BEATING THE HEAT

You're off to the beach with the children. You've packed all the essentials any vigilant carer would typically think of: gallons of sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, T-shirts, hats, a good book and a beach umbrella suitable for a family of 10.

So what have you forgotten? Here's a hint: It's free, readily available, and it's without question the body's best defence against the ravages of heat, say medical experts. If you guessed, water-and plenty of it-you're right! During hot-weather months water is not only the family's best friend it can also be a lifesaver

The Dangers of Dehydration
It's common sense, really. The child should be dressed appropriately, and give adequate amounts of fluids in hot weather.
What's adequate? However much the child will stand to drink. Dehydration or losing more water through perspiration and urination than you consume, and heat illnesses-including the potentially fatal heatstroke-are entirely preventable occurrences.

The Dangers of Heatstroke
It is essential that you recognise the signs of heat exhaustion before the condition escalates into heatstroke-a serious, life-threatening emergency. Heatstroke and sunstroke are synonymous, the only difference is that sunstroke is not in the medical terminology.

Signs and Symptoms
In very hot weather, if a child overexerts himself (or when you overdress a baby), he can become dehydrated and heatstroke can result. When severe dehydration occurs, the mechanisms in the brain that control body temperature can stop working and the child may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:

• Runs a fever of 105 degrees or higher
• Skin becomes hot, dry and flushed
• He/she may complain of dizziness, weakness or nausea
• He/she may experience stomach cramps, a headache and rapid breathing
• He/she will appear disoriented, agitated or confused
• In severe cases, seizures and loss of consciousness are possible

Treatment
Should a child exhibit any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, take the following steps: Get the child indoors or into a shaded area.
Undress the child, and sponge or douse him/her with cool water. If possible fill a tub with cool water and immerse him/her in it, or soak a sheet or towels in cool water and wrap the child in them.
If he or she is conscious and able, have him take sips of cool water through a straw.

Always consult with your GP