This summer is shaping up to be a good one, we want you and your wee one to Beat the Heat with these tips to keep you in the best health during the hottest days!
Different Types of Heat Stress:
- Heat stress can happen when hot, humid conditions and physical activity overcomes your body’s natural cooling system. You might suffer cramps and fainting, or even serious heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur after you’ve been exposed to high temperatures for several days and have become dehydrated.
- Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with dehydration — which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system.
Did you know? Children are particularly at risk for heat related injuries, as their bodies tend to heat up three to five times faster than adults.
Staying Hydrated and Resting In the Shade
It is important to keep hydrated and watch carefully for signs of dehydration. In order to help prevent dehydration it is important to ensure that children are drinking plenty of clear fluids throughout the day. As well, make sure to take breaks in cool / shaded areas to help cool your body temperature down.
Here are 15 Hydrating Foods and Drinks for summer that you can enjoy with your wee ones!
Sunscreen and Accessories
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before your child goes out in the sun. Choose a sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 or higher. Make sure to generously apply to key areas such as: nose, ears, hands, feet, shoulders and behind the neck. Reapply throughout the day!
Don’t apply sunscreen to a baby younger than 6 months. Sunscreen has not been tested for safety on young babies, and is not recommended by the Canadian Pediatric Society.
One of the best ways to stay protected from UV damage is to wear a hat and dress appropriately, plus wearing sunglasses with UV protection helps too!
For more information visit these resources:
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/topics/heatstress.php
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/gl_heat.php
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/heat-exhaustion
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-stroke-symptoms-and-treatment
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/top-10-ways-to-stay-hydrated
https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/outdoor/5-steps-to-sun-safety-for-kids/
https://www.babycenter.ca/x561727/which-sunscreens-are-best-for-my-baby#ixzz35SpzZc6u