FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HELP KIDS DEFEAT THE HEAT ^™ BY KNOWING THE FACTS

According to a recent study, 2/3 of kids show up for practice at least significantly dehydrated[1].  This puts kids at increased medical risk for more serious heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke and can affect how they feel and perform. 

With this new research, it’s not surprising that research ² also shows that most parents do not know the basics of heat illness prevention.

Following are key heat-related issues parents should understand before their child heads out for activity this summer:

WHY ARE CHILDREN AT RISK FOR HEAT ILLNESS?

There are several physiological factors that make children more vulnerable to heat-related illness than adults.

• Children absorb more heat from their environment because they have a greater skin surface-area to body-mass (weight) ratio than adults – the smaller the child, the faster the heat is absorbed.
• Children are not able to dissipate as much heat through sweating as adults ³.
• Children produce more metabolic heat during physical activity ³.
• Children, like adults, do not have the physiological drive to drink enough fluids to replenish sweat losses during prolonged exercise ⁴.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD DEFEAT THE HEAT?

Drinking enough of the right fluids is the best defense against heat illness because dehydration is the first warning sign of more serious heat-related conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  Teach your children to drink on a schedule, before, during and after activity in order to replace what they’ve lost through sweat. The following fluid examples for children help ensure that active children will drink enough to stay hydrated without overdrinking:

Easy tip:    Learn to drink for individual needs. Two kid’s gulps typically equal an ounce of fluid.

It’s a good idea to weigh your children before and after practice to see if they’re drinking enough to replace the fluid they lost through sweat.  If they lose weight during the practice or game, you may need to adapt the recommended guidelines to ensure your children replace their sweat loses.

WHAT’S THE BEST FLUID FOR KIDS TO DRINK DURING ACTIVITY?

Studies show that when drinking water, kids will drink only about 50 percent of what they need ⁶.  To help children drink enough fluid to fully replace what they have lost through sweat, research suggests that a lightly flavored sports drink with a small amount of sodium, like Gatorade, encourages them to drink significantly more than water to stay better hydrated ⁷.

The “ABCs” are an easy way for kids and parents to remember how to Defeat the Heat ^™:

o   Always drink before, during and after activity to replace what you’ve lost in sweat

o   Bring the right fluids. Research shows sports drinks like Gatorade hydrate best ³

o   Consider fluids as part of essential safety equipment for sports

WHAT OTHER STEPS CAN I TAKE TO SAFEGUARD MY YOUNG ATHLETE?

The increased levels of activity and sweating that come with sports, along with other factors, put young athletes at particular risk for heat illness. Some simple steps that make prevention possible: 

• While attending sports camps, where numerous games take place throughout the day, make sure children get enough time to rest, drink fluids and take time in the shade. 
• Make sure kids are dressed in light-colored, loose clothing.
• Be especially cautious during games like soccer and basketball that require almost constant movement.
• Send kids to games or practices with fluids in hand.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION AND HEAT ILLNESS?

Dehydration places children at risk for serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

Common warning signs of dehydration and heat illness include ⁸:

- Thirst                                     - Fatigue                      - Irritability

- Headache                             - Dizziness                  - Weakness*

Treatment of dehydration and heat illness should take place immediately.  Depending on the severity of the situation, seek medical attention from a certified athletic trainer or dial 911 for emergency medical services.

For more information on preventing heat illness and dehydration, visit www.safekidsupstate.org, or call Safe Kids Upstate at 864-454-1100.

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*These symptoms are similar to those of hyponatremia, a rare condition caused by excessive drinking.  If the child has over consumed large volumes of fluid and has swollen fingers, ankles or has gained weight, don’t provide further fluids.  Seek emergency care immediately.

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[1] Walker, SM, Casa, DJ, et al. Children participation in summer soccer camps are chronically dehydrated.  Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2004, 36 (5sup). 

²Survey conducted by Harris Interactive ^SM April 23-25, 2002.  

³Bar-Or, O. Temperature regulation during exercise in children and adolescents. In: Gisolfi C, Lamb DR, eds. Perspectives in Exercise and Sports Medicine, II. Youth, Exercise and Sport. Indianapolis, IN: Benchmark Press; 1989, 335-367.

⁴ Rivera-Brown A., et al.  Drink composition, voluntary drinking and fluid balance in exercising, trained, heat-acclimatized boys.  J Appl Phys 86: 78-84, 1999.

5 Adapted from the 2000 National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for Athletes, J Athletic Training 35(2): 212-224, 2000.

6 Adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics Position Statement, Pediatrics 106: 158-159, 2000.

7Wilk B. and O. Bar-Or.  Effect of drink flavor and NaCl on voluntary drinking and hydration in boys exercising in the heat.  J Appl Physiol, 80: 1112-1117, 1996.

⁸ Casa, D.J. et al. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for Ahtletes.  Journal of Athletic Training, 35 (2): 212-224, 2000.