Defeat the Heat

National SAFE KIDS, Gatorade, and NATA Partner to Prevent Dehydration in Kids.

• Dehydration and Heat Illness are Dangerous for Kids!
• Children can lose up to a quart of seat during a two-hour sports game
• Children are more susceptible to heat illness and adults when they are active in warm weather
• Children have a reduced ability to lose heat through seating
• Children, like adults frequently do not have the physiological drive to drink enough water to replenish fluid loss during prolonged exercise.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?

In addition to knowing how to prevent dehydration, it’s also important to know the symptoms. Early sighs of dehydration include: Thirst, Irritability, Headache, Dizziness, Muscle Cramping, Nausea, Vomiting, Weakness, Decreased Performance, Heat Sensations, General Discomfort.

DEHYDRATION IS PREVENTABLE

• Dehydration is preventable if children drink enough of the right kinds of fluids.
• Think of fluids as essential equipment for sports, like a helmet or sin guards
• Teach kids that they need to drink at regular intervals and not wait until they’re thirsty to start drinking; if they’re are thirsty, they’re already dehydrated.
• Follow these fluid guidelines for children from the leading health professional organizations.

THE RIGHT KIND OF FLUIDS TO DRINK

• Water is easily accessible to kids. However, research shows that active kids don’t always drink enough water to stay fully hydrated.
• Research also shows that a scientifically formulated sports drink like Gatorade, helps kids stay better hydrated because it has electrolytes that active children lose through sweat – Flavor and sodium to encourage drinking when active.

TREATMENT

Treatment of dehydration and heat illness should take place immediately. Depending on the severity of the situation seek medical attention from a certified athletic trainer or dial 911 for emergency medical services.