Reducing the Risk of Heat Stroke for Children

The risk of heat stroke is serious for children, as it can affect both their physical and mental health. You do not have to barricade your child indoors all summer, but you do need to take the proper precautions in the heat. Before you start planning outdoor activities, check out the following tips for reducing the risk of heat stroke in children.

Check The Time

You should never let your children participate in heavy outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. The hottest part of the day is usually between 3:00pm and 4:30pm during the summer. It is important to keep track of the time so you can have your child come inside during those hours. If you are at the park or beach, use that time to give your child a snack and beverage in a shaded area.

Keep Them Hydrated

Staying hydrated is a big factor in preventing heat stroke, so you want to have your child drink plenty of fluids even if they are not thirsty. Your child should be drinking water, which can be flavored with fruit slices and drink mixes. You can also look into fun summertime drinksto hit the spot, such as a smoothie or lemonade. Snacks such as fruit and popsicles can also help prevent dehydration in the heat.

Dress Them Lightly

Avoid dressing your child in dark, tight-fitting clothes during the summer. Darker clothes absorb the heat and make your child feel hotter, and tighter clothes restrict blood circulation and prevent their body from cooling off. Dress your child in bright, loose-fitting clothes to keep them cool and healthy. You can also throw in accessories such as sunglasses and a baseball cap or sunhat to protect their face and eyes.

Find A Shaded Area

If you are going to the park, beach or theme park, it is best to locate the shaded areas before the hottest part of the day. You can find, or create, a map of the area with trees, awnings and shops marked. This way, you know where to go when the sun becomes too much for your child. It is also a good idea to carry an umbrella with you to create your own shaded area.

Get Them Inside

There are going to be plenty of days when your child is playing in the yard instead of the park, but the rules of preventing heat stroke still apply. You want to have your child come inside periodically to cool off, as well as when you notice they are overheating or when 3:00pm is approaching. Use this time for a movie or puzzle to keep them occupied until they can go back outside.

When you are spending time outdoors in the summer, the risk of heat stroke is there for everyone. This is why many professionals encourage you to stay hydrated, dress lightly and find shaded areas. If you keep the above tips in mind, your family can enjoy the summer without increasing their risk of heat stroke.