Yes, school’s now out for another long summer and it’s at this time of year, when children are spending more leisure time outdoors and with friends, when they are likely to suffer from those common illnesses/afflictions. However, if you take some preventative action, then you may be able to avoid some of these and if the inevitable happens, then here’s how to treat them:

Sunburn

Sunburn is the most obvious. Everyone needs moderate exposure to the sun every day since it’s the source of Vitamin D, however, excessive exposure can lead to sunburn, skin damage and the possibility of developing skin cancer in later years. They say that most damage is done to a person’s skin in their first 18 years of life, therefore, if your child is going to be out in the sun for more than 20 minutes (10 minutes if they are very fair-skinned), then make sure they wear protection: that they wear a hat (preferably wide-brimmed), a cotton T-shirt to cover the back and shoulders, and apply a sunscreen of SP30 or above.

Sunstroke

This is caused when someone is exposed to extreme heat, so make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids during the summer months and not exposed to excessive amounts of heat for long periods. If they have too many layers of clothes on and/or are running around in the heat all day then this can also cause sunstroke. Symptoms include: hot, dry, flushed skin, which then goes pale or purple; shallow or rapid breathing; high pulse and high body temperature; headaches; and dilated pupils. If you suspect your child has sunstroke, then get them into a shaded area immediately to cool down and give them plenty of water. You should also consult a doctor. » Read more: School’s Out For Summer

A busy work day is never easy to handle, and if you’re trying to lose weight simultaneously, the challenge can seem overwhelming. However, even if you cannot take time out for exercise, there is no reason why you cannot choose healthy office snacks for weight loss, when the late afternoon hunger pangs strike. Give the bowl of candies and your burger meal a miss, and go in for these healthy foods instead.

Fruit

If you want something tasty, healthy, light and filling at the same time, there really is nothing better than some seasonal fruit. Keep two or three different ones handy so that you have variety in taste and nutritive content. Besides, the fruits you take should be easy to carry and munch on. Grapes, apples, bananas, pears and berries are all effective. If your office has a fully functioning pantry and you are in the mood for something more filling, you may also be able to quickly whip up a banana shake or smoothie, with low fat milk and yogurt. Alternatively, you could carry a healthy breakfast cereal and add the fruits to that for a tasty and refreshing light meal.

Nuts

Just as fruits, nuts are also essential to any weight loss diet. They work as a source of protein, keep untimely hunger pangs away and also contain essential and healthy fats. However, they are rich in calories, so make sure your afternoon portion is no heavier than an ounce. That still gives you roughly 25 almonds! Just make sure that you avoid the salted variety. Have the plain roasted ones instead. Like fruit, nuts can also be added to a healthy low-fat shake or breakfast cereal. » Read more: Choosing Healthy Office Snacks for Weight Loss