A senior health educator has warned parents against exposing their children to heat during summer.
Dr. Faisal Al-Otaibi was answering callers through the phone-in program conducted by the Ministry of Health as part of its Kingdom-wide health awareness campaign launched last week in Riyadh.
The campaign which will last for three weeks targets all segments of society.
The ministry has chalked out a series of phone-in programs to help the public find answers and solutions to their medical problems. Senior medical consultants of various specialties will be present to answer callers on a toll free number (800 249 4444).
The awareness program highlights the problems faced by people who move out of their homes for their summer holidays and also for those who opt to stay back during the season.
The program encourages viewers and listeners to take special care in eating, while playing in parks and swimming in pools, as well as guard against contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Advised was also given on how to avoid road accidents, stick to a balanced diet, do physical exercise, refraining from drug abuse, and the safe use of electronic devices by children.
Speaking on the seriousness of children’s exposure to direct sunlight, Al-Otaibi said it could lead to sunstroke, skin injuries and they would become more susceptible to skin diseases.
Al-Otaibi advised parents to apply ointments on their children’s skin several times a day to protect them from the harmful effects of sun rays.
The consultant said children are susceptible to gastroenteritis, heat stroke, allergies and chest inflammations.
He also advised parents to be careful with children while traveling. “Ensure that their meals are hygienic and that the food is prepared at home. Avoid junk food as far as possible,” he cautioned.
Children told to avoid walking in the sun
