Posted by Janet Harriett on Jul.08, 2010

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Young children are particularly susceptible to heat injury. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion can set in rapidly as the temperatures climb, and, left unattended, can lead to brain or organ damage.

Water and light are two keys for preventing heat injury. As temperatures climb, think light clothes, light activity and light meals, and drink more water than you think you need. Make sure kids are getting enough to drink, too, since children’s smaller bodies dehydrate faster than adults’.

Stay Inside

The heat is greatest between about 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Get outdoor activities done in the morning, and keep kids indoors during the hottest part of the day. Try a trip to the library for some climate-controlled midday entertainment without the “gimmes” of a trip to the mall. Activities at community centers can also provide an air-conditioned break.

Never, ever leave a child in a car alone, even for a few minutes with the windows cracked, since temperatures can climb rapidly to dangerous levels. If a child has been in a car unattended and appears to be asleep, seek medical attention immediately; the child may be unconscious or suffering heat injury.

Hydrate

As you and your family are steeping in sweat, you’re losing fluids at an increased rate and need to replenish them. If you do go out, drink plenty of water before going out, and while you’re outside. Caffeine is a diuretic, so be sure to alternate iced coffee or iced tea with plain water. If the kids must have something other than water, stick to juices rather than sugared drinks including sports drinks. Sports drinks may be helpful if heat cramping sets in due to loss of minerals; otherwise, plain water is the best hydrator.

Keep the beverages slightly tepid. A tall glass of ice-cold water or tea while your body is warmer could produce stomach cramps.

Dress for the Weather

Light, loose-fitting clothes keep bodies coolest. As tempting as it is to dress in as little as is decent during a heat wave, a long sundress and a wide-brimmed hat will keep you cooler than a bikini and shorts. Dress kids in loose, lightweight clothing. If taking kids out in a stroller, keep the canopy up to provide shade.

Eat Right

Even if the food isn’t hot, high-protein meals create more internal heat to digest according to the American Red Cross. Smaller, more frequent meals with just a bit of protein and plenty of water-rich vegetables keep your body cooler in the heat.

Watch for Signs of Heat Injury

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion can happen even with care. When you or your kids are outside, use the buddy system to keep an eye out for heat injury, since individuals may not notice symptoms in themselves until the condition has progressed. Signs of heat injury include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Heavy sweating, or no sweating in advanced stages
• Pale skin
• Cramping
• Shortness of breath

If someone exhibits any of those signs in the heat, get them to a cool place, hydrate them with cool water and begin bringing their body temperature down slowly with ice packs and cool cloths. Vomiting or loss of consciousness indicates an emergency that requires immediate professional medical attention.

Sources:

American Red Cross

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Posted under Health & Fitness, Health Alerts, Healthy Water.