As summer draws near and temperatures start to rise, it’s important to do more than just slather the sunscreen on your kids when they head outside. While sunburns and skin damage are important concerns too, the heat is a culprit of many spring and summertime illness of which many parents are largely unaware.
Older children and teens may fall victim to the heat, particularly if they exercise or play sports. However, younger children are at an even high risk for heat-related illnesses because they’re less aware of their thirst and need to get in the shade as well as their impaired ability to sweat and their increased body surface-to-weight ratio. If you’re a parent, then here are a few things you need to know about the heat to keep your child safe.
Health Hazards from Increased by Heat
According to the CDC, an average of 675 people die from heat-related complications every year – a number that exceeds that of tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, lightning, and other weather events combined. And the worst part is that heat-related illness and death is completely preventable. Some of the most immediate health hazards caused by extreme heat include:
- Dehydration
The body has an extremely efficient way of regulating its temperature. One of the most active components of this system in extreme heat is sweating. During a heat wave, though, person can lose up to 1.5 quarts of liquid each hour due to sweating alone. If liquid isn’t being replaced as quickly as it’s being lost, dehydration can occur, which is particularly common in children who are less aware of their liquid intake.
- Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is another heat-related illness that brought on by high temperatures and the body’s attempts at regulating its own temperature. After an extended period in the sun, the body begins to sweat profusely and dehydration may set in. In this case, the body produces an excess of heat that it is unable to dispose of efficiently, and weakness, cramping, and headaches may start. Although children are generally considered resilient, they are often at an increased risk for heat exhaustion because of their general level of activity when outdoors as well as their lack of awareness of physical symptoms.
- Heat Stroke
If an individual suffering from heat exhaustion isn’t given adequate care, that person is at risk of heat stroke. This condition develops when the body’s core temperature rises above 104 degrees. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention, which if ignored, can lead to brain and/or heart damage as well as kidney and muscle failure. Signs of heat stroke include high body temperature, altered behavior or mental state, flushed skin, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and headache.
When to See a Doctor
While mild effects of the heat can be offset by moving your child to an area that is cooler in temperature as well as providing him or her with cool water and time to rest, you should call the pediatrician immediately if your child is extremely tired, has a severe headache, is extremely thirsty or faints. It can also be a sign if they have not urinated for several hours or becomes nauseous or begins vomiting. Also be aware of unusual breathing, skin numbness, or muscle aches and spasms.
Protect Your Child from the Heat
There is no need to think your child cannot exercise, do sports, or play outside safely, even in the heat, if he or she is generally considered healthy. However, there are a few ways you can protect your child from excessive heat to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Help your child adjust to the increasing temperatures by encouraging him or her to play outside or exercise outside as the weather just begins warming up. This is particularly important if your child will be participating in a summer sport. Give your child cool water at regular intervals to help him or her stay hydrated. Keep in mind your child’s age, size, and activity level when calculating his or her water needs. Encourage your child to take regular breaks and seek shade, especially on very hot days and if he or she is playing vigorously. Likewise, your child should be drinking approximately every 15 minutes to remain hydrated in high temperatures. Arrange activities, like a water balloon fight or pool parties to keep everyone cool while you play outside. If you are considering installing a backyard pool, try searching “new pool designs Houston” and customize the search to your city to find contractors and compare prices.
Outdoor activities don’t have to be off limits once it gets hot out. But you do need to be aware and take necessary precautions to keep your child healthy and safe. Learn the common heat-related health hazards for kids and what you can do to prevent them to protect your child and still have fun this summer.
