Alina Dangerfield has the top three things we should know about summer heat safety.
Northern Nevada continues to face high temperatures this summer, but kids are still hoping to get outside and play. Renown Children’s Hospital is working to ensure they do so safely. Division Chief of General Pediatrics says the top three thins to stay on top of are hydration, sunscreen, and supervision.
“We want sunscreen SPF rating to be 30 or higher, applied 15 to 30 minutes before we go outside... If you know that you're going to go out in the sun and hang out all day long, please make sure that your family pre hydrate at least the day before wearing loose breezy light clothes,” said Dr. Kris Wilson.
And if water is involved, Dr. Wilson says to make sure there is a designated water watcher. If kids are riding bikes or scooters, she urges parents to make sure they're wearing helmets and other protective gear.
She also notes parents need to be aware of the signs of heat related illnesses.
“On the more severe signs of heat concerns, we have heat cramps, which, due to mild overheating, we're dehydrated. We lose our water and our salt, and our muscles start to cramp. That's your first sign that you need to go inside,” said Dr. Wilson.
Many parents are taking their kids to the playground to get some energy out and have a few more tips they use to keep their kids safe.
“We try to get out earlier in the day to avoid being in the hot, hot sun of the day. We bring really hydrating snacks. We try to focus on bringing fruit with us like oranges, grapes, watermelon, apples, like all of the hydrating fruits. We bring a huge jug of water, and we try to load up on water consistently through the day,” said mom Mackenzie Kirwin.
Her sister, Meghan, had more to add.
“Keeping an eye on them is the main thing. Especially younger kids. So, we kind of split up the duties. One of us is always with one of the kids to make sure that if they get too active and start looking like they're getting hot, they take a break and stay hydrated,” said Meghan Kirwin.
Dr. Wilson says it’s best to stay inside between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to avoid the hottest part of the day and remember that heat related illnesses can happen when it’s just 80 degrees.
