Schools have closed and kids are left with nothing much to do. Summer camps are a good alternative. But the hot temperature and more time spent outdoors, perhaps unsupervised, can put a kid’s health at risk. Here are some of the hidden dangers:

Heat stress and heat stroke. This can be prevented if the golden tips are followed. Keep kids well hydrated, supervise them and look out for symptoms such as thirst, cramps, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches and fever. Never leave a child to play in the sun for a long time.

Friction. Children’s skin may get burnt on metal slides, tile surface outdoors or other play equipment.

Sunburns (radiation). Although parents are aware of the risks of not applying sunscreen or sunblock on their children, sunburns are still common. In addition to wearing sunglasses and beam hats, breaks should be taken in the shade from time to time.

Finally, if you come across such situations, call a doctor. If a child has an unexplained fever higher than 102° Fahrenheit (38.9° Celsius), or the sunburnt skin looks infected, or if the child has trouble looking at light (this may indicate a sunburn of the eye’s cornea), the child needs specialised care. Also, remember to contact the doctor if your child has nausea, vomiting, fainting, delirium (seems temporarily mentally confused) or diarrhea.

Happy Summer!

– Palitha Ariyarathna, Deep Sea Diver and Rescuer,