Winters have arrived in many parts of India with temperatures dipping each going day. Many of us welcome this change but also scares a small section as it poses several health risks. Cold temperatures do not mean that you have to stay at home all the time. Winters can be fun-filled, enjoyable and exciting, we just need to take a little extra care, especially of our kids and senior citizens. We must make them follow the precautions while stepping out. Whether we like it or not, it’s going to be there for the next few weeks. Just like we take care of ourselves in summer with all cold and healthier food choices, we need to make smarter choices for winter too. 

Here are some precautionary measures that can help you in taking care of children and elders, keeping them safe and warm

Stay warm – Wearing the right clothing and accessories will keep kids warm and safe. Children love playing, be it in any weather, and the right clothing will protect them from the harsh cold environment. Children should wear warm, waterproof coats with hats, scarves, and gloves. 

• Adjust their clothing as per their needs. Put extra layers of clothing on them. 
• Ensure that the child spends less time playing outside. 
• The floor is also very cold in winter; thus, it will be good if parents get extra socks and shoes for home too. 
• Children and the elderly age group are the most vulnerable groups. Make sure they are from covered top to bottom before stepping out.
• If possible, try to finish up outside work in the daytime as at night temperatures dip even more. 

Preventing cold and flu – The flu is mainly caused by a virus. The virus mainly transmits through respiratory droplets of school-going children from one to another. Parents can give flu shots to their kids. 

• Ensure that the child washes their hands after coughing, sneezing, and sharing toys, before the meal and after a meal. 
• Teach your child to cover their mouth whenever they sneeze or cough. 
• Take flu shots for your child. 

Hydration is very important – We don’t sweat in winter; thus, we don’t even feel thirsty. But our body needs water to perform many metabolic activities. We have to maintain the hydration level so as to avoid the risk of dehydration. Give your child lots of warm fluids, warm liquids, soups, golden milk, etc.

Healthy nutrition – Ensure that your child eats healthy food. Include all sorts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for the body’s immunity. Give them vitamin C-rich foods, a variety of veggies, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, mint, ginger, and more. Give them dry fruits for breakfast. 

Exercises and playing outdoors – Regular exercise is very significant for strengthening the bones and muscles. On sunny winter days, you can take them out to play outdoors. Exercise or any form of physical activity will keep them going and warm from the inside.

Quality sleep – In winter, sleep patterns usually get disturbed. We tend to remain sleepy in cozy comfortable blankets. This disturbs the sleeping pattern; it will be good if we follow certain sleeping hours and follow them religiously even on holidays.