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 react to the heat, and if children aren’t careful,
they could come down with heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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 most exercise or at least the most
strenuous physical activity to the coolest part of the day —early morning or
late afternoon.
• 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, for example.
• 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, remember 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.
