Schools are on holiday, now our children will spend most of the day in playgrounds, on the streets and by the sea. During this period, our children who deserve a holiday are more out of control and they also face some dangers. On this occasion, it is useful to remember some points to protect our children from possible risks.
The thinning of the ozone layer of the atmosphere causes more harmful solar rays to reach the earth. 95% of the sun's rays consist of ultraviolet A and 2-5% consist of ultraviolet B. Ultraviolet B, in particular, is responsible for many effects such as sunburn, tanning, premature skin aging and the development of skin cancer. Direct exposure to the sun can cause cataracts in the eye. The sun dries the skin, wrinkles it, ages it prematurely and can lead to skin cancer in the long term. For this reason, it is necessary to protect from sunlight between 10:00 and 16:00, when the harmful effects of the sun are most intense. This harmful effect of the sun is especially visible in people with light skin. Likewise, sunburns are more common in these people. To protect yourself from the sun in summer, it will be useful to avoid being in the sun between 10:00 and 16:00, to wear thin, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, to apply sunscreen with a protection factor higher than 15 20 minutes before sun exposure, and to repeat this application every 2 hours. Children under the age of 2 should never be exposed to the sun to the point of tanning and should be protected to prevent sunburn. Especially those who will spend their holidays in coastal areas should pay close attention to this warning.
As a result of exposure to the sun at noon, life-threatening sunstrokes occur. This effect becomes more evident especially as the age decreases. In this case, the temperature rises to 41-42 ºC, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting occur. If these symptoms occur, the child should immediately take a shower with warm water and go to the nearest emergency unit. To be protected from sunstroke, children should not be outside between 10:00-16:00, children should be showered frequently and washed with warm water, and plenty of water and fluid intake should be provided. They can learn to swim in a simple way, such as going a distance. However, swimming should not be practiced as a competitive sport at this age. After the age of 6, more technical swimming and competitions can begin. The most important health risk of sea and swimming pools is drowning. This is why it is very important that people who cannot swim do not go to places larger than their height, and that children are not left unattended, even if they know how to swim. Young children have a high risk of drowning because they can move quickly but do not understand the danger. A baby or small child can drown in water that is only 5 cm deep. For this reason, children under the age of 5 should not be left alone in or near water, including the bathtub, even for a moment. These warnings may seem simple, but as a physician, we have witnessed many times how a small carelessness can lead to serious problems.
There is also the possibility of contracting fungal infections, otitis media, and urinary tract infections both in the pool and at sea. In pools, there is a risk of conjunctivitis, which causes pain, itching and crusting in the eyes, especially due to viruses. When these and similar problems develop, they should be treated under the supervision of a physician.
Injuries often occur in the sea, such as hitting a jellyfish while swimming. In this case, very severe pain, redness, swelling and, in some cases, a severe allergic reaction are observed. In this case, the area should be washed with alcohol or cologne. Talcum powder can then be applied. If there is a severe allergic reaction, you should immediately consult a health center.
Insect stings may be limited to a local itchy lesion or may progress to severe allergic reactions. In the treatment, keeping the area where the insect bite is located elevated, applying cold compresses and ice, ointments recommended by the doctor and, if necessary, allergy medications will be useful. In severe cases where a severe allergic reaction develops (such as swelling of the face, lips, shortness of breath, widespread itchy rash on the body), a health center should be consulted for emergency intervention.
A frequently asked question in the summer months is the harmful effects of insect or fly repellents on children. whether it is or not. The uses of these substances available on the market We can say that it is safe for all age groups when used as recommended in the instructions. It is recommended to use such substances to prevent the transmission of insect-borne diseases.
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