Parenting today is tough. Kids face new challenges, especially when it comes to health. With pollution on the rise, children often choose between staying inside or battling the elements when they go out. This climate-induced change has shifted how children experience illnesses. Doctors have noticed that symptoms can now appear outside of traditional seasons, and recovery often takes longer. This doesn’t mean kids have weaker immune systems; instead, they’re learning to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
In response, the Savlon Swasth India Mission has launched a podcast, “Doc’s Pod,” focusing on the importance of hygiene. The first episode features Faye D’Souza chatting with Dr. Bhaskar Shenoy, a pediatrician at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. They discuss how climate factors into children’s health and how simple hygiene practices can support immunity. The podcast reassures parents that consistent hygiene is key to keeping kids healthy.
According to Dr. Shenoy, children’s immune systems take about 7 to 8 years to fully develop. During this time, it’s crucial to limit their exposure to germs, especially as environmental changes increase the risk of infections. “Kids are still figuring out what to fight,” Dr. Shenoy explains. Increased germs—thanks to heat and humidity—can confuse their immune responses, making them less effective over time.
The takeaway? Small, daily hygiene habits can protect children and ease the pressure on their immune systems. Instead of waiting for sickness to react, parents are encouraged to make hygiene a regular part of life. Instead of occasional reminders, treating hygiene as a daily routine can make a big difference.
Sameer Satpathy from ITC Limited emphasizes that the mission has worked for nearly a decade to instill good hygiene practices in children. As climate change affects health, it’s vital for parents to teach their kids about disinfection and prevention. Simple actions, like washing hands and disinfecting surfaces, can help children build a strong defense against illness.
Statistics support this preventive approach. The World Health Organization states that around 80% of childhood infections spread through physical contact. Other studies show that consistent hygiene can lower the risk of diarrheal and respiratory infections significantly—by up to 40% and 21%, respectively. Clearly, nurturing good hygiene habits should be a family priority.
Faye D’Souza, also a mom, shared her thoughts on the podcast. She expressed concern about children getting sick during unusual times and longer illness durations. The discussion helped her realize that while children face constant environmental stress, parents can take charge. Simple hygiene practices provide hope amid uncertainty.
Dr. Shenoy reassured listeners that the changing environment isn’t weakening immunity but rather challenging it. Ongoing exposure to pollution and climate changes puts stress on young immune systems. However, by practicing preventive hygiene at home, parents can help their kids cope better with infections.
While climate change may be unpredictable, our response doesn’t have to be. By adopting expert-recommended hygiene habits now, we can help our children build resilience for a healthier future.
For those interested, you can listen to the podcast here: Doc’s Pod.
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BusinessWire India, Children's health, Climate change, Preventive hygiene, Immune system, Health podcast, Doc's pod, Savlon swasth india mission, Climate impact, Hygiene habits, Handwashing, Child immunity, Advertorial Disclaimer
