Be careful in the summer heat! Experts warn of serious dangers awaiting children...
Pediatrician Dr. Cansu Yılmaz emphasized the importance of caution in preventing sunstroke, especially in babies under 6 months. Sunstroke can cause fever, fatigue, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Furthermore, the risk of skin cancer increases due to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. For vitamin D deficiency, it's recommended that the face and arms be exposed to direct sunlight for 10-15 minutes at least twice a week between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, without sunscreen. However, direct sun exposure should be avoided between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, when the sun's rays are strongest, during the summer months.
During the summer months, sweating causes excessive fluid loss in the body. Specialist Dr. Cansu Yılmaz emphasized the importance of replacing fluid loss by drinking plenty of water and consuming fluids, adding: "Attention should be paid to the water and fluid sources used. Diseases such as typhoid, paratyphoid, diarrhea, and viral hepatitis (hepatitis A) can occur from drinking water of unknown origin and from fruits and vegetables washed with this water. Especially in picnic areas, if human or animal feces are mixed with the water, it becomes contaminated with invisible microbes and causes intestinal infections. Dr. Yılmaz noted a significant increase in diarrhea cases during the summer months, saying, "The most important cause of diarrhea is contaminated water and food. It's important to use clean water, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoid foods sold in the street. Furthermore, children should be given plenty of fluids in case of diarrhea, and oral rehydration therapy should be administered if necessary."
Specialist Dr. Cansu Yılmaz emphasized that poorly cleaned pools can cause otitis externa, urinary tract infections, and eye infections. She added that children should definitely shower before entering the pool, and that using earplugs and swimming goggles can be protective.
Specialist Dr. Cansu Yılmaz emphasized the importance of caution against insect and fly bites, which are common during the summer months and pose a risk of infection. She noted that long clothing can provide protection. She also emphasized that families traveling abroad should be prepared for fevers and other signs of infection in children upon their return.
Yılmaz also stated, "After traveling to developing countries, 8% of children require medical treatment. The most common post-travel symptom is fever. Most infections are lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, or middle ear infections. Among travel infections, malaria is seen in 21% of cases, traveler's diarrhea in 15%, febrile fever in 6%, and typhoid in 2%. Precautions should be taken in advance, and vaccinations should be completed thoroughly, depending on the destination. Hand hygiene should be particularly important."
To avoid the negative effects of air conditioners used for cooling in extreme heat, Specialist Dr. Cansu Yılmaz emphasized the importance of cleaning air conditioner filters regularly. She recommended setting the air conditioner to 23-26 degrees Celsius in the summer to prevent heatstroke. There are many important points parents should pay attention to to protect their children's health during the summer months. Protecting children from sunstroke, preventing dehydration, conducting post-travel health checks, and paying attention to air conditioning usage will help children have a healthy summer.
Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Cansu Yılmaz stated that families should take these precautions into consideration for a healthy, peaceful, and safe summer holiday, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness so that children can have a summer that is both enjoyable and healthy.
(İHA) This content was published by Sedef Karatay
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