How Do You 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. 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). Make sure the child is well-rested. 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. Schedule demanding activities for cooler parts of the day, and increase activities slowly. Have the child eat lightly salted snacks. 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. Have the child wear a hat with a brim that covers the face; sunglasses; and sunscreen
