JUGGY D
BACK TO BASIC
Summer is officially here and temperatures across the nation are soaring. Although the heat wave is welcomed by many after a cold winter, the increase in temperature is especially dangerous for children, who are more likely to sustain a heat-injury than adults.
Jerold Stirling, chair of the department of pediatrics at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and pediatrician at Loyola University Health System, explained:
"Kids bodies don't acclimate to the heat as well as adults. They don't sweat as effectively. They absorb more heat since they have smaller bodies and a higher ratio of surface area to body mass."
According to Stirling, it is vital that children, no matter how old they are or where they are, are supervised when the temperatures reach these extreme levels. He explains that one of the greatest dangers is leaving a child in a car unattended on a hot day.
Stirling said:
"No matter the child's age this can be dangerous or even deadly. Even if it's for a short period of time and you leave the car windows down it's dangerous. Inside the car can be several degrees hotter than outside and places a child at greater risk for heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Kids are supposed to be out having fun. They can get wrapped up in what they are doing and forget to take breaks. They're also not as tuned in to their body's cues."
Although it is vital that parents encourage their children to remain physically active, they need to ensure that their kids are well hydrated prior to going outside to play, and make sure that they drink water frequently and take cooling-off breaks.
Stirling explained "Parents need to encourage their kids to take breaks every so often by coming inside or resting in the shade. For every 20 minutes of vigorous exercise make sure your child is drinking 8 ounces of water."
Taking breaks to rehydrate are vital even when in the swimming pool, he explains.
Stirling said:
"The cold pool water will help keep your body cool, but it doesn't replace the fluids that have been lost due to the heat. Make sure your kids are getting out of the pool to drink water and add an extra layer of sunscreen on at the same time."
Sports drinks are only required if a child engages in vigorous exercise for more than 60 minutes. Water is the best drink. Parents need to be careful with what their kids drink to rehydrate. Sodas contain the three "Cs" - calories, caffeine and carbonations - not the best combination for rehydration.
"Be careful what your child drinks to rehydrate. Usually, water is the best option. Be sure to stay away from sofa which contains the three Cs: carbonation, caffeine and calories. This is not a good combination of hydration."
Jerold Stirling, chair of the department of pediatrics at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and pediatrician at Loyola University Health System, explained:
"Kids bodies don't acclimate to the heat as well as adults. They don't sweat as effectively. They absorb more heat since they have smaller bodies and a higher ratio of surface area to body mass."
According to Stirling, it is vital that children, no matter how old they are or where they are, are supervised when the temperatures reach these extreme levels. He explains that one of the greatest dangers is leaving a child in a car unattended on a hot day.
Stirling said:
"No matter the child's age this can be dangerous or even deadly. Even if it's for a short period of time and you leave the car windows down it's dangerous. Inside the car can be several degrees hotter than outside and places a child at greater risk for heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Kids are supposed to be out having fun. They can get wrapped up in what they are doing and forget to take breaks. They're also not as tuned in to their body's cues."
Although it is vital that parents encourage their children to remain physically active, they need to ensure that their kids are well hydrated prior to going outside to play, and make sure that they drink water frequently and take cooling-off breaks.
Stirling explained "Parents need to encourage their kids to take breaks every so often by coming inside or resting in the shade. For every 20 minutes of vigorous exercise make sure your child is drinking 8 ounces of water."
Taking breaks to rehydrate are vital even when in the swimming pool, he explains.
Stirling said:
"The cold pool water will help keep your body cool, but it doesn't replace the fluids that have been lost due to the heat. Make sure your kids are getting out of the pool to drink water and add an extra layer of sunscreen on at the same time."
Sports drinks are only required if a child engages in vigorous exercise for more than 60 minutes. Water is the best drink. Parents need to be careful with what their kids drink to rehydrate. Sodas contain the three "Cs" - calories, caffeine and carbonations - not the best combination for rehydration.
"Be careful what your child drinks to rehydrate. Usually, water is the best option. Be sure to stay away from sofa which contains the three Cs: carbonation, caffeine and calories. This is not a good combination of hydration."
