the heat is on
Filed Under Tips & Tricks | August 4, 2009
Rumour has it that the heat wave is over, but we’ll believe that when we feel it. Besides, who knows what the rest of the summer will bring? So we talked to a Dr. Brown, a naturopathic doctor, and Dr. Peacock, a pediatrician, from the Cross Roads Clinic on Broadway for expert advice on keeping your kids safe when the mercury’s on the rise.
No matter what the weather, being outside is great for kids but when it’s hot it’s best to plan your outdoor pursuits for earlier in the morning, or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest time of day when the risk of sunburn is greatest.
Never leave your children in the car on a summer day, even with the windows rolled down. As Dr. Brown explains, “children take longer to regulate their body temperature and cool down, so they are at greater risk of dehydration and heat stroke in hot weather, this can happen in minutes in a hot car.” And be aware the kids can burn themselves touching hot car doors, seat belts and even metal play equipment when it’s hot out.
While we all know the importance of hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect our tots, keeping your kids hydrated when it’s hot is equally important. Dr. Brown recommends that children drink 4 – 8 oz. of water 20 – 30 minutes before going outside into the heat and then another 6 – 8 oz. every 20 minutes while outside in the heat, even if they are not thirsty. Taking a dip in a pool or the sea is also great for cooling off. (Dr. Brown also supplied us with a yummy popsicle recipe and some hydrating snack suggestions that we’ve posted in our yoyo diaries blog.)
Be alert for symptoms of heat exhaustion which can include fatigue, thirst, red flushed cheeks, cool damp skin and muscle cramps. If left untreated it can progress to heat stroke which can result in dizziness, headaches, confusion and nausea and requires immediate medical attention.
If you suspect your kids are getting dehydrated or have heat stroke, Dr. Peacock suggests giving them small, frequent sips of Pedialyte or Gatorade to replace lost electrolytes. And if you’re sweating more than normal – and who hasn’t been in this heat? – he recommends increasing the salt in your diet to make up for what you’re losing.
In a nutshell, here are the top tips for keeping your kids safe and avoiding heat illness when it’s above 25 degrees:
- Stay in the shade
- Drink lots of fluids, snack on homemade popsicles and fresh fruit
- Wear hats, loose fitting clothing and sunscreen
- Seek out an air conditioned or cooler location during the hottest times of the day (10 am to 2 pm)
- Avoid intense activity, or limit it to no more than 15 minutes
- Know that high humidity and direct sun, especially in very young children such as infants and toddlers, puts them at greater risk of heat exhaustion
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[...] are necessary to keep them and self cool. There is a great article with plenty of tips published by yoyomama. Very useful tips, with plenty of details, given by Dr. Brown, a naturopathic doctor, and Dr. [...]