Cold Wave in North India: 9 tips to keep kids healthy & warm

The entire North and North-west India has been reeling under severe cold wave conditions for a few weeks now. Dense fog and cold day conditions have gripped major parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. On Sunday, (January 8, 2023) the capital witnessed one of the foggiest days and recorded a minimum temperature of 1.9 degrees C in some parts of the city. So much so that the authorities in Delhi have asked schools to extend the winter holidays.

Meanwhile, even the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has asked people to ‘avoid or limit outdoor activities’ until weather conditions improve. The IMD has also predicted a second cold wave from January 14, 2023.

According to Dr Himanshi Khosla, a General Physician at Perhar Hospital with a specialisation in Diabetes and a parent of twin daughters who study at Apeejay Rhythms, Kinderworld School, Jalandhar, due to the cold wave conditions, kids and the elderly need to be extra careful.

“States like Punjab, J&K, and metros like Delhi have been experiencing cold wave conditions for a few weeks now. This has resulted in people falling ill — colds, coughs, and fevers – are becoming commonplace. In such a situation, parents need to ensure that their kids remain healthy and warm. Doing simple things and following simple rules can make a huge difference,” Dr Khosla said.

It is important to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour – wear a mask, and wash/sanitise hands at regular intervals. School-going children should wear masks when sitting in the classroom

–Dr Himanshi Khosla, a General Physician at Perhar Hospital

Cold wave tips on how to keep yourself warm

1. One of the most important things to do is to bundle up. Ensure that your child is wearing enough warm clothes while stepping out of the house. Make sure that the child wears thermals, a sweater, a jacket, a woollen cap, a muffler, warm socks, and proper shoes. If the child is very young ensure he wears ear muffs and even gloves.
2. School-going children, especially girls can add another layer; they can wear stockings with fur lining inside.
3. During cold winter days try and avoid giving children processed foods. Give them home-cooked fresh food. Give them seasonal vegetables like carrots, peas, and green leafy vegetables. These will keep them warm. Add soups to the meals.
4. Add nuts like walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, and cashews to the diet. These will keep the body warm for a longer time.
5. Even when the children are inside the home, make sure that they are well-covered, especially their chests. Keep doors and windows closed as well.
6. Grains like bajra (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum), and makke ka atta (maize flour) must be included in the diet. These grains keep the body warm from the inside. They have several health benefits as well; they boost immunity and keep diseases at bay.
7. In consultation with your child’s paediatrician, one can give multi-vitamins as well to boost immunity and keep the kid healthy.
8. Parents are advised not to give sandwiches, Maggie or packed foods in tiffin. Roti/parantha with sabzi is a wholesome meal that should be given to children.

“Influenza is becoming common as well. In such a situation, it is important to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour – wear a mask, and wash/sanitise hands at regular intervals. School-going children should wear masks when sitting in the classroom,” Dr Khosla said.

She also added that if the child is ill, parents must ensure that they stay at home and take the necessary medication in consultation with a qualified doctor.