Children’s health during monsoon: Experts share ways to ensure wellness

Floating paper boats jumping in puddles getting soaked in the rain ndash these are some outdoor memories that shape the monsoon season for many children However the romanticisation of these experiences often leads to overlooking the health risks they poseAs the monsoon season takes over different parts of the country monsoon illnesses and lifestyle changes come as part of the package The seasonal change can affect childrenrsquos physical and mental health necessitating a holistic approach towards their wellness that includes preventative measures as well as alternative routines and activities to navigate monsoonspecific challengesMiddaycom speaks to health experts who provide a holistic guide to childrenrsquos wellbeing during monsoonCommon diseases to look out forChildren are more susceptible to respiratory food and vectorborne infections during monsoonldquoThere could be various factors hampering childrenrsquos overall wellbeing such as increased humidity and contamination of water The risk of water and food contamination significantly rises during monsoon due to pathogens like germs viruses bacteria pollutants dust particles and pollensrdquo explains Dr Amit P Ghawade Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist Motherhood Hospitals Kharghar MumbaildquoIncreased humidity and dampness in the weather is an ideal ground for pathogens and mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti and female Anopheles mosquito which are known to cause dengue and malariardquo he addsHe further informs that constant changes in weather and atmospheric pressure increase the chances of respiratory infections like cold flu acute bronchitis pharyngitis tonsillitis etcOther diseases that children may be susceptible to includebull Chikungunyabull Viral feverbull Diarrheabull Cholerabull Typhoidbull Gastroenteritisbull InfluenzaActivities to avoidWhile monsoon may incite excitement in children to try different things doctors recommend certain activities should be completely avoidedldquoOne of the most overlooked activities during monsoon that can harm childrenrsquos health is playing in stagnant waterrdquo says Dr Ghawade adding ldquoWhile it may seem fun and joyful to kids it causes more harm to their overall wellbeingrdquoHerersquos howDuring monsoon polluted water tends to accumulate around areas like puddles slides gardens schoolyards streets swimming pools and parking lots This can lead to skin infections and problems like inflammation redness itching and increased sensitivityFurthermore if this contaminated water is mistakenly ingested it can result in health issues like episodes of vomiting upset stomach stomach pain fever cold bloating gas constipation and nasal congestionMonsoon health tips for childrenDr Ghawade shares essential tips that can help keep children safe from healthrelated issues in monsoonbull Boiling water can be effective in eliminating the presence of pathogens in the waterbull Make sure to dress your little ones in appropriate clothes with fabrics that provide warmth during cold weather of monsoonbull Parents are advised to apply a generous layer of mosquito repellent on their kidsrsquo clothes before stepping outdoors to protect them from coming in contact with mosquitoesbull Children should be given foods that are healthy to sustain throughout the monsoon without falling ill They are more likely to fall sick as their immune systems are not yet fully developed It is crucial to incorporate foods that contain essential nutrients like minerals and vitamins This can be found in fruits vegetables whole grains and lean protein to strengthen their immune system during monsoon season Adding soups to their meals can help keep them warm and healthyHow monsoon affects childrenrsquos mental healthDuring monsoon focus tends to be on preventing diseases and ensuring physical wellbeing However what often goes overlooked is the rainy seasonrsquos impact on mental health especially among children Monsoon can affect their emotional wellbeing daily routines and overall sense of comfort and securityldquoThere is actually a medical term called seasonal depression or SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder Dark wet and cold weather contribute to low serotonin levels resulting in depressive thoughts and feelings And this is not just in adults but children also go through the wrath of harsh rains during monsoonsrdquo reveals Noidabased parent coach and child psychologist Deepannita ChakrabortyRiddhi Doshi Patel a Mumbaibased child psychologist explains ldquoThe seasonal shift during monsoon often brings about changes in weather patterns The alteration in natural light exposure can disrupt childrens circadian rhythms and serotonin levels potentially leading to mood swings irritability or even symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD The reduced sunlight and prolonged periods of gloomy weather may contribute to feelings of sadness and low energy in some children affecting their overall mood and motivationrdquoPatel shares other ways in which monsoon affects childrenrsquos mental healthbull Monsoon season disrupts the regular routines and activities that children rely on for structure and stability School closures due to heavy rainfall can interrupt their academic schedules causing uncertainty Restrictions on outdoor play further limit opportunities for physical activity and social interaction which are crucial for childrens development and mental wellbeingbull The heightened risk of illnesses during monsoon season such as colds flu and waterborne diseases can increase childrens anxiety about their health and safety Parents often emphasize hygiene practices to prevent illnesses which heightens childrens awareness of potential health risks but may also lead to feelings of fear or hypervigilancebull Social isolation may intensify during monsoon season as children spend more time indoors and have fewer opportunities to interact with peers This lack of social engagement can contribute to feelings of loneliness boredom or frustrationIncorporating physical activityPhysical and mental health are two interconnected parts of wellbeing During monsoon season it becomes tough for children to get enough physical activity due to the challenges of stepping out of the houseldquoThis can impact their mobility leading to limited physical activity which can further take a toll on their overall physical and mental healthrdquo says Dr GhawadeldquoParents can encourage their children to engage in physical activities by planning fun activities and indoor games to cheer them up while ensuring mobilityrdquo he addsCanrsquot go outdoors Fun indoor activities to do insteadParents can ensure mobility and brain engagement through several indoor activities Experts share some ideasldquoSome interesting indoor activities through which mobility can be ensured are scavenger hunts dance competitions musical chairs hopscotch build a fort hide and seek yoga spot jogging relay race and indoor cricket to keep the children engaged while ensuring they do not sit in front of electronics devices for hoursrdquo suggests Dr GhawadePatel feels there are multiple things a parent can do with the child staying indoors ldquoSome festivals also fall during this period Hence parents have an advantage of involving their children in preparations and celebrationsrdquo she statesOther possible activities includebull Craft or drawing bull Reading books and creating book reviewsbull Cooking or bakingbull Aspects of practical life skills like changing bulbs etc can be taughtbull Science experimentsbull DIY activitiesbull Initiating the concept of family timebull Board gamesChakraborty suggests more activities that can keep the little ones engaged at home during monsoonbull A dance party with family members can be a good way to kill boredom and boost the moodbull Cozy playdates with colony friends can be another way to keep children engagedbull Engaging in Yoga or simple stretching exercises can be beneficial for the overall mood of the 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