Health care professionals offer strategies to protect children during heat wave

Local physicians in Columbus, Ohio are warning parents and guardians as temperatures are expected to reach the 90s over the next few days. They are advising to closely monitor children’s behavior, activity level, and water consumption during the heat wave.

Eric Leighton, the functional rehab leader for sports medicine at Nationwide Children’s emphasizes the importance of paying attention to children and being proactive in managing the heat. He recommends ensuring children take water breaks and scheduling breaks from play or sports to stay hydrated.

Young children are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses like overheating. Symptoms include tiredness, flushed skin, and redness. The CDC advises dressing infants and children in loose, lightweight clothing and never leaving them in a parked car, even with windows open.

It’s crucial to also monitor health-related conditions like asthma in the heat, as high temperatures can worsen existing conditions. It’s important to be cautious and proactive in keeping children safe and healthy during the heatwave.