Summertime is here, and that means the sun is out and temperatures are high While kids are looking forward to a summer vacation spent running, playing and exploring outside, as a parent there are steps you can take to avoid heat stress in your children.
Here are five simple ways to keep things cool and your kids healthy this summer:
- In conditions of high heat or humidity, reduce the intensity level for activities that last 15 minutes or longer.
- Allow a 7 to 14 day period for your kids to acclimate to warmer temperatures and more strenuous exercise by planning a gradual increase in the intensity and length of outdoor activities.
- Make sure your child drinks lots of fluids and does not feel thirsty prior to playing outside. While they're playing, encourage them to take a water or sports drink break every 20 minutes to re-hydrate.
- Dress kids for the heat with lightweight, light-colored clothing. Single layers of absorbent material are best to help wick away sweat, and kids should change into fresh clothes if they become saturated.
- Shorten game times and provide more frequent water breaks in cases of high heat. Most importantly, keep a close eye on your child and make sure they move to a cooler environment if they feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous.
