Getting the basics right can help in keeping disease at bay this summer, says Dr. Edwin Joe, Dean of Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).

He tells us that the number of children suffering from summer ailments, including fever and chickenpox, has drastically reduced. “A couple of weeks ago, we had 40 to 50 cases of children with fever. However, currently we have only less than 20 kids with fever. The same holds good for dengue and chickenpox too. This week, we had zero cases of paediatric chickenpox and just one case dengue. A few weeks ago, we treated one child with dengue.” Dr. Joe said

“This,” he says, “is because parents are taking extra care of their children this summer.” He advises that the children must get the basics right this summer. One of the best ways to keep disease and disorders at bay this season is by drinking plenty of water. Water keeps the body hydrated and it also helps in flushing the toxins out of the body. Children, who are by nature a restless lot, must consume enough water. Schools are closed in summers, which means there is lot of time to play. Due to an increase in the physical activities, kids sweat more. Drinking enough water can help the process of flushing out the toxins from the body, thus, keeping the kids healthy.