Our Relenting HEAT WAVE

My Melissa is especially vulnerable to dehydration, which quickly bring on a metabolic crisis. On these hot summer days, we are constantly on guard to make sure that she does not get sick. That brings me to today’s post where I offer some reminders about how to keep the ones you love safe during the Summer Heat Wave of 2011.

Dress for Stress. Forget the latest fashion statements and go for white or light. Light colored clothing helps reflect sunlight which could otherwise “bake” us when we’re outside for extended periods. Loose fitting clothes are also helpful because they allow the skin to “breathe” more easily.

Limit Outdoor Activity. Kids love to play outdoors. Riding bikes, playing sports, hiking and camping are great fun. But when temperatures soar, fun activities can become dangerous. Keep a watch on the clock when the kids are outside. Make sure they take frequent breaks from the heat.

Keep Hydrated. Seems like every day there is yet another segment on the nightly news about keeping hydrated during our hot weather. This is so important it bears repeating. Drink lots of water. Good old H20. It replenishes the fluids that we all excrete to keep our bodies cool. Don’t drink enough and heat stroke can be just a few minutes away.

Eat Light. Eating a light meal during the hot summer is more than just an old wives tale. Foods like meat and other proteins increase metabolic heat production and also increase our water loss.

And of course I don’t have to remind everyone about the DANGER of leaving kids in the car. Even when you run into the store for a second. Here are some sobering statistics:

  • Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2010:  49
  • Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 1998-2010:  494
  • Average number of U.S. child hyperthermia fatalities per year since 1998: 38

Of the 494 child vehicular heat stroke deaths since 1998, excuses given include:

  • 51% – child “forgotten” by caregiver (253 Children)
  • 30% – child playing in unattended vehicle (150)
  • 17% – child intentionally left in vehicle by adult  (86)
  • 1% – circumstances unknown (5)

Children that have died from vehicular heat stroke in the United States (1998-2010) have ranged in age from 5 days to 14 years.

So enjoy this great summer time and take great care while you’re under the hot sun.

PEACE

 

 

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