3 months ago
WASHINGTON (WUSA) --The hot and humid days of summer have parents and their kids brainstorming for ways to beat the heat. From eating ice cream to playing in water fountains, most families have tried it all.
"We stay inside or we come here (water fountain) or we go swimming," Kayla Beckert, a mother, said. "If they're playing out front, I spray them with water constantly."
Sacha Emerson, another mother, agreed. "We just make sure they drink a lot of water," she said. "We take frequent breaks, and we go inside into the air conditioning."
Keeping little bodies cool and hydrated is key to avoiding heat related illnesses. Dr. Gauroy Dayal, pediatrician and chief medical officer at Adventist Health Care, said because children's bodies are smaller, they have a smaller water reserve.
"They are a lot more active," he said. "Twenty to 30 minutes is a good window to make sure they are getting water or some fluids. They shouldn't go past that time frame."
He advises parents to keep an eye out for specific warning signs that their children have had too much heat exposure.
"The most important would be if there's excessive lethargy," he said. "If your child is more lethargic than they normally are if their body is excessively sweaty or cool and clammy."
If you notice your kids showing any of those symptoms, get them out of the hot weather right away. Fluids should be given immediately.
If your child's energy doesn't seem to bounce back after a little while, seek medical attention.
Heat illness takes many forms. Familiarize yourself with these symptoms from kidshealth.org so you will be prepared if your child exhibits any of them.
Illness: heat cramps
Symptoms: brief, severe cramps in leg, arm or abdomen muscles
Treatment: cool place to rest, fluids and muscle massage
Illness: heat exhaustion
Symptoms: dehydration; fatigue; weakness; clammy skin; headache; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing; irritability
Treatment: cool place, loosened clothing, food/water, cool bath
Illness: heat stroke
Symptoms: flushed, hot, dry skin (no sweating); temperature of 105 F or higher; severe throbbing headache; weakness, dizziness or confusion; sluggishness/fatigue; seizure; decreased responsiveness; loss of consciousness
Treatment: call for emergency medical help; cool place; undress and sponge/douse with cool water; do not give fluids
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