One of the topics from this month’s Family Table Time is “Sun and Heat Safety.” That’s because it’s vital to know how to protect your children during the hottest days of summer.

Young children are especially at risk from dehydration because they don’t perspire as much as adults do, and because they don’t recognize thirst signals. In addition, they may be so involved in playing that they don’t want to interrupt what they’re doing to stop and take a drink.

Dehydration warning signs

Warning signs of dehydration may be subtler in kids than in adults. At first, the child may complain of a headache, lack of energy, or dry mouth. Or they may simply say they feel “hot.”

As the dehydration becomes worse, they may become confused, stop sweating, be unable to produce tears, and urine output will decrease. They may also experience painful muscle cramping in arms, legs, or abdomen, as well as heart palpitations.

Dangerous progression

The next two stages include heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

The first stage, heat exhaustion, includes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and, possibly, unconsciousness.

This stage can rapidly lead to the second, heatstroke, which is characterized by a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, as well as disorientation or delirium, lack of sweating, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, and finally, coma.

Either of these stages can quickly lead to death if not immediately treated as a medical emergency.

Precautions to take

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents be vigilant during extreme heat periods. Even before children go outside to play, make sure they’re fully hydrated before they leave the house.

The AAP says a child weighing 88 pounds should consume five ounces of cold tap water and nine ounces for a teen weighing 132 pounds. Urine color is a good clue: It should be light yellow or clear if they’re drinking enough water.

Enforce drink breaks every 20 minutes during summer activity, whether or not the child has mentioned feeling thirsty.

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