Extreme heat has the potential to cause harmful effects, especially for children, as they still need parental supervision. They can be affected by diseases caused by hot temperatures, such as heat exhaustion, which is a condition when the body overheats, shown by symptoms of excessive sweating and rapid pulse. 

Here are 5 ways to prevent children from being affected by extreme heat. 

1. Keep their body hydrated

The first and most important thing is to keep your child's body hydrated. Teach them not to delay their thirst and always have water available, especially when traveling. One way to know if your child is drinking enough water is to monitor their urination. When they don't, especially within a day, it's a sign that they are not drinking enough. 

2. Wear the Right Clothes

Just like adults, children also need to wear the right clothes in extreme heat, which are lightweight, sweat-absorbent, and have adequate ventilation. Use light-colored clothes as they will reflect heat and avoid using dark colors as they will absorb heat. With these clothes, children can stay cool.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, and well-ventilated clothing.

3. Stay in a Cool Environment

If the child is not outdoors, keep the child in a cool environment. If you have an air conditioner at home, turn it on. But if not, then make sure the air circulation in the house is good. Open the windows and turn on the fan. The same applies when going out. Spend time in a shopping center or a shady park with trees.

4. Cool Your Body When Your Child Feels Hot

Despite the hot weather, avoid forbidding your children from playing outside because they are still active. However, just like adults, don't forget to put sunscreen on them. Teach them to say when they feel hot, thirsty, and tired. Then invite them to go inside the house

Cool down and drink plenty of water. Then, ask them to take a shower or spray water on their body. Afterward, give them more time to rest. Another alternative to keep them outdoors is to go out when the sun is low and the air is coolest, which is in the morning or evening.

Cool down the body when it starts to overheat

5. Don't Leave Children Alone in the Car

Never leave your child alone in the car, even if it's just for a quick trip to buy something. Cars can heat up quickly when parked in the sun, even when the windows are open and the weather is not hot. Children are most at risk for heatstroke. Therefore, make sure to check the car is empty before leaving it. 

So, not only adults, but children also need extra attention to prevent them from being affected by extreme heat. Make sure they are adequately hydrated, wear light and light-colored clothing, stay in a cool environment, cool down when they start to overheat, and never leave them alone in the car.

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