Summer safety tips

As children make the most of the final days of their summer vacation, parents face the perennial dilemma: screen time or outdoor play?

According to Unicef Oman, outdoor activities offer significant benefits, contributing to children's overall health and happiness.

They note, “Children who play outside are often healthier than those who don't. The differences in happiness between children who rarely play outside and those who do so daily are large. Spread the word!”

Fresh air and sunlight provided unlimited health benefits ranging from vitamin D, motor skills, creativity, and social relations as well as connection with nature.

However, the summer temperatures can have an impact on children who are more vulnerable to the summer heat than adults.

Summer also means afternoon rains in and around the areas of Al Hajr Mountains of Oman.

Rainwater has always been an attraction for children and it is crucial to have adult supervision during this time water puddles and flash floods are a norm.

Summer safety in arid areas is crucial due to the high temperatures, low humidity, and potential for dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

Some of the key tips and guidelines for staying safe during hot summer months is to stay hydrated.

“Drink plenty of water,” say the experts pointing out that it is important to consume water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses per day.

“Water is essential among children just like food. Drinking water keeps them hydrated, by maintaining electrolyte balance, prevents and improves constipation, maintains urine output, and prevents urinary tract infections,” explains Sumaira Fathima, Clinical Dietitian, Apollo Hospitals Muscat.

She added that young children are active and tend to play irrespective of the season and lose water through sweat. Hence water intake should be encouraged and given priority.

Avoiding caffeine is another point that is stressed and this is because products with caffeine can lead to dehydration. The best option is electrolyte-replenishing drinks especially if engaging in strenuous activities.

“Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and causes insomnia, and increased heart rate are among its most common effects. It interferes with a child's development, especially emotional and social health. It has zero nutritional value but many adverse health issues. Caffeine should be strictly avoided among younger children. Water is essential for growing children and we must discourage them from drinking caffeine-related drinks,” she points out.

Dressing appropriately is also a significant part of being in summer.

Wearing lightweight clothing using light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can make a tremendous difference to children.

Activities can be planned wisely by avoiding peak sun hours by limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours usually between 11 am and 4 pm.

And when outdoors let them seek shade by utilising trees or other forms of shade.

According to health experts, it is important to recognise heat-related Illnesses and know the signs. Some of the symptoms such as dizziness, headache, excessive sweating, weakness, or confusion may indicate heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

In such situations where someone is experiencing heat-related symptoms, it is important to move them to a cooler place, provide water, and seek medical attention if necessary. This is one of the reasons why they say it is important to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day as well as utilise fans or cool showers to help regulate body temperature.

Laila al Harthy pointed out that sometimes children play near the streets and some children ride electric bikes and were so little that someone in a wheel would have missed them.

Experts also advise keeping an eye on children, the elderly, and those with health conditions who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses while traveling by road.

Understanding the landscape is essential to knowing potential hazards such as steep terrain or plants, especially when one is exploring new places.

But with all safety measures in place, outdoors is indeed the ideal playground for children as outdoor play connects them with nature and has been proven to benefit their mental health.

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