Protect Children From Extreme Heat

High heat can cause children to become sick in several ways. Protect your child from the heat, and watch for these symptoms.

Follow these  guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Potential Health Effects

Extreme heat can make children sick in many ways, including:

• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat cramps
• Heat stroke

Preventing Over Heating in Children

There are several steps you can take to protect your child from heat-related illness:

• Plan to have a cool, air-conditioned space for your child during the hotest part of the day: 10:00am - 4:00pm.
• Make sure your child stays hydrated. Encourage her to drink water regularly, even before she asks for it.
• Plan for more time to rest than usual; heat will makde children feel tired more quickly.
• When your child is feeling hot, give him a cool bath or water mist to cool down.
• Don’t forget about the effects of sun exposure.
• Never leave children in a car or other closed motor vehicle. The temperature inside the car can become much higher than the outside temperature, that cause death.

When to Call Your Child’s Doctor

Call your child’s doctor immediately if he or she develops any of the following symptoms:

• Feeling faint
• Extreme tiredness
• Headache
• Fever
• Intense thirst
• Not urinating for many hours
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breathing faster or deeper than normal
• Skin numbness or tingling
• Muscle aches

Learn more about recognizing and treating heat related illnesses.

SOURCES:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Protecting-Children-from-Extreme-Heat-Information-for-Parents.aspx
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Sunburn-Treatment-and-Prevention.aspx
http://www.refinery29.com/2015/06/88873/nivea-sunscreen-sunburn-dolls
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/sports-injuries/Pages/Exercise-Related-Heat-Illness.aspx