Winter season is approaching and this seasonal change time can be difficult to navigate even for adults. Currently, as the season borders on cold, it is very important to take necessary precautions as it is prime time for children who are neglecting restrictive clothing to catch viral fever, flu, colds and coughs! These are not only worrisome but with the current climate, pollution and AQI index, these seemingly normal winter illnesses can get worse. This is also Diwali season which has caused an increase in crackers being burned. This is not just harmful to the environment but the exposure to toxic fumes of crackers can cause severe lung damage to children, so it is advised to not let them do this too much. Suggest alternative ways for them to spend Diwali like with friends and family. How Can these Illness Cause IssuesA lot of the winter illnesses are related your air tract, so when you get sick during these times it can increase the severity of your illnesses due to several environmental factors, including climate, pollution, and the Air Quality Index (AQI). The cold weather and the dry air can dry out your mucous membranes lining the inside of your air tract, which can cause them to get irritated and infected. Cold air can also constrict your airways making it difficult to breathe, which increases the risk of respiratory issues. The pollution in the air can also cause inflammation in your lungs and airway and that not only increases your risk for respiratory infections but if you exposed to it long term it can reduce lung function and make it harder to fight off infections. Tips To Help you Stay SafeMake sure you take all the precautions necessary for your kids and keep a mask on your person at all times. If the symptoms of common cold or anything gets worse, make sure to visit your healthcare professional immediately. Stay Warm and DryMake sure you child is dressed warmly as it not only protects them from getting cold, but it also helps them stay protected from the infections. Also make sure their hands and feet are always dry as these areas tend to get soaked easily due to washing hands and stepping into puddles. Maintain Good HygieneMake sure you children wash their hands, their faces and their feet properly, best is to do that right when they come home as well as repeat it before eating any type of foods. They should also learn to wash their hands before and after using the bathroom! Other habits like covering their mouths to cough and sneeze are also necessary. Get Enough SleepWhen you are sleep deprived, it means that your body is not functioning to its fullest! You are not only walking around with a weakened immune system but you are also putting other people at risk by possibly infecting them. Make sure you child sleeps enough and had a strong immune system to fend off possible infections. Stay ActiveThis is one of the best ways to ensure you body is doing well. Regular exercise not only helps your increase your natural body heat that will help you not get cold. It is also a really great way to reduce stress and increase their immunity. You can do indoor exercises like dancing yoga etc. if you do not wish to go outside. Eat a Healthy DietA balanced diet filled with fruits and veggies is the best thing for a child to have. There are many seasonal vegetables that boost your child’s immunity as well as natural body heat. It is also very important to stay hydrates as the cold air makes it harder to realize your body needs water!