Radio Commentary
In the excitement of a good pickup basketball game or even a
leisurely game of tag, children might not notice the temperature rising.
But as the
day progresses, their bodies notice the heat, and if they aren’t careful, they
could come down with heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
The body’s
natural control mechanisms normally adjust to the heat. But those systems could
fail if exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.
Here are
some tips for beating the heat and staying cool:
Limit the
most exercise or strenuous physical activity to the coolest part of the day —
usually early morning or late evening.
Have
children wear loose clothing that's light in weight and color. Choose clothing
that draws perspiration away from the skin to keep the body cooler — cotton
T-shirts or shorts.
Make sure
children drink plenty of water – don’t wait until they say they’re thirsty to
take a drink. The thirst mechanism kicks in only after a body is too depleted. If
children are exercising heavily in hot weather, aim for two to four glasses
every hour.
Stay away
from liquids that contain caffeine or lots of sugar — these actually cause the
body to lose more fluid. Also, know that a drink that is too cold might cause
stomach cramps.
Make sure
children periodically take a break in a shady area to cool down.
These are
all smart, effective practices for beating the heat.
