As we dive further into the depths of a heat wave, the littlest ones amongst us will need extra help to stay cool.
Children are much more active than adults and less likely to be aware of the early signs of getting overheated. Their bodies produce heat faster than adults’ do but they can’t get rid of it as quickly because they don’t sweat as much as adults. They also won’t necessarily tell you that there’s a problem until it’s a big one!
The two major heat-related illnesses to be concerned with are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms are: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps
Heat Stoke
Symptoms are: headache, hot skin, shallow breathing
Top tips on keeping everyone safe and enjoying the summer sun…
- Limit time outdoors between 10am and 4pm when the temperature is the hottest
- Drink plenty of water – stay away from sugary drinks or drinks with caffeine to avoid dehydration
- Eat light foods – dare we say, snacks?
- Get in the water – Turn on the sprinklers or spend time at a local pool to cool off and have some fun.
- Apply sunscreen – reapply a SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every two hours to avoid sunburn.
Enjoy your time in the sun and keep safe – you don’t want to start the summer holidays the wrong way!
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