Health experts discuss how to recognize heat exhaustion

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – As temperatures climb into the 90s, Norton Children’s says children are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion during periods of extreme heat.

With the holiday weekend approaching, many families will be spending time outdoors, making it important to recognize early warning signs of heat exhaustion.

These symptoms include rapid pulse, clammy skin, dizziness and excessive fatigue. Another symptom can be that a child will be very active while playing outside but then rapidly seem to hit a wall and be very tired.

During times of extreme heat, doctors recommend that you keep kids hydrated with mainly water and some electrolytes here and there.

It is also important to take frequent breaks in the air conditioning, in the shade or under a tent if you are not in a place that has it. Limiting time outside during the hottest times of the day is also crucial when preventing heat exhaustion.

“Hydration, hydration and just getting out of the heat,” said Dr. Augusta Mayfield, M.D. at Norton Children’s Hospital in Bowling Green. “I would recommend avoiding the heat between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and honestly, probably till 4 p.m.. It’s just it’s typically very hot in the late afternoon here.”

For more information on how to identify and prevent heat exhaustion, visit https://nortonhealthcareprovider.com/news/recognizing-and-preventing-pediatric-heat-related-illness/