Play It Safe in the Summer Heat

Before your kids run outside for fun in the sun this summer, be sure to take a few simple precautions.

Nothing lures kids outdoors more than warm weather and a clear, blue sky. Parents love to see kids outdoors getting exercise and playing with their friends, but those bright and sunny skies also can be the source of health concerns, such as sunburn and heat exhaustion. The good news is that the most common sun-related ailments can be easily prevented.

“When it comes to summertime heat problems, most of the children I see have conditions that could have been prevented,” said Genie Roosevelt, MD, emergency room physician at The Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine. “Parents can follow a few guidelines to ensure their kids stay safe in the sun.”

Two Important Bottles

The two simplest precautions parents can take are to make sure their children stay adequately hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly.

“I always tell parents to make sure they have two bottles whenever they leave the house,” Dr. Roosevelt said. “They should have a refillable water bottle and a bottle of sunscreen.”

Dr. Roosevelt also encourages parents to make sure that kids are not outside during the hottest parts of the day and are dressed in light, loose clothing. Parents of older children who play summer sports should discuss heat safety with coaches to be sure they have guidelines in place to keep kids hydrated and prevent overheating, as well as appropriate steps to follow if a child shows signs of heat-related illness.

“Parents need to take the initiative when it comes to keeping their kids safe,” Dr. Roosevelt said. “That is the surest way to prevent heat-related complications.”

To learn more about how to keep kids safe in the sun, visit www.thechildrenshospital.org and search keywords “heat illness.”