Summer heat: WCD Kerala issues guidelines, children should be given plenty of water

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Women and Child Development Department has released guidelines for providing special care to children in view of intense summer heat. As per the guidelines, children should be given plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Other important instructions

• Children should not participate in activities outside the anganwadi between 10 am to 3.30 pm.
• Air circulation should be ensured inside the anganwadi
• Give children boiled water, salted porridge water, lemon water and whey.
• Fruits should be included in the diet.
• If fans are not available in anganwadis, child development officers should take steps to provide it with the help of local bodies.
• Parents should be advised to dress their children in light colored loose cotton clothes if possible.
• Use of umbrella, white cotton cap etc. should be advised while going out.
• Instruct children not to walk barefoot.
• Contact the nearest health center immediately if you notice any signs of heat wave-related illness in your child.
• It should be ensured that there are no reptiles in and around the anganwadis.
• DISHA number (1056, 104) and number of nearest health center should be displayed in all anganwadis.