BY DR. LISA GOODMAN, DC, CCSP, CACCP
Show of hands, how many readers are sending their kids to summer day camps that take place mainly outside? If your kids are at Avid4 Adventure, PASS Camp at DU, YMCA Camps, Soccer camps, horseback riding, overnight camp, etc they are likely enjoying much of their day in the heat of the summer! During the last week of June we saw temperatures reach 100 degrees! Summer heat is a real and scary cause of severe, sometimes life-threatening sickness in kids and adults. There are two types of heat illness to know about, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.
Heat Exhaustion occurs after exposure to high temperatures and is to be taken very seriously. Without early intervention it can progress quickly and can be caused by two things:
Dehydration – inadequate water intake
Salt Depletion – hyponatremia
Heat Exhaustion can progress to a more serious illness, Heat Stroke. Heat stroke is a risk after prolonged exposure to heat with exercise and dehydration. Heat Stroke is incredibly serious and can lead to organ shut down, brain damage and death. Heat Stroke is a medical emergency.
Risk Factors for Heat Illness
Heat Illness is often tied to the heat index which is a measure of temperature as well as humidity. If you see a heat index of 90 or above, be extremely cautious while exercising outside. Environments which multiply the heat index include standing in full sun, asphalt, concrete and artificial turf. Children under age 4 and adults over 65 have an increased risk of heat illness. Anyone who has a coexisting medical condition may also be at risk. Exercise in extreme heat increases your risk of heat illness. In addition, a case of heat illness makes one more likely to be sensitive to heat illness in the future.
Pay attention to signs and symptoms of heat Illness. These are listed somewhat in order of severity and you always want to be concerned if multiple symptoms are present.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Headache
Dizziness
Fatigue
Muscle Cramping
Excessive Thirst
Fainting
Dark Urine (a late sign of dehydration)
Nausea, Vomiting
Diarrhea
Additional signs of Heat Stroke – a medical emergency
Loss of Consciousness
Core body temperature over 104
Mental Confusion or disorientation
Seizures
Hot, Dry Skin (no sweating)
Heat Exhaustion Early Intervention
If you, your child, or anyone around is experiencing any of these symptoms – especially in combination – the key is to cool the body’s temperature! The best way to do this is to move indoors into air conditioning right away. A cool shower or bath is a great option as well. If this isn’t possible, find shade or soak towels in ice to pack around your body (especially in the underarms and groin area).
Emergency care may be necessary if the symptomatic person is continuing to worsen or if symptoms don’t start to subside within 15-20 minutes. Any symptoms of Heat Stroke warrant an immediate call to 911.
Preventing Heat Illness
The best defense is a good offense. So rather than become a victim of heat illness, take these into consideration when the heat index is high or if you know you or your child is prone to overheating.
Wear a hat
Wear light colored clothing
Wear sunscreen
Drink lots of fluids. Strongly recommend fluids with some electrolytes (ie. coconut water, fruit juice or sports drink).
Time your fluids. Drink fluids a few hours before exercising outside, while exercising and for an hour after!
Avoid fluids with caffeine or alcohol
Avoid direct sunlight, asphalt or artificial turf when the heat index is high
Find fun in the shade or indoors on hot days
If possible, avoid exercise on hot days
Remember to educate your kids about preventing heat illness while spending a hot summer day outside as well as the warning signs of heat illness. They may save a friend or themselves from this very serious condition.
Lisa Goodman, DC, CCSP, CACCP is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) and Certified Prenatal and Pediatric Chiropractor (CACCP). She is a CrossFit L1 and CrossFit Kids Certified Trainer. Dr. Goodman founded Washington Park Chiropractic in 2006 in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Goodman incorporates sports chiropractic techniques with prenatal and pediatric patients, she teaches mobility and taping classes locally, and is a contributor to POPSUGAR, Urban Life Wash Park and DC Aligned. She is a committee member on the boards of the ACA Pediatrics Council and the ACA Sports Council. Areas of special interest include prenatal care, ankle and wrist injuries, instrument assisted soft tissue techniques, strength training, and pediatric fitness. Stay connected with Dr. Goodman on Instagram @washparkchiro or @lisakgoodman