The Warm Vacations

A Summer Vacation with loaded heatwaves like never before.

Summer Break for children is now less about outdoor games, beach play, and long playtime. With temperatures soaring across India, heatwaves are changing the way children spend their vacation.

Roughly 95-98 of Indian cities were declared the hottest cities among 100 others in the world. Parents are becoming cautious with outdoor activities in the peak afternoon hours due to the extreme heat that results in strong UV rays, dehydrated exhaustion. Water bottles, caps, sunglasses, umbrellas, and sunscreen have now become essential items to carry before stepping out.

“This vacation, I have mostly stayed indoors because afternoons feel too hot and tiring,” said Rohan, a class nine student. Sandra a class tenth students adds on that “even if I go out to play, I come back quickly because the sun feels much harsher now.”

Children are advised by doctors and elders to stay hydrated throughout as the nights are hot as well now. It’s the norm now to avoid sugary drinks and eat fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, coconut water and other seasonal produce. Other precautions include wearing breathable lightweight and light coloured cotton natural fabrics, avoiding direct sunlight, during noon and late afternoon, as that can help reduce health risks.

“ I am constantly reminding my daughter to drink water. I made her apply sunscreen before leaving home” says Melissa, a Parent. Gautam on the other hand says he has to be careful and has brought ORS and kept ready as a precautionary measure for dehydration.

Vacations have and still do bring excitement. Now in most cases one has to learn to balance fun and safety in this increasingly intense summer.