Summer's Here! Dehydration & Sunstroke Prevention

Ask The Doctor

- Dr.(Major) Gopinath

My children love playing outdoor games but I'm worried about them playing in the hot summer sun. How great is the danger of dehydration and sunstroke?

Priyanshi Dutta, Mumbai

Prolonged exposure to sun/heat can strike children down with dehydration and sunstroke. The best ways to prevent them are to encourage children to wear light coloured clothing, use sunscreen lotion, and drink plenty of fluids such as coconut water, buttermilk, and fresh fruit juices. Also during the afternoon when the sun is glaring encourage children to play indoor games such as chess or carom.

My ten-year-old loves swimming. But she is very susceptible to cold infections. What precautions should I take?