November 6, 2024 4.34pm
Being outdoors even when there is bad weather and temperatures drop does not make children sick. Indeed, it keeps them healthier and reduces the possibility of becoming infected with seasonal ailments. The pediatrician and SIP Councilor Rino Agostiniani explained the reasons to Fanpage.it.
Interview with Rino Agostiniani
Pediatrician and SIP Advisor
For generations of parents terrified by runny noses and coughs it has always been a taboo, yet doctors and pediatricians have been repeating it for some time: play outdoors even when the “bad season” arrives it is a cure-all for children’s minds and bodies. Although cold and gray skies may discourage the activity outdoorensuring that children do not stay indoors until spring returns allows the little ones to stay active, have fun in a healthy way and, listen, even protect yourself from seasonal ailments.
“Taking children to play outdoors even during periods when temperatures change and weather conditions are less favorable is certainly a useful choice for their well-being” he explains Rino Agostinianipediatrician and Councilor of the Italian Society of Paediatrics who a Fanpage.it explained why to continue doing outdoor activities even in autumn and winter represents a very useful prevention tool for the psychophysical integrity of younger people.
Being outside in the cold doesn’t make you sick
One of the most widespread and hard-to-die false myths regarding health is the belief that letting children play in the cold and wind exposes them to a very high risk of contracting some ailment. The reality, however, is very different. “You don’t get sick because of the temperatures. You get sick because of contagion – Agostiniani peremptorily reminds us – It’s much easier for a child to get sick when you take it to the mallthan at the park”.
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“Of course – continues the expert – If the child remains semi-naked outdoors, without movingthe body will also be affected, but during the game this does not happen. After all, we humans we are not meant to always be at 18 degreesi”.
The benefits of playing outdoors in autumn and winter
Spending an afternoon playing outdoors in a green area (“Like a park or a country clearing, not an asphalt clearing full of cars” specifies Agostiniani) can lead to numerous advantages for the growth of children. The pediatrician quotes:
- Greater ability to move: “Outdoors, children have the space to run and jump, which in addition to keeping them entertained, involves greater calorie consumption and lowers the risk of overweight and obesity. Furthermore, it accustoms children to physical activity, which is also very useful for the following years”.
- Relational benefits: “By being outside you can make new friends and play with more people than in the confined space of a bedroom.”
- Air quality: “In a park, even if in the city, the air quality is certainly better than that found at home or in a school classroom. Very often the fact is underestimated that a closed environment, with little air exchange , it is perfect for the circulation of viruses and bacteria. This is called indoor pollution.”
- Benefits for physical health: “Exposing yourself to the open air even during the so-called bad season helps the body’s defense mechanisms work well. The throat, mucous membranes and all the other natural defenses are ‘trained’ by the slightly lower temperatures.”
No heavy clothes or fear of the rain
Given the positive effect of playing outdoors when the weather is less clement, another question therefore becomes crucial for parents: whether the child can stay outside even when it is cold, how you should dress him? Even in this case, however, the pediatrician Agostiniani has very clear ideas.
Rino Agostiniani, pediatrician
“I always jokingly say to parents: ‘Would you ever go running in a meadow in a ski suit?’ – explains the expert – Many mothers and fathers tend to cover their children to an extent, especially the little ones. However, a bit of common sense is needed: if a child has to play, run and jump, it can’t be too coveredeven if it’s cold”. In fact, the body temperature will rise during the movement and wearing excessively heavy clothing could become more of a harm than a benefit.
“My advice is to fall back on good old fashioned “onion” clothing to dress and undress according to the moment. Once the activity is finished, the sweaty child will have to cover up and go home to take a shower, but during the game phase it is best to wear lighter clothes.” E in case of rain? “If it rains there is an umbrella – concludes Agostiniani succinctly – And if the child gets wet, then he dries”.
