How to Keep Your Kids Safe While Exercising in the Heat from Pediatric Dental Specialists

Summer is coming and it is important for your kids to be able to play outside in the sun. Here are some great tips from Pediatric Dental Specialists to make sure everyone stays safe!

--The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels.

--At the beginning of a strenuous exercise program or after traveling to a warmer climate, the intensity and duration of exercise should be limited initially and then gradually increased during a period of 10 to 14 days to accomplish acclimatization to the heat.

--Before prolonged physical activity, the child should be well-hydrated. During the activity, periodic drinking should be enforced, for example, each 20 minutes, 5 oz of cold tap water or a flavored sports drink for a child weighing 90 lbs, and 9 oz for an adolescent weighing 130 lbs, even if the child does not feel thirsty.

--Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Sweat-saturated garments should be replaced by dry garments.

--Practices and games played in the heat should be shortened and more frequent water/hydration breaks should be instituted.

Any more questions, let us know at Pediatric Dental Specialists, we'd love to answer your questions!

How to Have Fun in the Sun and Stay Safe from Pediatric Dental Specialists

At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we want to make sure that you are able to enjoy the sun this summer and keep you and your little ones safe. Here are some great tips broken down by age group.

Babies under 6 months:

--Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck are still the top recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets a sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

For Young Children:

---Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.

For Older Children:

--The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.

--Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

--Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.

--Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

--Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to contact us at Pediatric Dental Specialists!