Cold and flu
Colds and flu are caused by a virus. Cold symptoms include a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, headache and fever. The flu begins with fever, body aches, sore throats, headache and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. If your child is very young, he or she may not be able to communicate these symptoms but you’ll notice a change in behavior. For example, a sick child may refuse to eat or become clingy or cranky.
During cold and flu season, check with your pediatrician to see if your child should get a flu shot. Children should wash their hands frequently and get a good night’s sleep. Also, a healthy diet boosts their immune system to fight off germs and viruses. If your child gets flu or a cold, he or she should drink a lot of fluids and rest. And talk to your pediatrician if your child has a fever.
Sports injuries
To prevent injuries in sports related activities, be sure your children stretch to loosen up their muscles. When ice skating, know that ice is thinner at the edges of ponds, under overhanging trees or bushes and under bridges. Avoid fast-flowing water and tidal water that is iced on the surface; it can break under the weight of a person, even a child. Never let a child ice skate alone. When sledding or skiing, stay on terrain free of obstacles and enroll your child in at least one ski lesson. Make sure the bottom of the ski slope is far from streets and traffic. Never let a child ski alone.
Frostnip and Frostbite
Low temperatures in the winter and blowing wind can be hazardous. Under extreme conditions, a child’s body temperature can drop well below normal and frostnip or frostbite can occur. Frostnip will make the child’s skin feel numb and look white. The skin isn’t actually frozen; in most cases it will be back to normal as it gets warm. Frostbite is a much more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It makes the skin surface look blotchy, white or blue; and feels hard and waxy. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, most often the nose, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. To avoid both frostnip and frostbite, make sure your child wears layers of clothing outside polypropylene and wool heat the body best. Your child should wear waterproof, insulated boots or shoes that fit properly. Protect young hands with gloves or mittens with insulated material; mittens retain heat better than gloves. Your child should always wear a hat. Don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is another serious health problem that can occur after prolonged exposure to the cold or if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water. Hyperthermia results when the body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce. Low body temperature affects the brain, making a person unable to think clearly or move well. Infants and elderly are most vulnerable. Symptoms include bright red, cold skin and very low energy. Get medical attention immediately if your child’s temperature is below ninety-five degrees. Remove any wet clothing and give your child a warm beverage. Keep your child dry and wrapped with a warm blanket including the head and neck until you seek medical assistance.
Skin care
Even though the sun is less intense than in the summer, harmful ultraviolet light can damage your skin in winter. Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of at least SPF fifteen on your child. Apply sunscreen twenty minutes before sun exposure and reapply every hour for outdoor activities. You may apply zinc oxide on your child’s nose and cheeks. Zinc oxide is an ideal skin barrier especially if your child is skiing and the sun is reflecting off the snow.
