Pediatrician explains ways to keep kids safe in the heat

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Summer has not officially started, but the temperatures are on the rise.

Doctors are asking everyone to stay hydrated while they’re out in the heat.

Those who do not drink enough water and other liquids can become ill due to the heat. Some heat illnesses include heat exhaustion and a possible stroke.

While kids are out in the heat, there are some symptoms parents can look for.

“Heat exhaustion can be just feelings of fatigue, headache, dizziness in a child. Whereas heat stroke is actually an organ damage; muscles breaking down, kidney shutting down, things like that,” says Dr. Mickey Bansal who works for Coliseum Medical Center.

Doctors also recommend kids take frequent breaks while playing and drink about 24 ounces of water every two hours.

It may be about 90 degrees outside, but it’s even hotter inside of the car. Health professionals say no one should be left inside any vehicle.

“Inside of a car, it’s a greenhouse effect. The heat index can quickly rise to 120-130 degrees and a child will not be able to tolerate that for long,” Bansal adds.

If anyone shows signs of a heat illness, the goal is to get them cooled down as quick as possible.

“Take them out of the heat environment. For an example, if there’s a building where they can get air conditioning, pull them in there. If they don’t have that available, put cool or iced towels around their neck, their forehead, even for something worse, spray them down with water,” Bansal continues.

If things do not get better, they’re encouraged to seek medical attention.

Doctors say keeping kids hydrated often can avoid visits to the hospital.