Monsoon soon will be knocking at our doors! Dark clouds, strong winds and heavy rains, change into lovely climate and naturally, everyone longs for a plate of crisp bhajia and a hot cuppa tea! But soon this romantic venture turns into daily nightmare especially for parents of infants and school going children. Incessant rains, flooding and putrid garbage bring in a host of health epidemics like jaundice, typhoid, malaria, dengue, and other foodborne illness. With little support/help from the family health of children can be managed well during this period.
Try these few health friendly tips to keep your children away from monsoon ailments:
- Drink clean and boiled water. Increase consumption of hot fluids like vegetable soup, chicken soup, hot chocolate, clear soups, green tea etc.
- Completely avoid eating unhygienic, uncovered roadside food, even if it looked tempting and hot, as it is often either reheated or refried.
- Have nutritious/ light/ hot home cooked food like Dalia, mung khichadi, sautéed veggies, paratha, muthia, dosa, idli with sambar, pancakes etc.
- Avoid raw/uncooked salads, chutneys, sandwiches, sandwich spreads, cold cuts, sushi etc. Wash fruits thoroughly before eating.
- Try to increase immunity by including foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, groundnuts, curds, soybean, tofu, almonds, sprouts, and whole grains like ragi, jowar, bajra etc.
- Clean and wash thoroughly all leafy vegetables before cooking. One can immerse veggies in mild lactic acid solutions or salt water, in order to remove dirt and kill germs.
- Do not eat left-over food. Humid and high temperature can increase the bacterial growth in leftover foods. Discard them.
- Keep children well covered during day/night to keep them safe from mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellants and gels which are safe for children
- Do not ignore any sniffles/ fever. Keep children well hydrated and contact doctor immediately.
Let this rainy season be a season of joy for your little ones rather than illness!