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 exercise to the coolest part of
the day — early morning or late afternoon.
Have
children wear clothing that is loose, lightweight, and light-colored. Choose
clothing that draws perspiration away from the skin to keep the body cooler — cotton
T-shirts and 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.
