How to Prevent Heat-Related Illness in Children

Children take longer to adjust to hot environments than adults do, and their bodies reach core temperature much faster.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oral Rehydration Salts
• Bandannas
• Sunglasses
• Popsicles
• Ice
• Salty Snacks
• Ice
• Cold Compresses
• Coolers
• Electrolyte Replacement Drinks
• Environmental Thermometer

1. Identify climatic conditions in which heat-related illnesses are likely, and take precautions. These conditions are: temperatures of 95 degrees and higher and high relative humidity (when evaporation of sweat is more difficult).

2. Make sure the child is well-rested.

3. Have the child "chill" for the first few days after arriving in an area hotter than he or she is accustomed to. Limit physically exerting activity until the child is acclimatized; this will take longer than it will for you.

4. Schedule demanding activities for cooler parts of the day, and increase activities slowly.

5. Have the child eat lightly salted snacks.

6. Dress the child in baggy clothing that breathes well. Make sure the clothing is woven tightly enough to block the rays of the sun but loosely enough to let sweat evaporate.

7. Have the child wear a hat with a brim that covers the face; sunglasses; and sunscreen applied uniformly over the body.

8. Keep the child out of direct sunlight, and have him or her rest frequently in the shade.

9. Place a water-soaked bandanna or strip of cotton cloth on the child's forehead, top of the head or back of the neck if the child feels particularly hot.

10. Avoid giving the child antihistamines.

11. Avoid giving the child caffeinated or carbonated beverages.

12. Provide plenty of fluids, preferably water or diluted sports drinks. If the child doesn't like drinking water, flavor it lightly with a powdered mix.

Tips & Warnings

• Children usually complain of feeling thirsty less often than adults do. Give the child plenty of fluids before he or she complains of thirst, as thirst is a sign that the body is in the first stages of dehydration.
• If a child is particularly resistant to drinking fluids, try frozen liquids like Popsicles to get additional fluids into him or her.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 11/22/2005 Park in the shade, roll the windows down a bit, use a sun shade on the front window. Take your car through the car wash if it is very hot. Check coolant frequently. Service your air conditioner before summertime use, otherwise you may have a long wait!

on 11/22/2005 1. Rescue meds & Peak flow meter 2. Nebulizer 3. Medical ID & allergy info 4. A current list of meds 5. Emergency #s 6. Action plan on paper 7. Cool,light colored clothing 8. An umbrella for mobile shade 9. Water thermos 10. A full tank of gas

on 11/22/2005 A child with asthma is vulnerable to heat, so use caution! Avoid taking your child out when it is very hot. Make sure they drink cool water, never iced, because this can trigger an asthma exacerbation.

on 11/22/2005 Set up a play area that has a wading pool, (if you don't have a pool, an old plastic tub works.) A cool mist sprayer, a slip and slide or a sprinkler does wonders also. Give the kids (& grown ups!) spray bottles (and TOWELS!) and turn them loose!

on 11/22/2005 Kids love water, so cool them with a spray bottle that is kept in the fridge filled with water. It makes a great water gun! Use a garden mist sprayer to conserve water or take them to the sprinkler at the park.
Carry water always!