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As kids enjoy the last few days of summer vacation, parents are faced with a perennial dilemma: screen time or outdoor play?
According to UNICEF Oman, outdoor activities bring significant benefits that contribute to children’s overall health and well-being.
They note, “Children who play outdoors regularly are generally healthier than those who don’t. The difference in well-being between children who rarely play outdoors and those who play outdoors every day is huge. Please spread the word!”
Fresh air and sunshine provide endless health benefits, including vitamin D, motor skills, creativity, social connections, and connections to nature.
However, summer temperatures can have an impact on children because they are more vulnerable to summer heat than adults.
Summer also means afternoon rains in and around Oman’s Hajar Mountains.
Rainwater has always been a magnet for children, so adult supervision is essential during the common instances of rainwater accumulation and flash flooding.
Summer safety in arid regions is critical because high temperatures and low humidity make dehydration and heat stroke more likely.
Some key tips and guidance for staying safe during the hot summer months is to stay hydrated.
“Drink more water,” experts point out, even if you don’t feel thirsty, you should drink water regularly. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Sumaira Fathima, clinical dietitian at Apollo Hospital Muscat, explains: “Water is as essential as food for children. Drinking water helps maintain electrolyte balance, keeps you hydrated, prevents and improves constipation, maintains urine output and prevents urinary tract infections.”
She added that young children are active, play regardless of the season, and lose water through sweat. Therefore, drinking water should be encouraged and prioritized.
Avoiding caffeine is another important point to emphasize, as products containing caffeine can cause dehydration. The best option is a drink that replenishes electrolytes, especially when engaging in strenuous activities.
“Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and causes insomnia, with increased heart rate being its most common side effect. It interferes with the development of children, especially their emotional and social well-being. It has no nutritional value and is associated with a host of adverse health issues. Caffeine intake should be strictly avoided in young children. Water is essential for growing children and we must stop them from consuming caffeinated beverages,” she pointed out.
Proper dressing is also an important part of summer.
Dressing your child in lightweight clothing that is light-colored, loose-fitting, and made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can make a big difference.
Activities can be planned wisely to avoid peak sunlight hours by limiting outdoor activities to the hottest hours, usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
When they are outdoors, allow them to seek shade using trees or other forms of shade.
Health experts say it is important to recognize heat-related illnesses and know their symptoms. Some symptoms, such as dizziness, headache, heavy sweating, weakness or confusion, may indicate heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
In the event of heat-related symptoms, it is important to move them to a cooler area, 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 part of the day and use fans or cool showers to help regulate body temperature.
Leila Harty pointed out that sometimes children play near the streets, some riding electric bicycles, and because they are too small, cyclists may ignore them.
Experts also recommend keeping an eye on children, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions when traveling by road, as they may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Knowing the terrain is essential to being aware of potential hazards like steep terrain or vegetation, especially when exploring new places.
But with all safety measures in place, the outdoors is indeed an ideal playground for children, as outdoor play allows them to connect with nature and has been shown to benefit their mental health.
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