Parent Talk

Each week, our Parents Council of experts takes your questions, gives advice and shares solutions.

Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

This week’s question is:

With temperatures on the rise, what are some ways to ensure that your children do not get overheated, especially if they plan on spending significant time outside?

Judy Vincent:

Water, water and more water. Children can lose fluids quickly being active in the heat, so frequent food and drink breaks are imperative. Also, try to avoid activities out in the sun during the peak sun hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  I go to the park early in the morning in the heat of the summer and return home for lunch.

Peter Pollicino

Make sure your kids keep hydrated and are wearing lightweight cotton or linen clothing, but nothing or constrictive. Water sports are a good way to keep them cool.

 Keep your kids from playing in small, enclosed spaces such as discarded appliance boxes or idle vehicles. Limiting exposure during especially hot days is a good way to avoid potential problems.

 Heat exhaustion is a real possibility. Far more dangerous and potentially fatal is heat stroke. Inform your children of the warning signs of both.

 Heat exhaustion can be a prelude to heat stroke if not attended to quickly. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, and dizziness. The symptoms of heat stroke are dizziness, lack of sweat, rapid pulse, hallucinations, agitation, confusion, high body temperature, unconsciousness.