This monsoon, all schoolchildren have been forewarned and are forearmed for the rains. At the Monsoon and Child Health, a monsoon preparation campaign conducted by Billabong High International School, Santa Cruz, Dr Bhupendra Awasthi meted out advice to students about how to avoid falling ill this monsoon.
“Apply mosquito repellent during the day, peel the skin of fruits before eating and avoid eating ice cream as it can cause typhoid,” said Awasthi, head, paediatrics department, Lilavati Hospital, Bandra.
Emphasising on the role of parents, Awasthi said that half the battle against the disease can be won at home.
“Many parents are unaware of simple things that they can do to prevent disease spread in the monsoon. From flu to severe diarrhea and cases like jaundice, malaria and leptospirosis can all be prevented by remembering a few simple tips.”
The campaign was organised by the school after many of its children recently fell prey to contagious diseases. Awasthi also warned parents and school authorities to only keep boiled water in the school and pour kerosene or oil over water puddles in the campus to kill the larvae before they can do harm.
“I am sure all the people who attended the session will take extra precautions with the food and water they consume and watch out for quality to maintain good hygiene standards,” said Manju Sadarangani, principal, Billabong High International School, Santa Cruz.
Popular TV and theatre actress Pallavi Joshi, who also happened to be one of the parents, said, “When schools take the learning beyond books, it really adds to value in the learning curve of children. As responsible parents, we need to really take extra care of kids during monsoon, said Joshi.
