Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends! Even though summertime is full of fun, the summer heat can also be dangerous–especially for our young children. It’s important to keep safety in mind when you head outside.
Eating, Drinking, and Sweating:
- Hydration is one of the most important things for children spending time under the sun. Once they’re thirsty, it’s too late. Make sure you are proactively giving them fluids.
- Avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks, these can lead to dehydration which can increase your risk of heat illnesses.
- Encourage light meals throughout the day rather than large meals a few times a day.
Stay Cool:
- Be aware of the temperature outside and modify your children’s activities if you believe it’s getting too hot to be under the sun.
- Avoid enclosed places when the temperature is rising. Never leave a child or animal in an unattended car when it’s hot outside. Try to find relatively cool places; libraries, malls, etc – that tend to be air conditioned.
- Use bed sheets to cover your windows, air conditioning units, or fans to keep your house cool; especially during the mid-afternoon when the sun rays are the strongest.
If you or your family members are under the rays of the sun for long periods of time, it’s important to understand the possible health threats the sun can pose and how to manage symptoms.
Heat Exhaustion is caused by overexertion in a hot place. Essentially, when children’s bodies start to overheat, blood flow to vital organs is restricted, causing the body to go into a mini shock which can lead to a heat stroke.
If you suspect your child is showing symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:
- Move them out of the sun into a cooler place; whether that be indoors, in air-conditioning or under shade.
- Apply cold compresses (wet blankets, towels, sheets, clothing) on their neck or armpits.
- Encourage the child to slowly drink cool water.
- Make sure they rest in the shade or someplace cool.
Heat Stroke can be a serious, life-threatening situation if the proper steps are not taken. Heat stroke is caused when children’s bodies lose their ability to sweat. If your child loses the ability to cool off via sweating, their bodies can reach dangerously high temperatures; which can lead to brain damage.
If you suspect your child is showing symptoms of Heat Stroke:
- Call 911.
- Move them out of the sun into a cooler place; whether that be indoors, in air-conditioning or under shade.
- Apply cold compresses (wet blankets, towels, sheets, clothing) on their neck or armpits.
- Watch their breathing.
- If they begin to vomit – don’t give them food or water.
With summer getting hotter and hotter each year, make sure you pay attention to the signs and symptoms that could result in a heat-related medical condition.
Don’t be afraid to get out there are enjoy the sunshine with your family, just make sure you are prepared and know when it’s time to take a rest!
