Summer is here, and it's getting hot outside. Lots of kids are getting prepared to attend summer camps and summer sports trainings. Being exposed to the heat could bring on some heat-related stress. Heat-related body stress occurs when your body begins to overheat and has difficulty cooling down. Here are three signs to look out for:

Heat Cramps - While sweating, your body loses salt and fluids, which may cause the muscles to cramp.

              What To Do:

• Drink cool sports drink to help replenish salts and fluids
• Stretch and massage muscle

Heat Exhaustion - Here's what to look for:

• Rise in body temperature ( up to 104°F)
• Excessive sweating
• Increase in thirst
• Vomiting/Nausea
• Headaches
• Rapid breathing
• Cool clammy skin

                     What To Do:

• Get to a cool place
• Help cool the body by placing cool wet cloths on the skin
• Drink cool fluids ( water, sports drinks)
• Continue to monitor body temperature

‍

Heat Stroke-  Here's what to look for:

• Drastic rise in body temperature ( above 104°F)
• No sweating / Dry hot skin
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness/Confusion
• Rapid breathing
• Loss of consciousness

IN CASE OF A HEAT STROKE, YOU WOULD FIRST WANT TO CALL FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

                       What To Do:

• Get to a cool place
• Attempt to cool the body down ( spraying cool mist, using fans)
• DO NOT give any fluids
• Continue to monitor body temperature until assistance arrives

As you can see, being in the heat can be dangerous to the body. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent heat related stress:

• Make sure your body is properly hydrated prior to participating in activities that are outside and also during the activity.
• Don't overdress
• On extremely hot days, limit activity to early morning or late evening.

It is very important to monitor all activities done in the heat closely and to also educate our kids on heat related stress and illnesses. Knowing what to look for and what to do may save a life.