A holistic approach to pediatric care in Frisco and Plano, Texas

Award winning, top rated Pediatrician serving Frisco, Plano, Allen and North Dallas

HOT WEATHER SAFETY FOR KIDS

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1. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Let them play out early in the day or after 7pm.

Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when playing out in the sun.

Wear hat and coolers if necessary.

2. When they are out, make them drink plenty of water and electrolytes. Electrolytes are basically salts.

We don’t recommend Gatorade, Powerade or any other –ades.

Instead use coconut water or make your own:

· 2 lemon halves squeezed into a glass

· 2 orange halves added

· Squirt of honey

· Four shakes of salt

· Fill the rest of the glass with water

3. Wear light colored clothes. When you get hot you sweat — but it’s not enough to just sweat. To cool off, you need that sweat to evaporate. It’s evaporation that drains the heat from your body. To help the sweat evaporate, you want air to flow over your skin — as much of your skin as possible. Think light and loose clothing. Black or dark color clothes absorb heat. If you are planning to be outdoor a lot, use light color clothes, preferably something that lets moisture escape from the skin.

4. Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat time. Or you could come down with a heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Confusion, Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration), Dizziness, Fainting, Fatigue, Headache, Muscle cramps, Nausea, Pale skin, Profuse sweating or Rapid heartbeat. If you, or anyone else, has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it’s essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room. If you can’t get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place. Other recommended strategies include:

· Drink plenty of fluid (avoid caffeine and alcohol).

· Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.

· Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

· Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.

5. Go to Cool places with refrigerated air. Besides your home AC, Malls, City library, Supermarkets and shelters provide some relief. Other places include: http://northtexaskids.com/ntkblog/index.php/beat-the-summer-heat-at-these-dfw-hot-spots/

Author: TxNaturalPediatrics

By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives. In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.

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