Effective Strategies to Keep Children Healthy During Monsoon Season

The monsoon season and rainfall have a mesmerizing effect on everyone, captivating their attention. As a result, children eagerly immerse themselves in the refreshing breeze that accompanies the end of summer. Playing in the rain brings them immense joy and satisfaction. However, despite the enchanting nature of this season, it is crucial to prioritize health, especially for children, as the risk of infections and illnesses significantly rises during this time.

Given the heightened vulnerability of children to illness during the monsoon, it is essential to follow proper dietary practices to ensure their well-being. By doing so, they can avoid issues such as colds, coughs, flu, diarrhea, and stomach ailments.

Dr. Kailash Soni, a pediatrician at the Government Medical College in Kannauj, provides valuable guidance on the ideal diet for children during the rainy season and the necessary precautions to take. Let’s explore his advice to gain insights into recommended dietary practices and safety measures:

Prevent Children from Eating Street Food

It is advisable to discourage children from consuming junk food or street food during the rainy season, as these items can lead to illness. Street foods like chaat, samosas, and barf gola, which are popular among both adults and children, should be avoided.

Such street and junk food can be detrimental to children’s health. These foods are generally low in nutrients and high in oil and spices, posing significant health risks. Therefore, it is recommended to protect children from consuming these items and opt for healthier alternatives.

Discourage Eating Stale Food

Consuming leftover food in the morning, especially for children, can cause illness. Therefore, it is important to ensure that children do not eat leftovers. Pre-cooked food has the potential for bacterial growth, which can lead to illness if consumed.

It is advisable to always provide hot meals to children to minimize the risk. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid purchasing excessive quantities of vegetables or fruits that may be stored for prolonged periods. Furthermore, it is crucial to thoroughly wash fruits before offering them to children. These practices will help maintain the child’s well-being and overall health.

Ensure Children Have Clean Drinking Water

During the rainy season, various illnesses emerge, highlighting the need for increased health awareness. In such circumstances, the risk of water contamination and the transmission of diseases significantly rises. Hence, it is advisable to prioritize the consumption of clean and safe water to maintain the health of both yourself and your children.

In the monsoon season, experts recommend boiling water before drinking it to ensure its safety. Similarly, providing children with 8-10 glasses of water a day helps prevent dehydration.

Include Foods Rich in Vitamin C in Children’s Diet

In the rainy season, children should consume foods that are rich in vitamin C to enhance their immunity. By incorporating these foods into their diet, they gain the ability to combat diseases. It is important to note that vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that offers various benefits to children’s brains, eyes, teeth, and bones, while also strengthening their immune system. Along with citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, green vegetables like apples, guava, amla, and kale can also be included in children’s meals to achieve this goal.