some cases. In in the meantime, you can do
the following until help arrives.
● First up, cool the victim by
shifting him to a shady area.
● Loosen/ remove clothing and fan the
victim to promote sweating and evaporation. This procedure helps cool down the
body naturally.
● If ice packs are available, place
them under the armpits and groin.
● Drinking water, and liquids that do
not contain caffeine is helpful.
Prevention is always better than
cure
● Stay hydrated and encourage children
to drink water frequently.
● Avoid strenuous physical activity
when it is hot and humid.
● Always insist on carrying an
umbrella/hat, and a water bottle, if you must venture out.
● Use a good quality sunscreen to
protect yourself from sunburns.
● In summer, cars can get really hot
and suffocating. Keep them locked so that children and pets are not locked in
accidentally.
● Never leave your kids or pets in a
locked car when you go shopping.
The best of all is
to stay indoors, from around 11 AM to late afternoon when it is hottest, in
well ventilated rooms, It is a good time for indoor games and activities too.
Have fun in summer
holidays, but take a few basic precautions to stay safe.
Happy Holidays!
(Source:
medicinenet.com)