Too Hot For Summer Camp? How to Keep Kids Safe During Heat Waves
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As temps continue to rise every year, experts say we need to alter the safety plan.
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Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottAnyone who has walked outside lately knows it is unbearably hot. And while the summer season is usually muggy in most parts of the U.S., spending time outdoors or performing any outdoor tasks this year proves even more difficult.So, the heat is another added stressor for parents who have kids participating in activities like outdoor summer camp this year. Aside from being sweaty, being outside for too long could be dangerous, especially for kids who play rigorous outdoor sports like soccer or baseball.Both of our sons are participating in an outdoor recreation camp. But even on the days when they have water play or water park adventures scheduled, we still worry if it's too hot for them to be outdoors. Many parents in the same boat can be reluctant to keep their kids out of camp due to a variety of factors, including costs already paid for their child to attend or the need for camp to act as child care due to work obligations. But when is it too hot for our kids? And what does it mean when the National Weather Service issues advisories and warnings about the heat?What 'Excessive Heat Warnings' MeanThe National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and heat advisories for much of the East Coast this past week. Typically, this type of warning is issued when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° F or higher for at least two days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75° F. Temperatures reached 100° F degrees in New Jersey by Tuesday after several 90+ degree days, making the outdoor temperature feel like it was in the mid-100s. “Often the [excessive heat] warning is posted when the actual temperature may only be in the 90s, but with the combination of the humidity, it feels like it’s 100 or greater,” explains James Gregorio, a veteran television meteorologist in New Jersey–referring to the “real-feel” or “feels-like” temperature. Gregorio says forecasters often refer to the WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which takes into account the temperature, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud coverage to determine how much stress the heat outside is putting on our bodies. The system was developed by the military in the 1950s to help prevent heat-related injuries and deaths during training camps. WBGT is better than the Heat Index at showing if conditions are dangerous to the human body.“This is especially important for any athletes training through the heat, especially on a hot surface like astroturf,” explains Gregorio. He advises that while activities in a pool would be acceptable, caution needs to be taken when kids are participating in rigorous outdoor activities and sports when a WBGT level is above 90. “Most colleges will have their athletic trainers take wet bulb temps on the field before their athletes train so the coaches know how many hydration breaks are needed and how to keep their players safe,” he says. When it comes to camps, he says, every type of camp should have a dangerous weather safety plan with the ability to alter their schedules to work around the heat.When To Sit It OutChildren and teens don’t often stop to rest when they are having fun. They also often have a hard time remembering to hydrate effectively, which could lead to heat-related illnesses and dehydration. Those who wear heavy clothing during exertion, such as marching band or football uniforms, are also more at risk.Nearly 1,220 people in the U.S. are killed by extreme heat every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and young children are at elevated risk of heat-related illnesses because they have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Children with chronic health problems or who take certain medications may also be more likely to experience heat-related illnesses. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defines signs of “heat injury” or exercise-related illness (ERHI) to include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Even the best athletes can be susceptible and develop a heat illness when it's hot and humid. While these risks are serious, it doesn't mean children and teens should sit out of activities altogether or avoid sporting activities during an excessive heat warning. Scott Miller, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Advocare Mid-Jersey Pediatrics, emphasizes the importance of taking precautions and knowing the warning signs of heat-related illness. He says camps should also implement measures to keep children cool, and counselors should be educated on identifying heat-illness symptoms.Some of the symptoms include:Nausea/vomitingDizziness HeadachesMuscle pain/spasmsExtreme fatigueNumbness/tingling of the skinIntense thirst FeverSignificantly decreased urination“If these symptoms appear, the child should be brought to a cool area to rest and hydrate with plenty of fluids,” says Dr. Miller. “A medical provider should be involved if symptoms are severe (fainting, high fever, etc.) or do not resolve quickly with treatment,” he adds. Tips To Keep Kids Cool at CampThe AAP released guidelines to help prevent heat-related illnesses, which in part advises camps to schedule activities earlier in the day when it is cooler.Athletes should also gradually adjust to the heat and humidity while being active outdoors. Dr. Miller emphasizes vigilance and using common sense, along with schedule flexibility, if the weather becomes too intense.Other tips he advises on staying cool during outdoor camp activities include: Stay hydrated: Drinking four to eight ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes is recommended during activity. Bring your own water: Send kids and teens to camp with a full water bottle to drink from and spray bottle they can use for cool mist, which can help in the heat. Dress appropriately: Light-colored, thin clothing and age-appropriate sunscreen is best when spending extended periods of time outdoors in the heat. Schedule frequent breaks: Particularly if the activity lasts more than an hour.Communicate openly: “It's also important for your kids to feel comfortable telling camp staff if they think they need a rest or aren't feeling well,” adds Dr. Miller. So far this summer, New Jersey has experienced three heat waves, according to Gregorio, who says this may go down as one of the top five hottest summers on record. “I think as the Earth continues to warm, the likelihood of hotter summers is greater,” he adds. With this trend, understanding the risks and taking proactive measures to protect children from heat-related illnesses is an integral part of the summer experience. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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