Beat the Heat
Summer is a hot time for outdoor play. But did you know kids are more vulnerable than adults to heat stress? Here’s how to manage.
Drink up: Make sure your child is well hydrated before she heads outside and that she takes a few swigs (4 to 6 ounces) of cold water or a sports drink every 20 minutes while she’s playing, even if she’s not thirsty. (Thirst is an early sign of dehydration.)
Dress right: Give her light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of absorbent material with a tight weave. Top it off with a brimmed hat.
Go easy: On especially hot and humid days, limit the intensity and duration of outdoor activity and take more frequent water breaks.
Be aware: If your child shows signs of heat exhaustion (fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness), get her to an air-conditioned area, apply wet towels to her forehead and neck, and give her lots of cool liquids.
