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Though the
calendar indicates that summer is officially in the past, temperatures
in Santa Barbara County are generally at their highest in the early
fall.
When young people are caught up in the excitement of playing hoops
on the driveway or even a leisurely bike ride on a weekend, they might
not notice the temperature rising. But their bodies will notice the
heat anyway.
Under normal conditions, the body’s natural control mechanisms — skin,
vascular system, and perspiration — adjust to the heat. But those
systems could fail if exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.
Here are some tips to help young people — or those just young
at heart — beat the heat:
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Limit exercise or strenuous physical activity to the coolest part of
the day — usually early morning or late evening.
•
Have children wear loose-fitting clothing that’s both lightweight
and light in color. Choose clothing that draws perspiration away from
the skin to keep the body cooler — such as cotton tee-shirts
or shorts. The new perspiration-wicking fabrics also are effective.
•
Have children drink plenty of water, and don’t wait until they’re
thirsty to take a drink. The thirst mechanism kicks in only after a
body is significantly depleted of fluids. If exercising heavily in
hot weather, aim for two to four glasses — or 16 to 32 ounces — every
hour.
•
Children should stay away from liquids that contain caffeine or lots
of sugar — these actually cause the body to lose more fluid.
Also, know that a drink that’s too cold might cause stomach cramps.
•
It’s always a good idea to take a break in a shady area to cool
down.
•
Don’t overdo it. Start slowly and increase the pace gradually.
In weather that’s extremely hot and humid, it is best to avoid
exercising at too high a level. What’s normal for a cool day
might be dangerous on a hot day.
•
Everyone should always wear sunscreen. It’s harder for the body
to keep sunburned skin cool. Hats help keep the sun off the face
and head, providing protection from sunburn and keeping the body cooler,
too.
It’s important for parents to know the symptoms of heat-related
illness. If you don’t pay attention to the warning signs, the
body’s natural cooling system could begin to fail, and that
could lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
If at child starts to feel overheated, activity should stop immediately.
The child should rest in a cool, shaded area and drink plenty of
fluids. If heat cramps have started, massaging sore muscles may help
alleviate
some of the pain.
These are all good ways to beat the heat.
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