Protecting Children From The Heat

With the upcoming summer season we need to stock up on plenty of Popsicles, cool-aid, and bottled water.  We need to keep a close eye on our children in the rising temperatures.  When the temperature reaches ninety-five degrees or higher or the humidity is high heat-related illnesses are more likely.

If vacationing at a hotter area than your children are used to then have your child take it easy for a few days until their bodies get accustom to the temperature change.  Limit physical activities. 

During the hot summer days keep the following in mind to prevent heat-related illnesses that are related to the heat and humidity.

• Keep your child well rested during the summer.  Have your child take a rest after lunch.  This will cool your child off and keep him from over heating.
  
• More physical activities should be scheduled for later afternoon when the day is cooler.  Increase activities slowly by warming up first.  Always have plenty of water available during sporting practices and games.
  
• When having snacks eat lightly salted snacks.
  
• Have your child wear sunglasses, apply sunscreen evenly over the body and have your child wear a hat with a brim that blocks his face from the sun.
  
• Dress your child in baggy clothing that breathes well but is tightly woven enough to block the UV rays.  You want the clothing loose enough to let your sweat evaporate.
  
• Avoid having your child in the direct sunlight.  Have him in the shade frequently.
  
• If your child starts to feel exceptionally hot place a water-soaked bandanna or strip of clothe on a child’s forehead, top of the head and/or back of the neck.
  
• Avoid giving the child carbonated beverages or caffeine sodas.
  
• Supply ample amounts of fluids such as water, kool-aid, and/or diluted sports drink. If a child doesn’t seem to like water try adding a small amount of juice to flavor it.
  
• Try having plenty of frozen Popsicles to get the additional fluids that are needed to prevent dehydration.
  
• Offer plenty of fluids throughout the day.  Offer these often preventing a child from saying they are thirsty.  Once a child states that he or she is thirsty then the first stage of dehydration has set in.  Needing a drink is a sign that your body gives off.
  
• An adult will fill thirsty more often than children do.

Dehydration is a serious heat-related illness.  Other heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heatstroke.  The most important thing to remember is stay rested on the extremely hot days, have plenty of water to keep you hydrated and plan physical activities for the cooler part of the day.  The more you sweat the more your body will need refueled with fluids.