Dehydration and Heat Illness

Now that the weather is getting warmer and the humidity is getting higher, it is important to know the facts about dehydration, what it can lead to, and how to prevent it. Please make sure that your child is staying hydrated while outside, and watch for the early signs of dehydration. 

According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, there are many risks that can lead to dehydration. Some of these risks include: prolonged exposure to high temperature, direct sun, and high humidity without adequate rest and fluids. There are ways to prevent dehydration and they correlate directly to the risks. You must make sure that your child is well hydrated before heading outside.  During play, make sure that they are taking breaks and drinking plenty of fluids. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends five ounces of cold tap water or sports drink for a child weighing 88 pounds, and nine ounces for a teen weighing 132 pounds. One ounce is about two kid-sized gulps. Another good way to prevent dehydration is to be aware of the signs that accompany it. These signs include: 

• Heat cramps: painful cramps of the abdominal muscles, arms or legs. 
• Heat exhaustion; dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, weakness, muscle pain, and sometimes unconsciousness 
• Heat stroke: A temperature of 104 or higher and severe symptoms, including nausea, and vomiting, seizures, disorientation or delirium, lack of sweating, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, and coma. 

The National Athletic Trainers' Association also explains what should be done in case of a heat illness. The first thing that should be done with any heat illness is get the child out of the sun and into a cool, comfortable place. Have the child start drinking plenty of cool fluids. The child should also take off any excess layers of clothing or bulky equipment. You can put a cool, wet cloth on overheated skin. In case of heat cramps, gentle stretches to the affected muscle should relieve the pain.

Dehydration can turn into a very dangerous illness if not dealt with properly. For more information on this topic please visit: http://www.nata.org/industryresources/parentandcoachesguide.pdf 

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